Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are a quick and easy version of the classic pecan pie, made into a bar form for less fuss and minimal effort. These bars have all the delicious, gooey, nutty goodness of a traditional pecan pie but with much less time and trouble. They’re perfect for parties, holidays, or whenever you want a sweet treat without all the hassle of making a pie.

Here’s how you can whip up these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars:

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 tablespoons ice water (as needed)

For the filling:

• 1 cup light or dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves (or chopped pecans, if preferred)

Instructions:

1. Make the crust:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
   • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
   • Add the vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of ice water. Mix until the dough starts to come together. If the dough is too dry, add a little more ice water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it forms a dough.
   • Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

2. Make the filling:

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and melted butter until smooth and combined.
   • Stir in the pecans until they’re evenly distributed in the mixture.

3. Assemble the bars:

   • Pour the pecan filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
   • Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown (the center should be slightly firm to the touch).

4. Cool and serve:

   • Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang and cut them into squares or bars.

5. Serve:

   • These bars are delicious on their own, or you can top them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips:

• Pecan substitute: If you don’t have pecans, you can use walnuts or a combination of nuts for a different flavor.
• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just wrap them tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• For a gooey filling: Make sure the eggs and brown sugar are fully combined with the corn syrup for that rich, gooey texture. Don’t overbake the bars, or the filling could set too hard.

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are a total crowd-pleaser with minimal effort and all the sweet, nutty flavors of pecan pie. Enjoy these bars at any gathering or as a sweet treat to enjoy all week long. Let me know if you’d like any other easy dessert ideas!