There’s something truly special about pecan pie—the way the rich, gooey filling perfectly complements the crunch of toasted pecans creates a warm, comforting dessert that’s hard to resist. I still remember the first time I tasted pecan pie at a family gathering. My grandmother’s version always stole the show, with its irresistible nutty sweetness, becoming a staple for every holiday season.
But while pecan pie is delicious, it can be a bit time-consuming. That’s where Lazy Pecan Pie Bars come in. These bars capture all the classic flavors of pecan pie but in a much simpler, fuss-free form. They’re perfect for busy days or when you want to serve a crowd-pleasing dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s walk through this easy recipe so you can enjoy these delightful bars in no time!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Filling:
- ½ cup corn syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1½ cups chopped pecans
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift the bars out of the pan later.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, packed brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It should hold together when pressed.
Press the crumbly mixture into the prepared baking pan, forming an even layer for the base. Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until it turns lightly golden.
Step 3: Make the Filling
While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans, making sure they’re evenly mixed throughout the filling.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Once the crust is done, remove it from the oven and pour the pecan filling evenly over the hot crust. Use a spatula to spread it if needed. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed. A slight jiggle in the center is fine, but it shouldn’t be liquid.
Step 5: Cool and Cut
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper overhang and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into squares for serving.
Optional Garnish
For a pretty finish, lightly dust the top of the bars with powdered sugar before serving. It adds a touch of sweetness and enhances presentation.
Variations & Tips
- Nut Variations: Swap out half of the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor. You can also mix in chocolate or butterscotch chips for extra richness.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the filling for a festive, spiced twist, especially during the holidays.
- Corn Syrup Substitute: For a more natural alternative, use honey instead of corn syrup—it adds a unique flavor to the bars.
- Storage: These bars will keep well at room temperature for up to a week in an airtight container. You can also refrigerate them for a firmer texture, or freeze them for later use.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free. Be sure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Lazy Pecan Pie Bars offer all the comforting flavors of classic pecan pie in a quick and easy form. Whether for a casual treat or a special occasion, these bars are sure to become a favorite dessert!