Imagine sinking your teeth into a decadent dessert that captures all the rich, gooey goodness of pecan pie without the hassle of making a complicated crust. These Lazy Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate shortcut to dessert heaven, promising maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro looking for a quick treat, this recipe will become your new go-to dessert that'll have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and brown sugar. Mix until creamy and well-blended using an electric mixer or by hand.
- Add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until a crumbly dough forms that resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a uniform base layer. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to compact the crust.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the crust layer, creating a consistent nut distribution.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Carefully pour the egg and corn syrup mixture over the pecan-covered crust, ensuring an even coverage.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour. This allows the bars to set properly.
- Once cooled, cut into 12 equal bars using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, wipe the knife between each slice.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly warm. Optional: dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream.
Tips
- Make sure your butter is truly softened, but not melted, for the perfect crust texture.
- Use fresh pecans for the best flavor and crunch - avoid stale nuts.
- Don't overbake! The center should still have a slight jiggle when you remove it from the oven.
- For clean, neat cuts, let the bars cool completely and use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices.
- For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel over the cooled bars.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For best texture, let refrigerated bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
