Description

Lazy Pecan Pie Bars are a simple and delicious twist on the classic pecan pie. These easy-to-make bars feature a buttery, tender crust topped with a rich, gooey pecan filling that captures all the flavors of traditional pecan pie, but in a convenient, bite-sized form. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a cozy treat any time of year, these bars are as versatile as they are irresistible. Whether you’re a novice baker or an experienced pro, this recipe is quick to prepare and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 cup all-purpose flour
⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Filling:

½ cup corn syrup (light or dark, depending on preference)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon melted butter
1½ cups chopped pecans

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

Prepare the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, light brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and blend using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Make the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
Stir in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Assemble and Bake the Bars

Pour the pecan filling evenly over the hot, pre-baked crust.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.
Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Cool and Cut

Once fully cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan.
Cut into squares and, if desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Corn Syrup Choice: If you want a deeper flavor, you can substitute light corn syrup with dark corn syrup. Dark corn syrup will result in a richer, more robust flavor due to its molasses content.
Chilling for Easy Cutting: For clean, sharp cuts, consider chilling the bars in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes after they’ve cooled. This makes slicing much easier.
Storage Tips: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container.
Add-ins & Variations: Feel free to customize the bars with your favorite add-ins, such as chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or dried cranberries, for a fun twist on the original recipe.