Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

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If you love the rich, sweet flavor of pecan pie but dread the time and effort required to make a traditional pie crust, these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect solution! This simple recipe allows you to enjoy all the delicious flavors of pecan pie in a fraction of the time. These bars feature a buttery crust topped with a gooey, nutty filling that’s sure to please your taste buds. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or as a delightful treat for any occasion, these pecan pie bars are a must-try for dessert lovers.

Get ready to whip up this easy, make-ahead dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Simplicity: This recipe is designed for those who want a delicious dessert without the complexity of rolling out pie crusts. The base is quick to prepare and can be made in one bowl.
  2. Delicious Flavor: These bars capture the classic flavors of pecan pie, with a sweet, sticky filling loaded with crunchy pecans.
  3. Make-Ahead Friendly: They store well, making them an excellent option for preparing ahead of time for gatherings or a sweet treat during the week.
  4. Perfect for Sharing: Cut into squares or bars, these treats are easy to serve and share with friends and family.
  5. Customizable: Feel free to add chocolate chips, coconut, or a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavor profile.

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

For the filling:

  • 1 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups pecans, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
  2. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands for this step.
  3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

  1. Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Step 4: Make the Filling

  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Stir in the chopped pecans until they are well coated with the filling mixture.

Step 5: Combine and Bake

  1. Pour the pecan filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.
  2. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is bubbly.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

  1. Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the baking dish.
  2. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the dish and place them on a cutting board.
  3. Cut into squares or bars and serve. Enjoy your easy pecan pie bars!

Serving Suggestions

  1. Topped with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each bar for a creamy complement to the rich filling.
  2. Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the bars for an indulgent touch. Dark or milk chocolate works well.
  3. Serve with Ice Cream: Warm up the bars slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
  4. Garnish with Extra Pecans: Sprinkle some whole or chopped pecans on top of the bars before serving for added texture and visual appeal.
  5. Pair with Coffee or Tea: These bars are perfect for enjoying with your favorite hot beverage, making them an ideal snack or dessert option.

Helpful Tips

  • Chilling Time: For the best texture, allow the bars to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours after baking. This will help them set and make cutting easier.
  • Storage: Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
  • Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Nut Variations: If you have nut allergies or preferences, you can substitute the pecans with walnuts or even use a mix of nuts.

Nutritional Information (per bar)

  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugar: 15 g

(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Final Thoughts

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate solution for satisfying your sweet tooth without the hassle of traditional pie-making. With their easy preparation and delicious flavor, they are sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or simply want a sweet treat for yourself, these bars are sure to impress. So grab your ingredients and get baking—your taste buds will thank you!

Feel free to adjust or add any additional details as needed! Enjoy your baking!

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