Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars
Introduction
Craving pecan pie without the hassle of rolling out pie dough or hovering in the kitchen for hours? Enter Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars—your shortcut to a gooey, nutty dessert that brings all the flavors of traditional pecan pie in a simple, handheld bar form. These are perfect for busy bakers, last-minute potlucks, or whenever you need a cozy bite of something sweet with minimal effort.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Pecan pie is a classic Southern dessert, deeply rooted in American culinary tradition—especially popular during Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings. The pecan itself is native to North America and has long been a symbol of comfort and indulgence. Pecan pie bars are a more modern adaptation, giving this beloved dessert a casual, easy-to-share twist without compromising on its signature rich flavor.
Ingredients Quantity
For the crust:
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the filling:
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup light corn syrup (or maple syrup for a twist)
• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Optional Additions
• Chocolate chips (1/2 cup) for a chocolatey twist
• A splash of bourbon (1–2 tbsp) for a deeper flavor
• Sea salt flakes for sprinkling on top
• Coconut flakes for added texture and sweetness
Tips for Success
• Don’t overbake—the filling should be just set but still soft and gooey.
• Use parchment paper to easily lift the bars out for clean slicing.
• Toast the pecans beforehand to enhance their flavor.
• Let the bars cool completely before cutting to avoid a sticky mess.
• Chill for 30 minutes in the fridge before slicing for neat edges.
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the crust: In a bowl, combine melted butter, flour, sugar, and salt. Mix until a dough forms. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Bake the crust for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
4. Make the filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans.
5. Pour the filling over the warm crust and spread evenly.
6. Bake for another 30–35 minutes, until the center is just set and doesn’t jiggle.
7. Cool completely, then refrigerate for cleaner cuts. Slice into squares or bars.
Description
These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are everything you love about pecan pie—rich, buttery, sweet, and nutty—but in a fuss-free format. The crust is tender and buttery, perfectly complementing the gooey, caramel-like pecan filling. One bite and you’ll swear these came from grandma’s kitchen—but they took you under an hour to make!
Nutritional Information (Approx. per bar, based on 24 bars)
• Calories: 230
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Sugar: 17g
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 70mg
Conclusion
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars prove that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something indulgent and memorable. They’re perfect for holidays, bake sales, or just treating yourself midweek. With basic pantry ingredients and zero pie crust stress, this is the kind of recipe that becomes a repeat favorite.
Recommendation
Double the batch. Seriously. These bars disappear fast, especially when shared. And if you’re hosting a gathering, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dollop of whipped cream takes them to a whole new level of luxe.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
While these bars are undeniably rich, indulging doesn’t mean sacrificing mindfulness. Enjoy them as a small treat alongside a nourishing meal, or make a lighter version with maple syrup, whole wheat flour, or less sugar. It’s all about balance—because a little sweetness, enjoyed with intention, can be a beautiful part of a healthy life.
Want a version for gluten-free or vegan diets too? Let me know and I’ll create one!