Quick Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Quick Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars offer all the rich, nutty flavor of classic pecan pie in an easy-to-make bar form. Perfect for when you want a delicious dessert without the fuss of making traditional pie dough. Ready in under an hour, they’re a wonderful treat to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• Optional: a sprinkle of sea salt for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and softened butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press this evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
3. Step 3: Bake the crust for 15 minutes until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
4. Step 4: In another bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and baking powder. Stir in the chopped pecans to combine.
5. Step 5: Pour the pecan filling over the baked crust, spreading evenly. Sprinkle a touch of sea salt on top if desired for an added flavor contrast.
6. Step 6: Bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is set. Let the bars cool completely before slicing into squares.

Tips & Variations

• Use toasted pecans for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
• Add a tablespoon of bourbon or maple syrup to the filling for a unique twist.
• Try replacing pecans with walnuts or mixed nuts based on preference.

Storage

Store pecan pie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm individually in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy them chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty result.

How can I tell when the filling is fully set?

The filling should no longer be jiggly and will have a slightly firm, custard-like texture when done. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.

Quick Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 56 reviews

These Quick Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are a simple and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of pecan pie without the fuss of making a full pie. With a buttery, crumbly crust and a rich, gooey pecan filling, these bars are perfect for an easy dessert or sweet snack, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet touch.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Filling

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Optional

• A sprinkle of sea salt for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
2. Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and softened unsalted butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust layer.
3. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until it turns lightly golden. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before adding the filling.
4. Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, packed brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and baking powder until fully combined. Then fold in the chopped pecans evenly into the mixture.
5. Assemble and Add Topping: Pour the pecan filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. For an enhanced flavor, sprinkle a small amount of sea salt over the top of the filling.
6. Bake the Bars: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the filling is set and slightly golden on top.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the pecan pie bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares to serve.

Notes

• Make sure the butter for the crust is softened but not melted for best crumbly texture.
• Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling.
• Sprinkling sea salt on top enhances the sweet and nutty flavor balance.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: pecan pie bars, quick pecan dessert, easy pie bars, pecan dessert, baked bars, holiday dessert