Lazy Pecan Pie Bars have all the glorious, gooey flavor of a pecan pie but in a straightforward, bar-shaped treat. These bars are a wonderful addition to holiday parties, potlucks, or just when you want something sweet but with as little work as possible—their buttery shortbread crust is simple to make, as is their nutty, rich filling.

The recipe begins with a simple crust of flour, brown sugar, and cold butter, which is pressed into a baking pan and baked until lightly golden. The crust provides a sturdy, somewhat crisp bottom to support the rich filling. The filling itself is a sweet blend of corn syrup, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and chopped pecans for that iconic pecan pie texture and taste. When poured over the crust, the bars bake to a deep golden brown, the filling just set with a slight jiggle in the center.

They cool to a texture that’s easy to slice and serve, and they’re a good choice if you want something to put on dessert trays or bring to casual gatherings. Dust lightly with powdered sugar for show, and there you have it—decadent, nutty bars that pack in all the flavor of a pecan pie without having to roll out pie dough!

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Why You’ll Love It

So Easy to Make – These bars cut out the busywork of classic pecan pie, so you can have that pecan pie flavor with less effort.
Perfectly Portable – Pecan pie bars are simple to slice and serve, which makes them terrific for get-togethers, dessert tables, and picnics.
All the Classic Flavors – The buttery crust, rich filling, and crunchy pecans make each bite perfectly yummy.
Great Make-Ahead Dessert – These bars only get better as they sit, letting the flavors meld, so they’re ideal to make ahead of parties and holidays.

Key Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour – The base of the crust; it provides the structure. If you want an even tenderer crust, you can create a 50/50 blend of all-purpose and cake flour.
Brown Sugar – Dark brown sugar contributes a mellow caramel taste to the crust. Use dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Unsalted Butter – Cold butter is necessary to get the pie crust thick and crumbly. If using salted butter, decrease the added salt in the crust.
Corn Syrup – Adds sweetness and really helps create that classic gooey pecan pie filling texture. Use light or dark corn syrup based on how deep you want the flavor to be.
Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and balances out the corn syrup flavor.
Vanilla Extract – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the pecans.
Chopped Pecans – Chopped pecans work better in the filling since finely chopped pecans give you the right amount of nuttiness in every bite.

How to Prepare Lazy Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Pan – Grease and line an 8-inch square baking pan and leave some overhang on the sides of the pan so you can lift the bars out after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and salt.
Add Butter – Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work it into the dry ingredients until crumbly. The mixture should stick together when squeezed.
Press the Crust – Pour the crumb mixture into the prepared pan, then use your hands to pack it tightly into an even layer across the bottom. This will be the foundation for your bars.
Bake – Put the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is a light golden brown.

Step 3: Make the Filling

Whisk Together the Ingredients – While the crust is baking, make the filling. In a large bowl, combine corn syrup, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter; whisk until smooth.
Fold in Pecans – Fold in the chopped pecans until distributed throughout the filling.
Pour Over Crust – When the crust is finished baking, take it out of the oven. Pour the pecan filling over the hot crust (use a spatula to spread it out evenly if needed).

Step 4: Bake the Bars

Bake – Put the pan back in the oven and bake until the filling is set and slightly puffed, about 20 to 25 minutes.
Check for Doneness – Gently jostle the pan to check for doneness; the middle should jiggle a little but not be too watery.

Step 5: Cool and Cut

Cool Completely – Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Taking this step ensures that the filling will set correctly.
Remove and Slice – After cooling, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into squares with a sharp knife.

Optional Garnish

Dust with Powdered Sugar – For an added touch of sweetness, lightly dust the bars with powdered sugar before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Whipped Cream – A classic accompaniment.
Ice Cream – Vanilla bean or butter pecan ice cream pairs beautifully with these bars.
Salted Caramel Sauce – Drizzle some caramel sauce on top for an indulgent touch.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Room Temperature

Pecan pie bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. They’re best served warm or at room temperature.

Refrigeration

For longer storage, put them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature before serving, or warm briefly in the microwave.

Freezing

Freeze bars in an airtight container, with parchment paper between layers, for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature before serving.

Variations

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars – Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips into the filling for a chocolaty twist.
Maple Pecan Bars – Swap in pure maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a deeper, richer sweetness.
Bourbon Pecan Bars – Swirl in 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon into the filling mixture for a touch of warmth and complexity.
Salted Caramel Pecan Bars – Just before serving, sprinkle flaky sea salt over them for that sweet-salty balance.
Nut-Free Substitute – If you need a nut-free version, use rolled oats or shredded coconut in place of the pecans.

Conclusion

These Lazy Pecan Pie Bars contain all the sweet, nutty goodness of a traditional pecan pie, just in an easier, more snackable format—one that is easy to make and share. They’re a great addition to any dessert spread, holiday table, or casual gathering.

These bars, with their buttery crust and caramelized pecan filling, are a sure hit! Enjoy every sticky, nutty bite!