Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

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Sticky, sweet, and studded with crunchy pecans—these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars deliver all the gooey goodness of classic pecan pie without the fuss of making a homemade crust or rolling out dough. With a buttery shortbread base and a rich caramel-pecan topping, these bars are the shortcut version of the holiday favorite you never knew you needed.

Perfect for when you’re short on time but still want a show-stopping dessert, these bars come together in just a few easy steps and are almost impossible to mess up. Whether you’re baking for a potluck, holiday dinner, or just need a sweet snack with your coffee, these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars will quickly become your go-to treat.

Why You’ll Love This Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

• Zero pie crust stress—just press and bake shortbread
• No corn syrup needed, yet ultra gooey
• Simple ingredients, pantry-friendly
• Great for holidays or casual gatherings
• Freezer-friendly and easy to make ahead

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get started, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools. A 9×13-inch baking pan is essential for creating evenly baked bars. Parchment paper or non-stick spray ensures an easy release and no sticky mess. You’ll also need a medium saucepan for making the caramel filling, and a mixing bowl for the shortbread crust. A silicone spatula will help you scrape every bit of that luscious pecan filling into the pan.

Each of these tools makes the process quicker and cleaner, especially if you’re aiming for a low-effort dessert with minimal cleanup.

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Preparation Tips

For the most even bake, make sure your butter is softened but not melted before mixing the shortbread base. Toasting the pecans for 5-7 minutes in a dry skillet or in the oven before adding them to the filling will elevate the flavor dramatically. Once the bars are baked, allow them to cool completely before slicing—this helps the filling set properly and keeps those beautiful layers intact.

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Ingredients for This Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

For the Shortbread Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

For the Pecan Filling:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup maple syrup (or honey as a substitute)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups pecan halves (toasted, if desired)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later. Lightly grease the parchment with cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Shortbread Crust

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add softened butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until crumbly and combined. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan to form a solid layer. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until lightly golden at the edges.

Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Filling

While the crust is baking, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla, and salt in a medium bowl until smooth and glossy. Stir in the pecan halves until well coated.

Step 4: Pour and Bake

Remove the crust from the oven and pour the pecan filling evenly over the hot crust. Use a spatula to spread the pecans so they cover the surface.

Step 5: Final Bake

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center. The top should be golden brown with a slight caramelized shine.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For clean slices, chill them in the fridge for 1–2 hours before cutting. Use a sharp knife to slice into squares or bars.

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Notes

Letting the bars cool fully before slicing is crucial to achieving neat layers. If you’re in a hurry, chilling them in the fridge will help them firm up faster. You can customize the sweetness level by adjusting the ratio of brown sugar and syrup, and for extra depth, try adding a tablespoon of bourbon to the filling.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Underbaking the crust: A pale base won’t support the filling well and will become soggy.
• Pouring filling on a cool crust: The filling adheres better when the crust is warm.
• Using cold eggs: Cold eggs can cause the filling to seize or not blend smoothly. Bring them to room temperature before mixing.
• Overbaking the filling: This can cause the top to crack and the filling to become dry.
• Skipping the cooling time: Cutting too early results in messy, falling-apart bars.

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Storage Instructions

Once the bars are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 1 week or freeze (with parchment between layers) for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen bars overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Bar – based on 24 bars)

• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 85mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 26g
• Sugar: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of maple syrup?

You can use honey, agave syrup, or light corn syrup. Maple adds a richer flavor, but all work well.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Should I toast the pecans before using them?

Toasting isn’t required, but it enhances the nutty flavor and gives a more aromatic result.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Use a larger sheet pan or make two 9×13 pans. Just monitor baking time as it may vary slightly.

How do I know when the filling is set?

Gently shake the pan—it should not jiggle in the center. You can also insert a knife; it should come out mostly clean.

Can I use chopped pecans instead of halves?

Yes, chopped pecans make slicing easier and ensure every bite has a nutty crunch.

Do I have to use parchment paper?

It’s highly recommended for easy removal and cleanup, but a well-greased pan can work too.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Sure! Mix in 1/2 cup of dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling for a twist.

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Conclusion

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the dessert shortcut you didn’t know you needed—rich, gooey, and packed with flavor but requiring only a fraction of the effort. From the buttery crust to the sticky pecan topping, every bite is a perfect balance of texture and taste. Whether you’re prepping ahead for the holidays or just want an easy sweet treat, this recipe is bound to become a forever favorite in your kitchen.

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