Craving that rich, gooey flavor of pecan pie but without the fuss of rolling out dough or waiting forever to slice into a perfect wedge? These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are your sweet shortcut to dessert heaven. They pack all the classic buttery, nutty charm of traditional pecan pie but bake up effortlessly in a single pan. If you love shortcuts that don’t skimp on indulgence, this is your new go-to.

Imagine a golden, crumbly shortbread crust topped with a caramel-like filling, crowned with crunchy toasted pecans. These bars hit the perfect balance of sweet, chewy, and crispy in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just a Tuesday sweet tooth, they’re as satisfying to make as they are to devour.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars seamlessly, having the right kitchen tools on hand makes all the difference:

9×13-inch Baking Pan: This is the canvas for your dessert. The size ensures even baking and that your bars have the right thickness.
Mixing Bowls (Large & Medium): You’ll need separate bowls for crust and filling. Opt for nesting bowls to keep things organized.
Electric Mixer or Hand Whisk: An electric mixer helps achieve that perfectly creamed crust base, but a whisk works just fine too for the filling.
Rubber Spatula: Crucial for scraping every last bit of that luscious filling and spreading it evenly across the crust.
Parchment Paper or Nonstick Spray: Lining or prepping your pan is key to lifting the bars out cleanly.
Oven Thermometer (Optional): To make sure your oven’s running at the right temp. Sugar-based fillings are sensitive to heat!

These tools are straightforward, but each one plays a role in achieving that bakery-perfect finish without the drama.

Ingredients for the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Each ingredient in these bars serves a purpose, bringing structure and flavor to every bite.

All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the crust. It gives the base its sturdy yet crumbly texture.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the crust, helping it hold together without becoming greasy.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the crust subtly, balancing the intensity of the filling.
Light Brown Sugar: This is where the magic happens in the filling—caramel notes and deep molasses sweetness.
Corn Syrup: Essential for that classic gooey texture in the pecan filling. It holds everything together.
Eggs: They give structure to the filling, turning it from a pourable syrup to a sliceable dream.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
Chopped Pecans: The hero topping—crunchy, buttery, and unmistakably pecan.

How To Make the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Make the Shortbread Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until crumbly. Press the mixture evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes until lightly golden.

Step 2: Prepare the Gooey Filling

While the crust is baking, mix 1 cup of light brown sugar, 1 cup of corn syrup, 4 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth. Fold in 2 cups of chopped pecans.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Once the crust is out of the oven, immediately pour the filling over the hot crust. Spread it gently for even coverage. Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 30-35 minutes, or until the center is just set and no longer jiggles.

Step 4: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this is crucial for clean slicing. Once cooled, lift them out (if using parchment) and cut into squares or rectangles.

How to Serve and Store Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Serve these bars slightly chilled or at room temperature for the best bite. They pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or even a drizzle of caramel sauce if you’re feeling fancy. For casual snacking or potlucks, cut them into bite-sized squares for easy grab-and-go treats.

To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like them to last longer, refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze beautifully—just layer between parchment in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for an hour before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when the filling is fully baked?

The center should no longer jiggle when you gently shake the pan. You can also insert a toothpick—if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go.

Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?

Yes, but it will give the bars a deeper, richer flavor. Light corn syrup keeps the flavor more traditional.

Are these bars overly sweet?

They are definitely sweet, like any good pecan pie, but the buttery crust and toasted pecans balance the sweetness nicely.

Can I make these gluten-free?

You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute for the crust. Just keep in mind the texture may differ slightly.

Can I toast the pecans beforehand?

Absolutely! Toasting the pecans adds even more depth and a nuttier crunch to each bite.

How should I cut the bars for clean edges?

Let them cool completely, then use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. A warm knife helps, too.

Want More Pecan Dessert Ideas?

If the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars sparked your sweet tooth, you’re in for a treat with more nutty, buttery creations. Try the Indulgent Chocolate Chess Pie, where cocoa meets custard for a rich Southern classic. Or for a fruity-meets-nutty vibe, check out Decadent Caramel Banana Pecan Cake—moist, layered, and unforgettable.

Need more bite-sized joy? The Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries are light, creamy, and topped with just a hint of crunch. For a more nostalgic twist, the Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe wraps you in cozy fall vibes, perfect with a pecan latte.

And if you’re still hungry for easy bakes, the No-Bake Mini Banana Cream Pies Recipe delivers creamy goodness with no oven required.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dessert boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you try dark corn syrup? Add a chocolate drizzle? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others riff on it.

For more easy dessert inspiration, follow my Pinterest: LadyPlate Recipes

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 24 bars
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars bring all the indulgence of a classic pecan pie—without the rolling pin. A buttery shortbread crust is layered with a rich, gooey filling and topped with crunchy pecans. They’re quick, effortless, and wildly satisfying, perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a weeknight craving.