Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

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I’ve always had a soft spot for classic pecan pie, but let’s be honest—sometimes you just don’t want to deal with rolling out a crust or fussing with a pie dish. That’s where these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars come in. They have all the sticky, nutty, buttery goodness of a traditional pecan pie but in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing bar form. No forks required, just grab and go.

These bars came to life one fall afternoon when I was craving something warm and sweet but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I played around with a few pantry staples, and before I knew it, I had created a gooey, golden-brown masterpiece with a crisp shortbread base and a rich pecan filling. It’s a no-fail treat that’s perfect for the holidays—or any time you need a quick dessert fix.

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Why You’ll Love This Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

These bars are everything you love about pecan pie without the extra effort. You only need basic ingredients, one pan, and zero stress. The combination of crunchy pecans and luscious caramel filling hits every note—sweet, salty, buttery, and rich. They slice beautifully, travel well, and are always a hit at potlucks or family gatherings.

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What Kind of Pecans Should I Use?

Fresh, raw pecan halves work best for this recipe. They toast perfectly in the oven while baking and give that classic nutty flavor. You can use chopped pecans if you prefer smaller bites, but the look and texture of whole halves layered on top make these bars extra inviting.

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Options for Substitutions

No pecans? Walnuts make a great substitute. If you’re avoiding dairy, swap out the butter for a vegan alternative and use coconut milk in place of heavy cream. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the crust. You can even make these bars a bit less sweet by reducing the sugar or using maple syrup for part of the corn syrup.

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Ingredients for This Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

All-purpose flour – Forms the base of the crust and gives structure to the bars.

Unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps bind the crust while lending that signature buttery flavor.

Powdered sugar – Sweetens the crust and gives it a smooth, shortbread-like texture.

Light corn syrup – Essential for that classic pecan pie filling; it adds a smooth, glossy sweetness.

Brown sugar – Deepens the flavor with molasses notes and enhances the caramelized richness of the filling.

Vanilla extract – Brings warmth and depth to the filling.

Salt – Just a pinch balances the sweetness and sharpens all the flavors.

Eggs – Help set the filling and provide that gooey, custardy texture.

Pecan halves – The star of the show. They provide crunch, texture, and earthy flavor to every bite.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This ensures your bars come out easily with clean edges.

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Step 2: Make the Crust

In a medium bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 cup of softened unsalted butter until a crumbly dough forms. Press it evenly into the prepared pan to form the base. Bake for 18–20 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.

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Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Filling

While the crust bakes, whisk together 1 cup of light corn syrup, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 4 large eggs, 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Stir in 2 cups of pecan halves until evenly coated.

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Step 4: Combine and Bake Again

Once the crust is out of the oven, pour the pecan filling evenly over the hot crust. Use a spatula to spread the pecans out if they clump. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center.

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Step 5: Cool Completely Before Slicing

Let the bars cool in the pan for at least 2 hours. You can refrigerate them to speed up the process. Once firm, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares or rectangles.

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How Long to Prepare the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Prep Time: The prep is surprisingly quick. In about 15 minutes, you can have the crust mixed and pressed into the pan and the filling stirred and ready. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, which helps keep things simple.

Bake & Cool Time: The crust bakes first for about 18–20 minutes, followed by another 30–35 minutes after adding the filling. Cooling is key—give them at least 2 hours to fully set. All in, you’re looking at just over 1 hour of bake time and some idle cooling.

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Tips for Perfect Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

• Use parchment paper in the pan for easy lifting and clean edges.
• Toast your pecans beforehand for an extra boost of flavor.
• Don’t overbake—check for a slight jiggle in the center; it will set as it cools.
• Let the bars cool completely before slicing to avoid a gooey mess.
• A serrated knife makes neater cuts once the bars are chilled.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the crust pre-bake: The base needs to be baked before adding the filling to avoid a soggy bottom.
• Not mixing the filling well: Ensure the eggs, sugar, and syrup are thoroughly blended to prevent uneven texture.
• Pouring filling on a cold crust: Always pour the filling onto a hot crust so it adheres properly.
• Cutting too soon: Let the bars set completely or they’ll fall apart.
• Overloading with pecans: It’s tempting, but too many nuts can cause the bars to crumble when cut.

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What to Serve With Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars?

1. Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of classic vanilla is the perfect creamy contrast to the gooey richness.

2. Whipped Cream

A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream brings a soft, airy finish.

3. Fresh Berries

Bright, tart berries help balance the sweet, buttery filling.

4. Hot Coffee

The bitterness of coffee complements the sugary depth of the bars beautifully.

5. Bourbon Glaze

Drizzle a little bourbon-spiked caramel over the top for a grown-up twist.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: You can store these bars in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days. Keep them cool and dry.

Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate the bars in a covered container for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving or warm slightly in the microwave.

Freezer: These bars freeze well too. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before eating.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Bar – based on 24 servings)

• Calories: 270
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Sugar: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 90mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the pecan bars are done baking?

The center should be set with just a slight jiggle. It will firm up as it cools. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.

Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?

Yes, but expect a deeper, more molasses-like flavor and slightly darker color.

Are these bars very sweet?

They are definitely sweet and rich—just like traditional pecan pie. You can reduce the sugar slightly if desired.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. They store well and are even better the next day once fully set.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing?

Chill the bars first and use a serrated knife wiped clean between cuts.

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Conclusion

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are everything I love about holiday baking—minimal effort, maximum flavor. They’re rich, nutty, buttery, and perfectly gooey without all the hassle of a traditional pie. Whether you’re whipping them up for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, they deliver every time. Try them once, and you’ll want to keep a batch on hand year-round.

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