Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars: All the Flavor, None of the Fuss!

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars: All the Flavor, None of the Fuss! if you love pecan pie but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, you are in the right place! Today, we are going to make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars. These bars have all the delicious flavors of traditional pecan pie but without the stress of a pie. They are easy to make, fun to share, and perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into why you will fall in love with this simple dessert.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and does not require any special skills. Even if you are a beginner in the kitchen, you can make these bars without any trouble.
2. Quick Preparation: You can whip up these bars in no time. They take less than an hour from start to finish, making them a great choice for last-minute gatherings or sweet cravings.
3. Delicious Flavor: Despite being easy to make, these bars are bursting with the wonderful taste of pecans, syrup, and a hint of vanilla. Each bite is rich and satisfying.
4. Perfect for Sharing: These pecan pie bars can be cut into squares, making them easy to share at parties, holiday gatherings, or even as a treat for your family.
5. Fuss-Free Clean-Up: No need to deal with messy pie crusts or difficult baking pans. With just a few bowls and a baking dish, clean-up is simple and quick.

Now that you know why this recipe is a winner, let’s see how to prepare these delightful Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars!

How to Prepare Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important to ensure that your bars bake evenly.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This will help you remove the bars easily once they are baked.
3. Mix the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the mixture looks crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This will serve as the crust for your bars.
4. Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes. It should become lightly golden. This step helps to set the crust before adding the filling.
5. Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Make sure everything is well combined. Then, gently fold in the chopped pecans.
6. Add the Filling on Top: Once the crust has baked, remove it from the oven. Pour the pecan filling over the warm crust, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake Again: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed. You should see a nice golden color on the top.
8. Cool the Bars: Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. After cooling, you can place it in the refrigerator for about 2 hours. Chilling helps the bars to firm up and makes cutting easier.
9. Cut and Serve: Once cooled and set, cut the bars into squares. Enjoy your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars!

How to Serve Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with some simple serving ideas:

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a nice, creamy contrast to the rich bars.
• Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. The warm bars with cold ice cream create a lovely texture.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a touch of indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Coffee or Tea: These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The flavors complement each other nicely, making it a perfect afternoon treat.

How to Store Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Storing your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars is easy! Here’s how:

• In the Refrigerator: After cutting the bars, place them in an airtight container or cover them with plastic wrap. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the bars. Place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Tips for Preparing Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

1. Use Fresh Pecans: Fresh pecans will enhance the flavor of the bars. You can toast them lightly in the oven for added crunch and flavor.
2. Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to denser bars.
3. Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, so check your bars a few minutes before the recommended time. The filling should be set but slightly jiggle in the center.
4. Serve Chilled: While you can enjoy these bars warm, serving them chilled or at room temperature brings out their flavors even more.
5. Customize Your Bars: Feel free to add chocolate chips, dried fruits, or other nuts to the filling for a unique twist!

Variations (if applicable)

While this recipe is fantastic as it is, you might want to try these fun variations to mix things up:

• Chocolate Pecan Bars: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the pecan filling for a rich chocolate flavor.
• Maple Pecan Bars: Replace the corn syrup with maple syrup. This gives the bars a delightful maple flavor.
• Spiced Pecan Bars: Add 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for an extra spice kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
   Yes! Unsalted butter will work just fine. If you choose unsalted butter, you can add a pinch more salt to your mixture if you prefer.
2. What type of corn syrup should I use?
   Light corn syrup is typically used in this recipe, but dark corn syrup can be used for a richer flavor.
3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can make these bars one or two days in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator and enjoy them when you’re ready.

With these simple tips and a delicious recipe, you are ready to enjoy Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars. They bring all the sweet, nutty flavors of pecan pie without the fuss. Happy baking!