Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Sometimes you just need a dessert that delivers big flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. That’s where this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe comes in. With a buttery shortbread crust, gooey pecan filling, and perfectly toasted nuts, these bars give you all the richness of a traditional pecan pie-minus the hassle.

Unlike pie, there’s no need to roll dough, fuss with chilling, or worry about soggy bottoms. Everything comes together in one pan, making this recipe ideal for busy bakers, beginners, or anyone craving a crowd-pleasing treat.

Whether you’re hosting for the holidays or just want something sweet for a cozy night in, these bars will become your new go-to dessert. They’re indulgent, simple, and-best of all-completely foolproof.

What Is Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars and What Does It Taste Like?

These pecan pie bars are essentially a shortcut version of the classic pecan pie, layered into portable squares. At the base, you’ll find a crisp and buttery shortbread crust that adds structure and subtle sweetness. On top sits a luscious filling of toasted pecans, eggs, brown sugar, and syrup that bakes into a golden, caramel-like custard.

The flavor is a balance of nutty, sweet, and slightly salty. Unlike traditional pecan pie, which can sometimes be cloyingly rich, this recipe keeps things lighter and more snackable. The shortbread helps cut through the sweetness, letting the pecans shine as the star.

Every bite offers contrast: crunchy toasted pecans, smooth filling, and a delicate shortbread base. The result is a bar that’s satisfying but not overwhelming-perfect for seconds (and thirds).

Ingredients Required for Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 12 tablespoons (170 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup (66 g) powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Pecan Filling:

• 2 cups pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
• 1 ½ cups dark corn syrup, golden syrup, or maple syrup (or a mix)
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• ⅔ cup (140 g) brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or bourbon/rum as substitute)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ⅓ cup (40 g) all-purpose flour, sifted

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. 9×13 inch baking dish
2. Parchment paper
3. Mixing bowls
4. Whisk
5. Spatula
6. Knife and cutting board

Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Servings: 16 bars

Copycat Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars in a delicious way.

1. Toast the Pecans – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread 2 cups of pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes, stirring once halfway. Let them cool, then roughly chop into chocolate-chip sized pieces.

2. Prepare the Shortbread Crust – In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups flour, ⅔ cup powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir in 12 tablespoons melted butter until crumbly. Press the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined 9×13 inch baking dish, smoothing the top. Bake for 20 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.

3. Mix the Custard Filling – In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups syrup (maple, dark corn, or golden), ⅔ cup brown sugar, 4 eggs, 1 tablespoon vanilla, and 1 teaspoon salt until smooth.

4. Add Structure – Sift in ⅓ cup flour and gently whisk until just combined. Overmixing can toughen the filling, so stop once no dry spots remain.

5. Combine with Pecans – Stir in the toasted, chopped pecans until evenly coated. Pour the filling mixture over the hot baked crust, spreading evenly so pecans are distributed.

6. Bake and Cool – Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Cool completely in the pan. For neat slices, chill for 30–60 minutes before cutting into bars.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars deliciously

1. With a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
There’s nothing quite like the contrast of warm pecan pie bars topped with cold, creamy vanilla ice cream. We’ve tried it straight out of the oven with a scoop melting over the top, and it’s honestly heavenly.

2. Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
When we want to take these bars to the next level, a drizzle of salted caramel does the trick. It adds that extra sticky-sweet richness that makes each bite taste like it came from a fancy bakery.

3. With Fresh Whipped Cream
Sometimes we keep it simple with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. The airy cream balances out the dense, nutty filling and makes the bars feel extra indulgent without being too heavy.

4. Paired with a Cup of Coffee
We’ve found these bars are at their best in the afternoon with a hot cup of coffee. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the pecans perfectly-it’s our guilty pleasure during a slow weekend.

5. Topped with a Scoop of Butter Pecan Ice Cream
If you’re a true pecan lover like us, butter pecan ice cream is the ultimate match. The nutty, buttery ice cream mirrors the flavor of the bars and doubles down on the pecan goodness.

