Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Pecan Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Bake the Bars:
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed. The center should jiggle slightly when shaken but should not be runny.
- Cool and Cut:
- Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. For clean slices, chill the bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting.
Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars
- Use Fresh Pecans: For the best flavor, make sure your pecans are fresh. Stale pecans can have a rancid taste and will affect the final result.
- Don’t Overbake: To keep the filling gooey, avoid overbaking the bars. The filling will continue to firm up as the bars cool.
- Line the Pan: Lining the baking pan with parchment paper or foil makes it easier to lift the bars out for cutting and ensures no sticking.
Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the pecan filling for a chocolatey twist.
- Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars: Stir in 1 tablespoon of bourbon for a hint of boozy flavor that pairs beautifully with the pecans.
- Maple Pecan Bars: Substitute half of the corn syrup with maple syrup for a different depth of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
- Drizzled with Caramel Sauce: Add an extra layer of indulgence by drizzling the bars with caramel sauce before serving.
- Perfect for Holiday Desserts: Include them on your holiday dessert table alongside other favorites like brownies, cookies, and cakes.
Storing the Bars
- Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Why These Bars Are a Must-Try
- Effortless to Make: You get all the taste of pecan pie with a fraction of the work. No rolling out dough or complicated steps—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
- Portable and Shareable: The bar format makes these easy to transport and serve at parties, picnics, and potlucks.
- Classic Flavor with a Twist: While traditional pecan pie is wonderful, these bars offer a modern take that’s just as delicious and even easier to enjoy.
Conclusion
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars deliver all the goodness of classic pecan pie in a convenient, easy-to-make form. With a buttery shortbread crust and a sweet, gooey pecan topping, they’re the perfect dessert for busy bakers who want to enjoy a little slice of indulgence without all the effort. Try this simple recipe today, and savor the rich flavors of pecan pie in every delicious bite.
Feel free to adjust the details to suit your preferences or add any personal touches to make it your own!
