Lazy Pecan Pie Bars – All the Flavor, Half the Effort

Who says you need to spend hours in the kitchen to whip up a dessert that will impress everyone? Certainly not us! These Lazy Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect solution for anyone craving the classic Southern pecan pie flavor but wanting to skip the fuss of making a pie crust from scratch. Imagine a buttery shortbread crust topped with a rich, gooey filling bursting with pecans—pure indulgence in every bite.

These bars are ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers. Their ease of preparation, combined with the beloved flavor of traditional pecan pie, makes them a dessert that disappears fast. One bite, and it’s easy to see why they’re a favorite among busy bakers and dessert lovers alike.

Why Lazy Pecan Pie Bars Are a Must-Try

• Time-efficient: Requires minimal prep time compared to traditional pies.
• Versatile: Perfect for casual events, holidays, or formal gatherings.
• Deliciously indulgent: Rich, nutty flavor with a buttery crust that everyone loves.

Ingredients – With Purpose

Crust Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour – Forms the base for a buttery, tender shortbread crust.
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed – Adds subtle sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor to complement the pecans.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed – Creates a flaky, buttery crust that melts in your mouth.

Filling Ingredients

• 1/2 cup corn syrup – Gives the filling a rich, glossy texture and sweetness.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Balances the corn syrup sweetness and adds body.
• 2 large eggs – Provide structure and a custard-like consistency for the filling.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances flavor depth and complements the nutty pecans.
• 1 tablespoon melted butter – Adds richness and smoothness to the filling.
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans – The star of the dessert, giving crunch and signature pecan flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal of the bars.

2. Bake the Crust

1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, light brown sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

3. Prepare the Filling

1. In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
2. Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.

4. Combine and Bake

1. Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly.
2. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly soft in the center.

5. Cool and Cut

1. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
2. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
3. Cut into squares or rectangles for serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday desserts.
• Pair with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for indulgence.
• Serve as bite-sized bars for easy sharing at parties or events.

Why Everyone Loves These Bars

• Effortless indulgence: All the flavors of pecan pie without the hassle of a full pie.
• Rich and nutty: Gooey filling with perfectly crunchy pecans in every bite.
• Family-approved: Great for kids and adults alike, and always disappears quickly!

Conclusion

Lazy Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate shortcut dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavor. With their buttery shortbread crust and rich, gooey pecan filling, they offer all the joy of classic pecan pie in easy-to-serve bars. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a simple family treat, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.