Pecan pie is a classic Southern dessert that has won hearts for its rich, buttery crust and gooey, caramel-like filling packed with crunchy pecans. But let’s face it: making a traditional pecan pie can be a bit time-consuming. Between the homemade crust, the filling preparation, and baking, it’s easy to feel daunted by the process—especially if you’re short on time or not in the mood for labor-intensive baking. Enter the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars, an easier, quicker alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor.Jump to Recipe
These bars are exactly what you need when you crave the taste of pecan pie but want a hassle-free version. With the help of some convenient ingredients (like yellow cake mix), you can enjoy all the rich, nutty goodness of pecan pie without the fuss. The best part? You only need 10 minutes of prep time, and the rest of the magic happens in the oven. It’s a delightful combination of a soft, cake-like crust and a chewy, sweet pecan filling that’s perfect for dessert, potlucks, or just a cozy treat at home.
So, if you’re looking for a dessert that delivers the same satisfaction as traditional pecan pie with far less effort, these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are your new go-to recipe. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars
There are countless reasons to love this easy recipe. Whether you’re an experienced baker or someone who’s just starting out in the kitchen, these bars offer the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a favorite:
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- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for those lazy days when you want something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Minimal Ingredients: Thanks to the cake mix shortcut, you only need a handful of pantry staples to whip up these delicious bars.
- Rich and Nutty Flavor: These bars pack all the buttery, caramelized flavors of pecan pie, but in a portable, easy-to-make form.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re making these for a family gathering, holiday party, or just a weekend treat, everyone will love them!
- Customizable: You can tweak this recipe with your favorite ingredients or add extra flavors to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delectable Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars:
- 1 box yellow cake mix: The secret to the perfect, easy crust. A boxed cake mix creates a soft, cake-like base with minimal effort.
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted: This adds richness to the crust and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 3 large eggs: You’ll use one egg for the crust and two for the filling, giving the bars a soft yet set texture.
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans: The star of the show! Pecans add that irresistible crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1 cup light corn syrup: Corn syrup gives the filling that signature sticky-sweet, gooey texture.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds depth of flavor and richness to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A dash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Directions
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of making these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to create such a decadent dessert with minimal effort.
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the bars from the pan after they’ve baked.
Using parchment paper can be especially helpful if you plan to lift the entire batch out of the pan for easy cutting. Simply leave an overhang on the sides of the pan, and when the bars have cooled, you can use the parchment to lift them out in one go.
2. Make the Crust
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and 1 egg. Stir the mixture until it forms a soft dough. The dough should come together easily and have a smooth consistency.
Once the dough is ready, press it evenly into the bottom of the greased baking pan. Use your hands or a spatula to make sure the crust is evenly distributed across the bottom of the pan. The crust doesn’t need to be perfect, but make sure it’s even so it bakes uniformly.
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 10 minutes. This partial bake will help set the crust so it can hold up to the gooey pecan filling later on.
3. Prepare the Pecan Filling
While the crust is baking, you can prepare the pecan filling. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 eggs, light corn syrup, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Next, stir in the chopped pecans. Make sure the pecans are evenly distributed throughout the mixture so that every bite of the bars gets a good amount of nuts. The pecans add that signature crunch, and their buttery flavor pairs perfectly with the sweet filling.
4. Add the Filling and Bake
After the crust has baked for 10 minutes, remove it from the oven. Pour the pecan filling mixture over the partially baked crust, making sure to spread it evenly with a spatula. The filling will look liquidy at this point, but don’t worry—it will set as it bakes.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown. The filling should no longer be jiggly in the center, and the edges should be slightly crisp.
5. Cool and Cut Into Bars
Once the bars are done baking, remove the pan from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. This step is crucial because the filling needs time to firm up before you cut into the bars. If you try to cut them while they’re still warm, the filling may be too soft and messy.
After the bars have cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into squares or rectangles. For clean, even cuts, you can wipe the knife with a damp cloth between slices. These bars are rich, so a small square or rectangle will be satisfying—but if you’re feeling indulgent, go ahead and make them bigger!
Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars
To ensure your Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips and tricks:
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps the filling mix smoothly and evenly. If you forgot to take your eggs out ahead of time, you can quickly warm them up by placing them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
- Don’t Overbake the Bars: Keep an eye on the bars as they bake. You want the filling to be set but not overcooked, as overbaking can make the filling too firm. The center should still be slightly soft when you take the bars out of the oven.
- Let the Bars Cool Completely: Patience is key! Letting the bars cool completely allows the filling to firm up, making them easier to cut and serve.
- Customize Your Bars: Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can add a handful of chocolate chips to the filling for a chocolatey twist or sprinkle a little sea salt on top for a sweet and salty combo.
