My nana calls these her “Lazy” bars as they are what she makes when she wants something tasty but doesn’t want to do a whole lotta work!
Who says you need to spend hours in the kitchen to whip up a dessert that’ll have everyone talking? Not us! These Lazy Pecan Pie Bars are our go-to when we’re craving that classic Southern pecan pie flavor but want to skip the whole pie-crust-from-scratch ordeal. Originating from the beloved pecan pie, just in bar form, they’re the perfect shortcut to homemade without skimping on taste. Picture it: a buttery shortbread crust, topped with a gooey filling bursting with pecans…yum! Pull these out for your next potluck or family get-together and watch them disappear!
Why Lazy Pecan Pie Bars Are a Must-Try
Imagine a dessert that delivers all the delightful flavors of a traditional pecan pie, but with half the effort. Lazy Pecan Pie Bars offer just that. They are:
- Time-efficient: Perfect for busy schedules, requiring minimal prep time.
- Versatile: Ideal for casual get-togethers, formal gatherings, and everything in between.
- Deliciously indulgent: With a rich, nutty flavor that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients to get you started on these delectable bars:
| For the Crust | |
|---|---|
| 1 cup all-purpose flour | 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed |
| 1/4 teaspoon salt | 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed |
| For the Filling | |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup corn syrup | 1/2 cup granulated sugar |
| 2 large eggs | 2 teaspoons vanilla extract |
| 1 tablespoon melted butter | 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans |
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Crust
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, and salt.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.
3. Bake the Crust
Bake the crust for about 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. While the crust is baking, get going on your filling.
4. Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
- Stir in the chopped pecans.
5. Combine and Bake
- Pour the pecan filling over the baked crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Pop the pan back into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set.
6. Cool and Cut
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment ‘handles’ and cutting them into squares.
