Craving the rich, gooey goodness of pecan pie but don’t have the time (or patience) to roll out a crust and fuss with a pie dish? Enter the ultimate shortcut dessert: Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars! These bars deliver all the decadent, nutty, caramelized flavors of classic pecan pie, but with a fraction of the effort. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or when you just need a quick fix for your sweet tooth.

With a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey, nutty pecan topping, these bars are dangerously easy to make—and even easier to devour. No fuss, no stress, just pure pecan pie bliss in bar form. Let’s get baking! 🥧✨

Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Bars

• Quick & Easy: No pie crust to roll out—just mix, press, and bake.
• Classic Flavor, Minimal Effort: All the rich, caramelized goodness of pecan pie without the hassle.
• Perfect for Sharing: Great for potlucks, bake sales, or holiday gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: They taste even better the next day!

What Do They Taste Like? 🤤

Imagine a thick, buttery shortbread crust that’s slightly crisp yet melt-in-your-mouth tender. On top? A gooey, sticky, sweet layer of brown sugar, butter, and crunchy pecans that caramelizes to perfection as it bakes. The pecans add a toasty, nutty crunch, while the filling is rich and buttery with hints of vanilla and caramel. It’s like pecan pie met a blondie—and they had the most delicious baby. 😍

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted 🧈 (rich and buttery base)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour 🌾 (for structure and a tender crumb)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar 🍬 (adds a subtle sweetness)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 🧂 (balances the flavors)

For the Pecan Pie Filling:

• 3 large eggs 🥚 (binds the filling together)
• 1 cup light corn syrup 🍯 (for that classic pecan pie gooeyness)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar 🍂 (adds deep caramel flavor)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 🧈 (for richness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌼 (adds warmth and depth)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 🧂 (enhances the sweetness)
• 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans 🥜 (the star of the show!)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 🌰 (for a warm, spiced note)
• Dark chocolate chips 🍫 (for a rich twist)
• Flaky sea salt 🧂 (for sprinkling on top before serving)

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Parchment paper (for easy removal)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula

How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust

1. In a bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
2. Stir until the mixture resembles a soft dough.
3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake the crust for 15–18 minutes, or until it’s just starting to turn golden around the edges.
5. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Make the Pecan Pie Filling

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
2. Stir in the chopped pecans, making sure they’re evenly distributed.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

1. Pour the pecan filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it out evenly.
2. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set in the center and slightly puffed. It should no longer jiggle when gently shaken.
3. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Step 5: Slice & Serve

Once completely cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into squares or rectangles. Serve as-is, or with a dusting of flaky sea salt for an extra flavor boost.

Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars

• Don’t Overbake: The filling should be set but still slightly soft when you remove it from the oven. It will firm up as it cools.
• Cool Completely: This helps the bars set properly, making them easier to slice.
• Line Your Pan: Parchment paper makes it easy to lift the bars out cleanly.
• Add a Twist: Mix in chocolate chips or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
• Make Them Ahead: These bars taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together!

What to Serve with Pecan Pie Bars

• A Dollop of Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy to balance the rich, gooey filling.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Because warm pecan pie bars + cold ice cream = perfection. 🍨
• Coffee or Tea: The rich, buttery flavors pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or black tea. ☕
• Holiday Spreads: Perfect for Thanksgiving dessert tables or Christmas cookie platters!

How to Store & Freeze

• At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate: For longer storage (up to 1 week), keep them in the fridge.
• Freeze: Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?
Yes! Dark corn syrup will give the bars a richer, more robust flavor with deeper caramel notes.

2. Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make the crust. The filling is naturally gluten-free.

3. Do I have to use corn syrup?
If you prefer to avoid corn syrup, you can substitute with maple syrup or honey, though the texture will be slightly different—still delicious!

4. Why are my bars runny in the middle?
They may need a few more minutes in the oven. Also, make sure to let them cool completely to set properly before slicing.

5. Can I use whole pecans instead of chopped?
Definitely! Whole pecans make for a beautiful presentation, while chopped pecans give you more texture in every bite.

Wrapping It Up 🥧😍

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are everything you love about pecan pie—gooey, nutty, sweet, and buttery—but with none of the fuss. They’re quick, easy, and guaranteed to be a hit whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering, potluck, or just a cozy night in. One bowl, one pan, and minimal effort—now that’s my kind of dessert!

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a review, snap a photo, and share it on Pinterest or Instagram—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. 😍

Craving More Easy Desserts?

• Salted Caramel Blondies 🍯
• Chewy Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies 🍪
• Easy Pumpkin Pie Bars with Cream Cheese Swirl 🎃

Happy baking, and enjoy every gooey, nutty, sweet bite! 😊✨🥜