Easy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe: Sweet Treats for Busy Bakers

Baking decadent pecan pie bars with a lazy twist promises pure dessert bliss.

These simple yet irresistible treats deliver classic southern charm without complex preparation.

Buttery graham cracker crust provides a delightful foundation for rich, caramelized pecans.

Sweet layers meld together, creating a mouthwatering experience that feels like a warm hug.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor in this delectable dessert.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of crunch and gooey sweetness.

You’ll fall in love with these effortless bars that transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary indulgence.

What’s in Lazy Pecan Pie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A soft and versatile baking staple.
• Brown Sugar: Sweet and rich with a caramel-like flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the crust.
• Butter: Cold and creamy for a flaky texture.

• Corn Syrup: A classic sweet and sticky pecan pie ingredient.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling.
• Eggs: Provides structure and richness to the filling.
• Vanilla: Brings a warm and comforting aroma.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and depth of flavor.
• Pecans: Crunchy and nutty star of the pie bars.

• Powdered Sugar: A light and sweet finishing touch.

How to Bake Easy Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab an 8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create The Crumbly Crust

• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Salt

Toss in cold butter cubes and mix until the texture looks like sandy crumbs.

Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan.

Slide it into the oven and bake until the edges turn a beautiful golden color, about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Whip Up The Gooey Filling

• Corn syrup
• White sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Melted butter

Fold in chopped pecans and pour the luxurious mixture evenly over the hot crust.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the filling looks set but still has a gentle wiggle when you shake the pan.

Step 5: Cool And Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, lift the entire creation out using the parchment paper edges.

Slice into delectable squares.

For an extra touch of sweetness, dust with powdered sugar if you’re feeling fancy.

Tips for Lazy Pie Bar Perfection

• Ensure butter is ice-cold when mixing with dry ingredients to create a sturdy, cohesive crust that holds together perfectly.
• Gently fold pecans into the filling to prevent them from sinking to the bottom, guaranteeing a balanced nut-to-filling ratio in every bite.
• Whisk filling ingredients thoroughly but avoid over-mixing to maintain a smooth, silky texture without incorporating too much air.
• Watch for a slight jiggle in the center when baking – this indicates the bars are set but not overcooked, ensuring a tender, gooey texture.
• Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising the rich, classic flavor of pecan pie bars.

Save and Reheat Pecan Bars Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover bars with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm bars gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid overheating to maintain the bar's texture and prevent burning.
• Enjoy bars chilled straight from the refrigerator or slightly warmed. Sprinkle with fresh powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Pairings for Pecan Pie Bars

• Smooth Sipping Bourbon Companion: Pair this sweet pecan pie bar with a smooth Kentucky bourbon like Maker's Mark, which complements the rich, caramel-like filling and balances the dessert's sweetness.
• Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream Match: Top the warm pecan bars with a scoop of cold vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful temperature contrast that enhances the nutty, buttery flavors of the dessert.
• Robust Coffee Pairing: Serve alongside a strong, dark roast coffee like French press or espresso, which cuts through the pie's richness and provides a perfect bitter counterpoint to the sweet pecans and caramel notes.
• Salted Caramel Accompaniment: Drizzle a touch of salted caramel sauce over the bars to amplify the existing caramel undertones and add a sophisticated layer of complexity to each bite.

Pecan Bar Recipe Ideas

• Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Pecan Delight Bars: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace corn syrup with maple syrup. Choose plant-based pecans for a completely vegan version.
• Low-Sugar Nutty Bars: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Reduce overall sugar content by half and incorporate more nuts for added natural sweetness and crunch.
• Chocolate Pecan Fusion Bars: Sprinkle dark chocolate chips into the filling or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled bars for a rich, decadent chocolate-pecan combination.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds. Just chop them to a similar size and follow the same recipe steps.

• How do I know if the filling is properly set?

The filling should look slightly jiggly in the center but not liquid when you gently shake the pan. It will continue to set as it cools down.

• Is it necessary to use parchment paper?

Parchment paper makes removing the bars easier and prevents sticking. If you don’t have it, generously grease the pan with butter or cooking spray.

• Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the bars a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and delicious.

Why Lazy Pecan Pie Bars Work So Well

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up these delightful pecan pie bars with minimal effort, perfect for busy bakers who want a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Foolproof Technique: The simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring a successful sweet treat every single time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These bars capture the classic pecan pie flavor in a more convenient, shareable format that's ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and casual celebrations.
• Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy them as a casual snack, elegant dessert, or special treat that can be dressed up with a dusting of powdered sugar or served alongside coffee or tea.

Lazy Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent lazy pecan pie bars bring Southern comfort straight to your dessert table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Sweet, nutty layers meld into a rich, caramelized treat that perfectly balances classic pie traditions with convenient bar-style simplicity you’ll crave.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)

Nuts and Flavoring:

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare a parchment-lined 8-inch square baking pan, ensuring overhanging edges for easy removal, and heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Create the crust by combining flour, brown sugar, and salt, then incorporate cold butter until the mixture forms crumbly texture.
3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the prepared pan, creating an even base layer.
4. Bake the crust until it develops a light golden color, approximately 15 minutes.
5. While the crust bakes, craft the filling by whisking corn syrup, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
6. Fold chopped pecans into the liquid filling, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Carefully pour the pecan-studded filling over the hot, freshly baked crust, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
8. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a slightly jiggly center that indicates perfect doneness.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely within the pan, which helps the filling set properly.
10. Once thoroughly cooled, use the parchment paper edges to lift the entire dessert from the pan.
11. Slice into neat squares, creating uniform bars that showcase the golden crust and nutty filling.
12. Optional: Dust with a delicate sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Swap corn syrup with maple syrup or honey for a more natural sweetness that adds depth to the pecan flavor.
• Toast pecans briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty aroma and create a more complex taste profile.
• Use salted butter in the crust for a subtle savory contrast against the sweet filling, balancing the overall flavor.
• Freeze bars for 15 minutes before cutting to get cleaner, more precise square edges without crumbling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg