When you’re craving the rich, nutty goodness of pecan pie but don’t have time to fuss with a homemade crust, these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are your answer! Made with store-bought pie crusts and a classic pecan pie filling, these bars deliver all the flavor you love in a fraction of the time.
Whether you need a dessert for a holiday gathering or just a sweet treat to enjoy with coffee, this recipe has you covered.
Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Bars
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep, these bars are a time-saving alternative to traditional pecan pie.
- Rich and Decadent: The buttery, gooey filling is packed with crunchy pecans for the ultimate indulgence.
- Perfectly Portable: Ideal for potlucks, parties, or gifting, these bars are easy to cut, serve, and share.
- Foolproof Recipe: Using pre-made crusts ensures consistent, perfect results every time.
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 cup light corn syrup 🌽
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed 🍬
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted 🧈
- 3 large eggs 🥚
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍨
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves 🌰
- 1/4 teaspoon salt 🧂
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rolling pin (optional, to adjust the crust)
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust
Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts and fit them into the bottom of the prepared pan. Press gently to cover the entire base, trimming and overlapping as necessary to create a seamless layer.
3. Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Stir in the pecan halves, ensuring they’re evenly coated with the filling mixture.
4. Assemble the Bars
Pour the pecan filling over the crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
5. Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. The center should no longer jiggle when gently shaken.
6. Cool and Slice
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 equal squares. This ensures clean cuts and a firm texture.
Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the edges—they should be golden but not overly browned. Overbaking can make the filling too firm.
- Line the Pan: For easy cleanup, line the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for lifting the bars out after cooling.
- Customize the Nuts: Prefer smaller pecan pieces? Chop the pecans before stirring them into the filling.
- Add a Twist: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top before baking for a sweet-salty finish.
How to Serve
These bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with a few extras:
- A Dollop of Whipped Cream: For a creamy contrast to the rich filling.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Drizzle of Chocolate: Add a touch of elegance by drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled bars.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Extend freshness by refrigerating for up to a week. Let bars come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade pie crust instead?
Absolutely! If you have time to make your own crust, it will work beautifully in this recipe.
Can I substitute dark corn syrup?
Yes, dark corn syrup will give the filling a richer, deeper flavor.
Can I make this nut-free?
For a nut-free version, replace the pecans with oats, shredded coconut, or sunflower seeds for texture.
Final Thoughts
These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the epitome of simplicity and decadence. They bring all the classic flavors of pecan pie into a shareable, portable treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Tried this recipe? I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos on Pinterest or leave a review below.
Nutritional Information (Per Bar, Approx.)
- Calories: 320
- Fat: ~20g
- Carbs: ~34g
- Protein: ~3g
Looking for more easy dessert ideas? Try my Chocolate Fudge Brownies or Salted Caramel Blondies for more sweet inspiration!
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars: Easy, Delicious, and Perfect for Any Occasion
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Pie Crust
- Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts and fit them into the bottom of the prepared pan. Press gently to cover the entire base, trimming and overlapping as necessary to create a seamless layer.
- Make the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Stir in the pecan halves, ensuring they’re evenly coated with the filling mixture.
- Assemble the Bars
- Pour the pecan filling over the crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. The center should no longer jiggle when gently shaken.
- Cool and Slice
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 equal squares. This ensures clean cuts and a firm texture.
Notes
Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the edges—they should be golden but not overly browned. Overbaking can make the filling too firm.
Line the Pan: For easy cleanup, line the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for lifting the bars out after cooling.
