Pecan pie is a classic dessert that many associate with family gatherings, holidays, and celebrations. Its rich, nutty flavor, combined with the sweetness of caramelized syrup and the warmth of vanilla, creates a comforting treat that has stood the test of time. But, making pecan pie from scratch can be a bit time-consuming. From rolling out the dough for the crust to carefully preparing the filling and waiting for it to bake just right, it can feel like a long process.
Luckily, there’s a much easier way to get all the flavor and goodness of pecan pie without the hassle of a traditional pie crust and all the extra steps. Introducing the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars, the simplified, no-fuss version of the beloved dessert that’s ready in no time. You’ll get the same sweet, nutty, gooey experience with just a fraction of the effort. These bars are perfect for busy days, potlucks, family gatherings, or when you simply want a sweet treat but don’t have the time (or patience) for a full pie.
These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are made with store-bought refrigerated pie crusts, which not only save time but also make for a perfect, flaky base. The filling is a classic pecan pie mixture, consisting of brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract, creating a gooey, caramelized layer with crunchy pecans on top. The result is a rich and decadent dessert that’s just as satisfying as a traditional pecan pie but without all the hassle.
Let’s break down the recipe and explore why it’s the best, easiest way to enjoy pecan pie in bar form. By the end of this article, you’ll be excited to make these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars every time you crave a slice of pecan pie but don’t want to put in the time or effort!
Why Choose Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars?
When you think of pecan pie, the process of making it can sometimes feel daunting. Rolling out dough, forming a perfect crust, and dealing with the filling can take a while, especially if you’re trying to make it from scratch. However, the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect solution. Not only do these bars save you precious time, but they also give you that same comforting, rich flavor you love in a traditional pecan pie. Here’s why you should choose this easy version:
- No Need to Make the Pie Crust from Scratch
Using refrigerated pie crusts is the ultimate shortcut. No need to mix, roll, or chill dough. You simply unroll the store-bought crusts and line your baking dish. This saves so much time and eliminates the stress of working with dough, especially if you’re not a seasoned baker. - Simple Ingredients
You likely already have many of these ingredients in your pantry, such as corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, and eggs. These basic ingredients come together to create a caramelized, gooey filling that’s rich and flavorful. The best part? You don’t need any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients to make these bars. - Quick and Easy Prep
Unlike traditional pecan pie, which requires careful baking and pie-crust-formation, Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars come together in mere minutes. You’re just mixing the filling ingredients, pouring them over the pie crust, and baking. There’s no rolling dough, no blind baking, and no worry about uneven crust. - Perfectly Portionable
Since these are bars, they’re easy to slice and serve. There’s no need to deal with cutting slices from a pie and worrying about uneven servings. Just cut into squares or rectangles, and you’re ready to serve. - A Dessert That Stays Fresh
These pecan pie bars keep well for several days and even freeze beautifully. This means you can make them in advance, saving yourself time when you’re hosting or bringing a dessert to a party. Simply store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
Ingredients for Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to make these gooey, indulgent bars:
- 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
Using store-bought pie crusts is the easiest shortcut in this recipe. They create a perfectly flaky base without any extra work. - 1 cup light corn syrup
Corn syrup helps create that rich, gooey texture in the filling that pecan pie is famous for. Light corn syrup adds sweetness without overpowering the other flavors. - 1 cup brown sugar, packed
Brown sugar gives these bars a deep, caramel-like flavor that perfectly complements the crunchy pecans. The molasses in brown sugar adds richness and complexity to the filling. - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Butter adds flavor and richness to the filling. Using unsalted butter helps you control the salt content, ensuring the bars aren’t too salty and the sweet and savory balance is just right. - 3 large eggs
Eggs help bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the filling. They also help the filling set as it bakes, creating that firm yet gooey texture in each bar. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla adds a subtle, sweet flavor that balances the richness of the butter and the sweetness of the corn syrup and brown sugar. It’s a classic flavor pairing that enhances the overall taste. - 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
The star ingredient! Pecans give these bars their signature crunch and nutty flavor. They pair perfectly with the sweet filling, providing a wonderful contrast in texture.
Instructions for Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars
Making these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars is incredibly easy. The following steps will guide you through the process:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This will prevent the bars from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crusts
Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts and press them into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, ensuring the crust covers the entire base. Use your fingers to press down the edges to fit the shape of the dish. If you’re using two crusts, overlap them slightly and press them together.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The butter should be fully incorporated, and the eggs should be beaten into the mixture, giving it a smooth texture.
Step 4: Add the Pecans
Stir in the chopped pecans into the filling mixture. Make sure the pecans are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The nuts will sink into the filling as the bars bake, but some will stay on top, providing that delicious crunchy topping.
Step 5: Pour the Filling over the Crust
Carefully pour the pecan pie filling over the pie crust, making sure the filling is evenly spread across the surface. Use a spatula to gently spread it out, if necessary.
Step 6: Bake the Bars
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are golden brown. You can check the center by gently tapping it—it should be firm and not jiggle when shaken.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This allows the filling to set properly. Once the bars have cooled, cut them into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference.
Serving and Storing Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars
These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are perfect on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. They’re sweet, gooey, and satisfyingly crunchy—everything you love about pecan pie, but in a much more convenient form.
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before storing them, and be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Why You’ll Love These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars
- No Fuss: Everything comes together quickly with minimal effort, making this the perfect recipe for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
- Familiar Flavor: If you love traditional pecan pie, you’ll love these bars—they’re just as delicious and indulgent.
- Versatile: These bars are perfect for holidays, potlucks, picnics, or any time you need a sweet treat.
- Easy Cleanup: With no pie crust to roll and minimal prep work, cleanup is a breeze.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a simple, delicious dessert that delivers all the flavors of classic pecan pie without the hassle, these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the answer. With just a few basic ingredients and an easy step-by-step process, you can create a rich, gooey treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, craving a sweet snack, or just want to impress your friends and family, these bars will definitely hit the spot. Enjoy!
