Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Introduction:

If you love pecan pie but dread the hassle of rolling out pie dough, these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect solution! With a buttery, flaky crust and a rich, gooey pecan filling, this dessert packs all the flavors of traditional pecan pie into convenient, easy-to-make bars. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or craving something sweet on a weeknight, this simplified recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth in no time.

Overview of the Recipe:

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars feature a simple shortbread crust, topped with a decadent pecan filling. The preparation is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for beginner bakers or anyone short on time. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a batch of sweet, nutty bars ready to impress family and friends.

History and Origin of Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a classic American dessert, most commonly associated with Southern cuisine, particularly in Texas and Louisiana. The pecan nut, native to North America, was a dietary staple for Native Americans long before European settlers arrived. Pecans were introduced into pie recipes by French settlers in New Orleans, but the dessert gained widespread popularity in the 20th century after being promoted by Karo Syrup as a way to use their corn syrup.

Pecan pie bars take this beloved tradition and make it even more accessible by removing the need for pie crust rolling and incorporating a straightforward shortbread base instead.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 sticks butter, cubed and chilled
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the pecan filling:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups pecan halves or pieces
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp of salt. Stir well to ensure even distribution.
3. Add butter: Cut the 2 sticks of chilled butter into small cubes and add them to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture takes on the consistency of coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overmix — you want the butter to stay slightly chunky for a flaky texture.
4. Press the crust into the pan: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Press the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust layer. Make sure it’s well-packed and smooth.
5. Bake the crust: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust turns a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Pecan Filling

1. Whisk the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs, 1 1/2 cups of light corn syrup, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until smooth and well combined.
2. Stir in the pecans: Fold in the 2 cups of pecan halves or pieces into the egg mixture, making sure the nuts are evenly coated in the filling.

Step 3: Assemble the Bars

1. Pour the filling over the crust: Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the pecan filling evenly over the baked crust.
2. Bake again: Return the pan to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggles in the center.
3. Cool the bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the pecan bars to cool completely before slicing into squares or rectangles. Cooling is essential to help the filling set properly.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

1. Slice the bars: Once completely cooled, use a sharp knife to slice the bars into squares or rectangles.
2. Serve: These bars can be served as-is or topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are a versatile dessert that pairs well with a variety of beverages and other treats. For a cozy dessert experience, serve them with:

• Vanilla ice cream: The cold, creamy texture complements the warm, rich pecan filling.
• Whipped cream: A light, airy topping balances the sweetness of the bars.
• Hot beverages: Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate are great accompaniments that contrast with the sweetness of the bars.
• Fruit compote: Add a fruity touch with a spoonful of warm apple or berry compote on the side.

Variations of the Recipe

While this recipe is a classic take on pecan pie bars, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Here are some fun variations:

• Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars: Stir in 1/2 cup of semisweet chocolate chips into the pecan filling for a rich chocolatey twist.
• Maple Pecan Bars: Substitute maple syrup for the corn syrup for a warm, earthy flavor.
• Walnut or Almond Bars: If you’re out of pecans or prefer a different nut, walnuts or almonds work wonderfully as a substitute.
• Coconut Pecan Bars: Mix 1/2 cup of shredded coconut into the filling for an added tropical touch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour in the crust for a gluten-free version of this dessert.

Health Benefits and Notes:

Although Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are a sweet and indulgent treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits, mainly from the pecans. Pecans are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients such as:

• Antioxidants: Pecans contain vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the body from oxidative damage.
• Heart health: Pecans are rich in monounsaturated fats, which can support heart health when eaten in moderation.
• Minerals: Pecans are a good source of important minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, which are vital for bone health and the immune system.

However, it’s important to remember that these bars are still a dessert, so moderation is key to keeping your overall diet balanced.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars in advance?
Yes! These bars are perfect for making ahead of time. You can store them at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. To freeze, wrap the bars individually and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

2. Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts can be used in place of pecans. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly depending on the nut you choose.

3. What can I use instead of corn syrup?
If you prefer to avoid corn syrup, you can substitute maple syrup, honey, or golden syrup. The flavor will be slightly different, but the consistency should remain the same.

4. How do I know when the pecan filling is set?
The pecan filling is set when it no longer jiggles in the center. The edges should be firm, and the center should only move slightly when you gently shake the pan.

5. Can I make a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains a binding agent like xanthan gum for best results.

Conclusion:

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate easy dessert for pecan pie lovers. This recipe takes the classic flavors of pecan pie and simplifies them into a no-fuss bar format. With a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey pecan topping, these bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday, potluck, or a weekend treat. Try out different variations to customize them to your liking, and don’t forget to enjoy them with your favorite topping or beverage.

Enjoy making these delicious bars, and don’t be surprised when they quickly become a household favorite!

Print