These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are a super-easy version of the classic pecan pie, perfect for those who want all the delicious flavor of pecan pie without the fuss. With a buttery shortbread crust and a rich, gooey pecan filling, these bars are simple to make and great for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and nutty. Best of all, they require minimal effort, making them perfect for busy days!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Pecan Pie Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup (or maple syrup for a twist)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal of the bars later.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
Step 3: Bake the Crust
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup (or maple syrup), brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the melted butter and chopped pecans until fully combined.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Pour the pecan pie filling over the baked crust, spreading it out evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. For best results, refrigerate for 1 hour before cutting into squares for neat slices. Serve and enjoy!
Cooking Notes
- Crust Texture: The crust will have a buttery shortbread-like texture, which pairs perfectly with the gooey pecan filling.
- Pecan Pieces: You can use chopped pecans or halved pecans depending on the texture you prefer. Chopped pecans will give a more uniform bite, while halved pecans will add more crunch.
- Syrup Choice: For a twist, you can substitute maple syrup or honey for the corn syrup, giving the bars a slightly different flavor profile.
Variations
1. Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the pecan pie filling for a rich chocolate twist.
2. Maple Pecan Pie Bars
Substitute the corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a more natural sweetener and a subtle maple flavor.
3. Salted Caramel Pecan Bars
Drizzle the cooled bars with caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a decadent sweet-and-salty treat.
4. Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars
Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make these bars gluten-free.
Keto Version and Low-Carb Adjustments
For a keto-friendly version of these bars:
- Replace the flour with almond flour or coconut flour for the crust.
- Use a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit for both the crust and filling.
- Substitute the corn syrup with a sugar-free syrup or monk fruit syrup to keep the bars low-carb.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Q: How do I store leftover pecan pie bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use a different type of nuts?
Yes! While pecans are traditional, you can substitute them with walnuts, hazelnuts, or even a mixture of your favorite nuts for a different flavor.
Q: How do I know when the bars are done?
The bars are done when the filling is set in the center and has a slight jiggle but is not runny. A golden-brown color on top is also a good indicator.
These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars offer all the delicious flavors of a classic pecan pie in an easy-to-make bar form. With a buttery shortbread crust and a sweet, gooey pecan topping, these bars are perfect for holiday desserts, parties, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent. Plus, they’re quick to make and require minimal effort, making them ideal for busy bakers!
