If you love pecan pie but don’t love the hassle of making a traditional pie crust, then these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are for you! They’re everything you adore about pecan pie—rich, buttery, and packed with caramelized pecan flavor—but in an easy, no-roll, no-mess bar form. Whether you’re making them for the holidays, a potluck, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these bars are guaranteed to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Bars
- No pie crust required! Traditional pecan pie requires rolling and chilling a crust, but these bars have a super simple shortbread-style crust that comes together in minutes.
- Perfectly portable. No messy slices—just easy-to-eat, hand-held squares.
- Quick and easy. The whole process takes under an hour from start to finish.
- Classic pecan pie flavor. All the rich, buttery, nutty goodness you love in a traditional pecan pie, but with way less effort!
Ingredients for Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars
For the Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup (or maple syrup for a twist)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Your Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure easy removal of the bars once they’re baked.
Step 2: Make the Crust
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together melted butter, sugar, flour, and salt until a soft dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges start to turn lightly golden.
Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup (or maple syrup), brown sugar, vanilla extract, melted butter, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in the chopped pecans to evenly distribute them throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Pour & Bake
- Once the crust is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the pecan filling over the top.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center.
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing. This ensures clean, even squares.
Step 5: Slice & Enjoy!
Once the bars have fully cooled, slice them into squares or rectangles and serve! These bars are best enjoyed at room temperature and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Pro Tips for the Best Pecan Pie Bars
- Use fresh pecans! Old or rancid pecans can ruin the flavor of your bars. For the best taste, use fresh, high-quality pecans.
- Chop pecans for even distribution. While whole pecans look beautiful, chopped pecans ensure every bite has the perfect balance of filling and nuts.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting. If you cut them too soon, the filling may ooze out and not hold its shape.
- Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Wiping the knife with a damp paper towel between cuts helps prevent sticking.
- For extra crunch, toast the pecans! Lightly toasting the pecans before adding them to the filling enhances their nutty flavor.
Variations & Customizations
Want to put your own twist on these pecan pie bars? Here are some delicious variations:
- Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the filling for a gooey chocolatey twist.
- Salted Caramel Pecan Bars: Drizzle with salted caramel sauce after baking for extra indulgence.
- Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars: Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the filling for a rich, smoky depth of flavor.
- Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars: Substitute the flour in the crust with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Maple Pecan Bars: Swap the corn syrup for pure maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
How to Store & Freeze Pecan Pie Bars
Storing:
These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to one week.
Freezing:
To freeze, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these pecan pie bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can bake them a day or two in advance and store them at room temperature or in the fridge.
2. Do I have to use corn syrup?
No! You can substitute corn syrup with maple syrup, honey, or golden syrup for a different but equally delicious flavor.
3. Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes! Walnuts or almonds would also work well in this recipe if you prefer a different nut.
4. How do I know when the pecan pie bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the center is set and doesn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
5. Can I make these bars dairy-free?
Yes! Simply swap the butter for vegan butter or coconut oil in both the crust and filling.
Final Thoughts
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate way to enjoy the classic flavors of pecan pie without the extra work. They’re buttery, nutty, and perfectly sweet—just the right balance of crunchy and chewy. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering, a bake sale, or just a weekend treat, these bars will be a crowd-pleaser.
Give this easy recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out! Do you have any favorite pecan pie bar variations? I’d love to hear them in the comments below. Happy baking! 😊