Lazy Pecan Pie Bars offer all the gooey, nutty flavors of traditional pecan pie but in a convenient, easy-to-make bar form. With a buttery shortbread crust and a rich pecan filling, these bars are perfect for holidays, potlucks, or satisfying a sweet tooth without the fuss of making a full pie.
This recipe starts with a simple crust made from flour, brown sugar, and cold butter, creating a crisp base that perfectly complements the gooey filling. The filling is a delightful mix of corn syrup, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and pecans, capturing that classic pecan pie flavor in every bite. After baking, the bars cool and are ready to slice, making them ideal for serving at gatherings or enjoying at home.
Why You’ll Love These Bars:
• Effortless to Make: Skip the time-consuming pie dough—these bars come together quickly and easily.
• Portable & Shareable: Perfect for dessert trays, potlucks, and casual gatherings.
• Classic Flavors: A buttery crust, sweet filling, and crunchy pecans make every bite irresistible.
• Great for Make-Ahead: The flavors deepen over time, making these bars even better the next day.
Key Ingredients:
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the crust. For extra tenderness, mix with cake flour.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of caramel to the crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Essential for a flaky, buttery crust.
• Corn Syrup: Provides sweetness and that gooey filling texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the corn syrup for the perfect level of sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the filling.
• Chopped Pecans: Finely chopped for even distribution in every bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
Step 2: Make the Crust
1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and salt.
2. Add cold, cubed butter and blend with a pastry cutter or fingers until it forms coarse crumbs.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan.
4. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
1. In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth.
2. Stir in chopped pecans to evenly distribute.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
1. Pour the filling over the hot crust, spreading evenly.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the filling is set but slightly jiggles in the center.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
1. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
2. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares and serve.
Optional Garnishes:
• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds an elegant touch.
• Caramel Drizzle: For a rich, decadent twist.
Serving Suggestions:
• With Whipped Cream: A dollop adds a creamy balance to the sweetness.
• With Ice Cream: Vanilla bean or butter pecan ice cream is the perfect pairing.
• With Coffee: The nutty, sweet flavor of the bars complements a hot cup of coffee.
Storage Tips:
• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keeps well for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months with parchment between layers. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Variations:
• Chocolate Pecan Bars: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the filling.
• Maple Pecan Bars: Swap corn syrup for pure maple syrup for a richer flavor.
• Bourbon Pecan Bars: Add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon for a sophisticated twist.
• Salted Caramel Bars: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a sweet-salty combo.
Lazy Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate shortcut to classic pecan pie flavor. With a rich filling, buttery crust, and the perfect blend of sweet and nutty, these bars are sure to become a favorite. Whether for holiday parties or everyday indulgence, these simple yet decadent treats are always a hit.
Lazy Pecan Pie Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp butter melted
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy removal.
Make the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and combine with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan, forming an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Prepare the Filling:
- While the crust is baking, whisk together the corn syrup, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter in a bowl until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Assemble the Bars:
- Remove the crust from the oven and immediately pour the pecan mixture over the hot crust. Spread the filling evenly if necessary.
Bake:
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed. The center should jiggle slightly but not appear overly liquid.
Cool and Slice:
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment overhang. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into squares.
Optional Finishing Touch:
- For a festive touch, lightly dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving.
