Let’s be real everyone loves pecan pie, but not everyone loves making it. The rolling of the crust, the endless mixing, the worry about whether it’ll set just right ugh, who has time for that? That’s where Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars come to the rescue!

These bars deliver all the gooey, nutty, caramelized goodness of a traditional pecan pie, but with half the effort and zero stress. Whether you’re a total baking newbie or just need a quick dessert for a holiday party, this recipe has your back.

In this guide, we’ll go step by step through the easiest pecan pie bar recipe ever, plus some lazy girl baking hacks to make them even more effortless. So, grab your apron (or don’t, because this is low-effort baking, after all), and let’s get started!

What Are Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars?

Picture this:
A buttery, crunchy crust topped with a rich, caramelized pecan filling that’s chewy in the center and slightly crisp on top. It’s basically pecan pie, but in bar form—meaning no rolling, no fussy pie dish, and no stress.

“Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars give you all the flavor of classic pecan pie with half the work. It’s like having dessert magic in your kitchen!”

These bars are perfect for any occasion—Thanksgiving, Christmas, bake sales, or just a Tuesday when you’re craving something sweet. Plus, they store well, so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them all week long.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Still need convincing? Here’s why Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars deserve a spot in your dessert rotation:

✔ Super Easy – No pie crust rolling, no complicated steps. Just mix, pour, and bake.
✔ Rich & Buttery – The perfect balance of crunchy, gooey, and sweet.
✔ Minimal Ingredients – You probably already have most of them in your kitchen!
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Store them in the fridge or freezer for a quick treat.
✔ Customizable – Add chocolate, a graham cracker crust, or even a cheesecake layer.

If that sounds good to you (and let’s be honest, how could it not?), let’s move on to what you’ll need.

Essential Ingredients for Lazy Pecan Bars

This recipe is all about simplicity—no weird ingredients, no fancy techniques, just delicious, foolproof pecan pie bars.

Classic Ingredients for Pecan Pie Bars

💡 Lazy Girl Hack: Want even less effort? Swap the homemade crust for a pre-made graham cracker crust or even store-bought sugar cookie dough for an ultra-fast version.

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let’s break it down step by step so you can whip up these pecan pie bars with minimal effort.

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper (trust me, this makes cleanup a breeze).

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. In a bowl, mix melted butter, flour, and ¼ cup sugar until it looks like soft cookie dough.
2. Press the dough firmly into the bottom of your baking pan.
3. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.

“Tip: Press the crust down with the back of a spoon to make sure it’s even. A firm crust = no crumbling later!”

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and maple syrup until smooth.
2. Stir in the chopped pecans and salt.

💡 Lazy Girl Shortcut: Hate chopping pecans? Buy pre-chopped pecans or just give whole pecans a quick crush in a ziplock bag with a rolling pin.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

1. Pour the pecan filling over the warm crust.
2. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
3. Let it cool completely before slicing.

⏳ Patience is key! If you cut them too soon, they’ll be too gooey. Let them chill for at least an hour for perfect bars.

“These bars taste even better the next day—if you can resist eating them all right away!”

Why This Recipe Works

✔ Pre-baking the crust keeps it crisp and prevents sogginess.
✔ Maple syrup (or corn syrup) gives the filling that classic pecan pie chewiness.
✔ Chilling before cutting ensures clean, even slices instead of a messy crumble.

And the best part? No pie crust rolling, no blind baking, no stress!

Pecan Pie Bars with Graham Cracker Crust

Want to skip the flour crust and make things even easier? A graham cracker crust is your best bet! It adds a delicious, crunchy base with a hint of honey sweetness—plus, it’s ridiculously simple to make.

Easy Graham Cracker Crust Recipe

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until the crumbs are evenly coated.
2. Press firmly into the bottom of your lined baking pan.
3. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, then proceed with the pecan pie filling.

“Graham cracker crust makes these bars taste like a mix between pecan pie and a crunchy cookie—so good!”

