Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are a quick and easy twist on the classic pecan pie. Perfect for busy schedules, these bars deliver the same rich, gooey, and nutty flavor with half the effort. Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or a sweet snack anytime, they’re a must-try for pecan pie lovers looking for convenience.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs (divided)
- 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix until the mixture forms a soft dough.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Pecan Filling:
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the pecan mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This will ensure clean, even cuts and prevent the filling from spreading.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Slice the bars into squares or rectangles and serve them as-is, or warm them slightly and pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
1. Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light corn syrup?
Yes, dark corn syrup will work and will give the bars a slightly richer, deeper flavor.
2. Can I substitute the yellow cake mix with another flavor?
Absolutely! Butter or spice cake mix would make a delicious variation.
3. How do I know when the pecan filling is set?
The filling is set when it no longer jiggles in the center and the top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
4. Can I use whole pecans instead of chopped pecans?
Yes, but chopped pecans distribute more evenly across the filling, ensuring every bite has a nutty crunch.
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Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars offer all the rich, nutty flavors of traditional pecan pie in a simplified, easy-to-make bar form. With a buttery crust and a gooey pecan filling, they’re perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to a sweet weeknight treat.
Ingredients
Crust:- 1 package (16 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- Filling:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts and fit them into the bottom of the greased baking pan, pressing down gently to cover the entire bottom.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in the pecan halves until evenly coated.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the pecan filling over the pie crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider toasting the pecans lightly before adding them to the filling.
- Ensure the bars are completely cooled before slicing to achieve clean cuts.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.