If you love pecan pie but don’t want to mess with rolling out dough and making a pie from scratch, these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are exactly what you need. Buttery, chewy, and loaded with that classic caramelized pecan filling, they come together in a fraction of the time. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or when a pecan pie craving hits out of nowhere!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

No pie crust hassle – Just press the simple dough into the pan and bake.
Rich, buttery, and chewy – Everything you love about pecan pie in bar form.
Easy to make ahead – Perfect for prepping before a gathering.
Mess-free and portable – Ideal for parties, lunchboxes, or holiday trays.

Ingredients

You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but here’s a quick look at what you’ll need:

Butter and brown sugar (for a rich, caramelized flavor)
All-purpose flour (for the shortbread-like crust)
Eggs and vanilla (to help bind the gooey filling)
Pecans (chopped for that perfect crunch)
Maple syrup or corn syrup (for that signature pecan pie texture)

How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Make the Crust

Mix butter, flour, and sugar, then press into a baking pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Prepare the Filling

Whisk eggs, brown sugar, vanilla, and syrup together until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans.

Pour and Bake

Pour the pecan mixture over the crust and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until set.

Cool and Slice

Let them cool completely before slicing into bars. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to cut.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Line your pan with parchment paper – Makes removing and slicing a breeze.
Toast the pecans – A quick toast in a dry pan brings out even more flavor.
Let them cool completely – The filling sets as it cools, so be patient!
For extra indulgence – Drizzle with melted chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Make them nut-free – Swap pecans for sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.
Use honey instead of syrup – Adds a deeper, slightly floral sweetness.
Add chocolate chips – Because chocolate + pecans = heaven.
Go gluten-free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the crust.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These bars are perfect with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make an amazing addition to a holiday dessert table or a simple sweet snack with an afternoon cup of tea.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days or in the fridge for a week.
Freeze for later – Wrap bars individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
Warm them up – A few seconds in the microwave brings back the gooey texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes! Walnuts or almonds work great, but pecans give that classic pecan pie flavor.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely! They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.

What’s the best way to cut them neatly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for the best-looking bars.

Do I have to use corn syrup?
Nope! Maple syrup, honey, or even a mix of brown sugar and melted butter works well.

Conclusion

These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars give you everything you love about pecan pie with none of the hassle. Buttery, chewy, and ridiculously easy to make, they’re the ultimate no-fuss dessert. Whether for a holiday table or just a simple treat, they’ll quickly become a favorite. Enjoy!