Today, we’re indulging in a treat that combines the flavors of a classic pecan pie with the ease of a bar dessert: Easy Lazy Pecan Pie Bars. These bars are the perfect way to enjoy all the rich, gooey goodness of pecan pie without the fuss of rolling out dough or dealing with pie crusts. They’re quick, easy, axnd absolutely delicious.
I first made these pecan pie bars for a holiday party, and they were an instant hit. The buttery crust, topped with a sweet and nutty pecan filling, had everyone coming back for more. They’re now a must-have on our dessert table during the holidays and special occasions.
Quick Overview: A Todd Wilbur-Inspired Summary
Easy Lazy Pecan Pie Bars are a simple and delicious twist on the traditional pecan pie. With a buttery crust and a gooey pecan topping, these bars are easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
A Family Favorite: An Exciting Story
One Thanksgiving, I decided to try something new and made these Easy Lazy Pecan Pie Bars instead of the usual pie. The ease of preparation and the incredible taste made them a new family favorite. They quickly became a staple in our holiday baking repertoire, and now we can’t imagine a holiday season without them.
Why These Easy Lazy Pecan Pie Bars?
Effortless: Easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Flavorful: All the rich, nutty flavors of a pecan pie in a convenient bar form.
Crowd-Pleaser: A hit at any gathering or holiday party.
Versatile: Perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
How to Make Easy Lazy Pecan Pie Bars
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, flour, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve.
Tips For Easy Lazy Pecan Pie Bars
- Chilling: Chill the bars in the refrigerator for easier cutting and cleaner edges.
- Nuts: Toast the pecans before adding them to the filling for an extra depth of flavor.
- Crust: For a flakier crust, use cold butter and cut it into the flour mixture instead of melting it.
Substitutions and Variations For Easy Lazy Pecan Pie Bars
- Maple Syrup: Substitute light corn syrup with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolatey twist.
- Walnuts: Use walnuts instead of pecans if preferred.
Make a Healthier Version
- Less Sugar: Reduce the amount of sugar in the filling by half.
- Whole Wheat: Use whole wheat flour for the crust.
- Healthy Fats: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a healthier fat option.
And there you have it! Don’t forget to let us know how your Easy Lazy Pecan Pie Bars turn out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes:
Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Lazy Pecan Pie Bars
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light? Yes, dark corn syrup will add a richer flavor to the filling.
Can I make these bars ahead of time? Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container.
How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze these bars? Yes, you can freeze the bars for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I use a different nut? Yes, feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or your favorite nut.
Can I add chocolate? Yes, adding chocolate chips to the filling will create a delicious variation.
How do I prevent the crust from being too hard? Make sure not to overbake the crust during the initial bake. It should be lightly golden brown, not fully cooked.
Can I use a different sweetener? Yes, you can use maple syrup or honey instead of corn syrup, but it will alter the flavor slightly.
Can I make this gluten-free? Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
How can I make the bars more festive? Drizzle melted chocolate over the top or sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Lazy Pecan Pie Bars
Course: Dessert, Snacks, Weight watchers4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
For the Crust:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
3 large eggs
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups chopped pecans
Directions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, flour, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve.