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Can’t decide between cheesecake and pecan pie? Why not have both? These pecan pie cheesecake bars combine a creamy cheesecake layer with a gooey pecan topping for pure dessert heaven.

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Crust: Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar, then press into a baking pan. Bake at 350°F for 8 minutes.
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the cooled crust.
3. Make the Pecan Layer: Whisk brown sugar, syrup, egg, vanilla, and pecans. Pour over the cheesecake layer.
4. Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes, then chill before slicing.

“These bars are basically two desserts in one—rich, creamy cheesecake with a crunchy pecan topping!”

Common Baking Problems & Solutions

Even easy recipes can go wrong sometimes. If your pecan pie bars aren’t turning out quite right, here’s how to fix them!

Problem 1: My Pecan Pie Bars Are Too Runny

What went wrong?

• Didn’t bake long enough
• Too much liquid in the filling
• Didn’t cool properly

How to fix it:
✔ Bake for 5-10 extra minutes until the center is set.
✔ Chill bars completely before cutting—they firm up as they cool!

Problem 2: My Crust Is Too Soggy

What went wrong?

• Didn’t pre-bake the crust
• Filling soaked in too much

How to fix it:
✔ Always pre-bake the crust for at least 10 minutes before adding the filling.
✔ Let the crust cool slightly before pouring in the pecan mixture.

Problem 3: My Bars Are Too Hard

What went wrong?

• Overbaked the pecan topping
• Too much sugar in the filling

How to fix it:
✔ Bake just until set, not until dry.
✔ Use a mix of brown sugar + maple syrup for a softer texture.

“Remember, pecan pie bars firm up as they cool—don’t overbake them, or you’ll end up with pecan bricks!”

How to Store & Freeze Pecan Pie Bars

So, you’ve baked up a batch of gooey, buttery pecan pie bars—but what if you have leftovers? (Or, let’s be real, you’re making extra on purpose. 😉)

How to Store Pecan Pie Bars

If you plan to eat them within a few days, here’s what to do:

✔ At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days (only if unfrosted).
✔ In the Fridge: Since these bars have an egg-based filling, refrigeration is best. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.
✔ Layer with Parchment Paper: If stacking bars, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

“Pro Tip: Let refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before eating—they taste better when slightly softened!”

How to Freeze Pecan Pie Bars

Want to save some for later? Freezing is the way to go!

✔ Unfrosted Bars: Wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
✔ Frosted Bars: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
✔ To Reheat: Thaw in the fridge overnight or warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

“These bars actually taste even better the next day! The flavors settle and become richer after chilling overnight.”

Nutritional Facts

Wondering how indulgent these bars are? Here’s a rough estimate per one medium-sized bar (without extra toppings):

👉 Adding cream cheese or chocolate? Expect about 40-50 extra calories per bar!

“Dessert is all about balance—so enjoy your pecan pie bars guilt-free!” 😉

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these pecan pie bars without eggs?

Yes! Replace each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, mixed and rested for 5 minutes).

2. How do I know when my pecan pie bars are done baking?

The edges should be set and slightly crisp, but the center will have a slight jiggle—it will firm up as it cools!

3. Can I use a different type of crust?

Absolutely! Try:
✔ Oreo crust for a chocolatey twist.
✔ Shortbread crust for a buttery, cookie-like base.
✔ Store-bought pie crust if you want to skip homemade crust altogether.

4. Can I make these without corn syrup?

Yes! Substitute with maple syrup or honey for a more natural option. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will be amazing!

Final Thoughts: Time to Bake! 🎉

And that’s a wrap! You now have everything you need to make the most delicious, effortless Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars ever. Whether you’re going for the classic version, a cheesecake twist, or a graham cracker crust upgrade, these bars are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

So, what are you waiting for? Go whip up a batch and enjoy every buttery, caramelized, pecan-filled bite! 🍂🍪

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