Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Indulge in the delightful sweetness of Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars, a simplified twist on the classic pecan pie. With a buttery pie crust and a rich filling of gooey corn syrup, brown sugar, and crunchy pecans, these bars are perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.

Easy to prepare and bake, they deliver all the flavors of a traditional pecan pie in a convenient, handheld form. Enjoy these treats warm or at room temperature, and watch them disappear at any dessert table!

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Ingredients:

1 package (16 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)

1 cup light corn syrup

1 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups pecan halves

1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts and gently press them into the bottom of the greased baking pan, making sure to cover the entire base evenly.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.

Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth.

Then, stir in the pecan halves until they are well-coated.

Step 4: Pour the Filling

Carefully pour the pecan filling over the pie crust in the baking pan, spreading it out evenly to ensure even baking.

Step 5: Bake

Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling has set and the top is golden brown.

Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing them into squares.

Notes:

Crust Options: If you prefer a homemade crust, you can easily make your own pie crust. Just ensure it’s rolled out thin enough to fit the 9×13-inch pan.

Nut Substitutes: Feel free to experiment with different nuts! Chopped walnuts or almonds can be used in place of pecans for a unique flavor.

Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness to your taste. You can reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet filling.

Serving Suggestions: These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Make Ahead: These bars can be made in advance. Just let them cool completely before cutting and storing them for later enjoyment.

Topping Variations: Consider adding chocolate chips or a drizzle of chocolate over the top for a delicious twist on the classic flavor.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 12 bars | SERVING SIZE: 1 bar

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a gluten-free pie crust for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free pie crust.

Just ensure it’s a type that can be rolled out and baked similarly to regular pie crusts.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The bars are done when the filling is set and the top is golden brown.

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make them a day in advance.

Just let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

What can I substitute for corn syrup?

If you prefer not to use corn syrup, you can use maple syrup or honey as a substitute, though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

How should I store leftover bars?

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer freshness, refrigerate them for up to a week.

What type of pie crust works best for this recipe?

Refrigerated store-bought pie crusts work great for convenience, but you can also use a homemade crust if you prefer.

Just ensure it’s rolled out thin enough to fit the baking pan.

Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Yes! You can customize the filling by adding ingredients like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or coconut for added flavor and texture.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

To prevent a soggy crust, make sure to bake the bars until the filling is fully set.

Pre-baking the crust for about 5-10 minutes before adding the filling can also help.

What should I do if the filling spills over while baking?

If the filling overflows, it’s best to place a baking sheet under the pan to catch any drips.

Just be careful when checking on the bars in the oven!

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes, these bars freeze well! Just make sure they are completely cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in an airtight container.

They can be frozen for up to 3 months.