Description
Lazy Pecan Pie Bars are a quick and easy take on the classic Southern pecan pie, offering all the rich, buttery flavors of the traditional dessert with far less effort. These bars feature a simple, crumbly shortbread crust topped with a gooey, caramelized pecan filling. They are perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any occasion when you need a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned cooks looking for a time-saving alternative to pie.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar packed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
For the Filling:
- ½ cup corn syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1½ cups chopped pecans
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
Prepare the Crust
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Mix together the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add cold, cubed butter and blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press it into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Make the Filling
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Whisk together corn syrup, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans. Pour the filling evenly over the hot crust.
Bake the Bars
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the filling is set with a slight jiggle. Let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Cool and Cut
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Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment paper and cut into squares. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes
- Crust Tips:
The buttery shortbread crust needs to be pre-baked to avoid becoming soggy. Make sure to press it firmly into the baking pan to create an even layer, and bake until it’s lightly golden before adding the pecan filling. - Filling:
The filling is a sweet and gooey mixture of pecans, sugar, eggs, and butter. You can use a combination of white and brown sugar for a more complex flavor, or even add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. - Variations:
- Chocolate Version: Add chocolate chips to the filling or drizzle melted chocolate on top for a decadent twist.
- Bourbon Version: For a Southern flair, add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling mixture.
- Coconut Version: Stir in shredded coconut for extra texture and a hint of tropical sweetness.
- Storage:
These bars store well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months. - Serving Suggestions:
Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a perfect dessert experience.