All the gooey, nutty goodness of pecan pie—without the fuss of rolling out a crust. These bars are quick, simple, and perfect for potlucks, holidays, or anytime you crave pecan pie flavor in an easy-to-serve form.
Explanation
Instead of making a traditional pie crust, these bars use a simple shortbread-style base topped with a sweet, sticky pecan filling. They bake into handheld squares that deliver the same caramelized crunch and buttery richness as pecan pie. The “lazy girl” twist is that they’re far less work but just as indulgent.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 35–40 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes Servings: 16 bars
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
Filling
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup corn syrup (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecans (chopped)
- Pinch of salt
Products for Using in Recipe
- Use fresh pecans for the best crunch and flavor.
- Dark corn syrup gives a deeper caramel taste, while light syrup is milder.
- A 9×13-inch baking pan ensures even baking and easy slicing.
- Parchment paper lining makes removing bars simple.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix flour, butter, and powdered sugar until crumbly. Press into pan for crust.
- Bake crust for 10 minutes, then set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla, and salt.
- Stir in chopped pecans.
- Pour filling over baked crust.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until set and golden.
- Cool completely before slicing into bars.