6. With a Sprinkle of Flaky Sea Salt
A little sprinkle of Maldon salt on top changes everything. We discovered this trick while serving them at a dinner party-it cuts through the sweetness and adds a gourmet touch that had everyone asking for the recipe.

7. Served Warm with Bourbon Whipped Cream
On chilly nights, we like to whip cream with just a splash of bourbon. Paired with these bars, it gives a grown-up twist and makes them feel holiday-ready.

8. Alongside Fresh Berries
Surprisingly, fresh raspberries or strawberries pair beautifully with these rich bars. We tried it once when berries were the only fruit we had on hand, and the tartness balanced the sweetness like a dream.

My Personal Experience and Some Tips on This Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

The first time I made these pecan pie bars, I was a little nervous. But then I saw how easy it was! The shortbread crust came together so fast, and the smell of the toasted pecans made my kitchen so cozy. When I pulled the bars out of the oven, they looked golden and gooey.

I let them cool (even though I wanted to taste right away!). The first bite was sweet, nutty, and buttery all at once. I was so happy because it tasted like pecan pie, but it was so much easier to make.

7 Tips for Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

1. Toast the pecans – It makes them taste extra yummy and crunchy.

2. Line the pan with parchment paper – This makes it easy to lift the bars out.

3. Press the crust well – Use your hands or a spoon to make it smooth and even.

4. Don’t skip the salt – It helps balance the sweet filling.

5. Mix the filling gently – Just until smooth, so it bakes nicely.

6. Let it cool before cutting – The bars set as they cool, so be patient.

7. Chill for clean slices – Put them in the fridge for neat, pretty squares.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that just-baked taste.

FAQs on this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

When you give this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. How to tell when pecan bars are done?

From our experience, pecan bars are ready when the center is just set and no longer jiggles like liquid when you gently shake the pan. The edges will be golden brown, and the top should look glossy with a slightly firm texture. Remember-they continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t overbake.

2. Do pecan bars need to be refrigerated?

We usually refrigerate them if we’re keeping them for more than 3 days. At room temperature, they last nicely for about 2–3 days in an airtight container. In the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. Bonus: they taste amazing chilled, almost like a pecan candy bar!

3. How long does pecan pie need to cool?

For both pie and bars, cooling is key. We recommend letting your pecan bars cool for at least 1 hour at room temperature. If you want clean slices, we find it easiest to pop them into the fridge for 30–60 minutes before cutting.

4. What are some fun facts about pecan pie?

Yes! Fun fact: pecan pie is often called the most Southern of pies, even though pecans are native to North America. Also, did you know shortbread crust was originally invented to dodge British cookie taxes? That little twist of history is why our bars are so much fun to make.

5. Can I make pecan pie bars ahead of time?

Absolutely-we do it all the time. Bake them the day before, let them cool completely, and store them in the fridge. They actually taste better the next day because the flavors have time to meld.

6. Can I freeze pecan pie bars?

Yes, and it works really well. We’ve frozen these bars for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight.

7. What’s the best syrup to use for pecan pie bars?

We’ve tried all three-dark corn syrup, golden syrup, and maple syrup. Maple syrup gives the best flavor (a little earthy, a little sweet), but golden syrup is a fantastic alternative. Sometimes, we mix two syrups for extra depth.

8. How do you cut pecan pie bars neatly?

From experience, the trick is patience. Let them cool completely, then chill them in the fridge before slicing with a sharp serrated knife. Wiping the knife between cuts keeps the bars neat and pretty.

9. Why toast pecans before baking?

Toasting makes all the difference! We never skip it because it deepens the nutty flavor and makes the pecans extra crunchy. Even just 10 minutes in the oven transforms them.

10. Can kids help make this recipe?

Yes! This is one of our favorite recipes to make with kids. The shortbread base is basically mix-and-press, and the filling just requires whisking. We’ve found it’s less fussy than pie, which makes it perfect for little helpers.

This Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe is proof that delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated. With a buttery shortbread crust and gooey pecan filling, they deliver maximum flavor with minimum effort. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or weeknight cravings, these bars are guaranteed to impress.

We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.

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