Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars: The Easiest Holiday Dessert

Whether you’re looking for holiday dessert recipes easy enough for beginners or want to add a crowd-pleaser to your table, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive into why these pecan pie bars easy are a must-try!

Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Bars

1. No-Fuss Preparation: Unlike a traditional pecan pie, there’s no rolling out dough or worrying about a perfect crust. These pie bars recipe are made with a simple press-in shortbread crust that’s both foolproof and delicious.
2. Classic Flavor, Modern Twist: With all the rich, buttery, caramel-like flavors of a classic pecan pie, these bars deliver in a convenient, handheld form.
3. Perfect for Sharing: These bars are great for potlucks, cookie exchanges, or any holiday gathering. They’re easier to serve and eat than a pie, making them a favorite among guests.
4. Quick and Easy: As one of the easiest dessert recipes you’ll ever make, these bars are ready in under an hour, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities.

Recipe: Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Ingredients:

This recipe makes about 16 bars.

For the Crust:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt

For the Pecan Filling:

• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup light corn syrup (or maple syrup for a richer flavor)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup whole pecans, for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and salt. Stir until a soft dough forms.
   • Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to create the crust. Use your fingers or the back of a measuring cup to smooth it out.
   • Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Pecan Filling:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
   • Stir in the chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
3. Assemble the Bars:
   • Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
   • If desired, arrange whole pecans on top for a decorative finish.
4. Bake:
   • Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed. It should still have a slight jiggle in the center but will firm up as it cools.
5. Cool and Slice:
   • Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang.
   • Slice into squares or rectangles and serve.

Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Bars

1. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the bars while baking. Overbaking can cause the filling to harden too much and lose its gooey texture.
2. Customize the Sweetness: For a slightly less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar to 3/4 cup or substitute half with coconut sugar.
3. Make Ahead: These bars are great for prepping in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
4. Freeze for Later: Pecan pie bars freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for the Holidays

When you’re juggling a busy holiday schedule, this pecan bars recipe is a lifesaver. Not only are these bars incredibly easy to make, but they also look impressive on any dessert table. Plus, they bring all the nostalgic flavors of the best pecan pie with none of the hassle.

If you’re looking for easy holiday dessert ideas that will leave a lasting impression, these pecan pie bars recipe are the answer. Their buttery crust and caramelized pecan topping are guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends alike.

Variations and Additions

• Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the filling for a rich, indulgent twist.
• Salted Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle a little salted caramel sauce over the top for an extra decadent touch.
• Nut-Free Option: Substitute pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the crust to make this recipe gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

These lazy girl pecan pie bars pair beautifully with:

• A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• A sprinkle of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness.
• A hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy dessert moment.

Final Thoughts

These lazy girl pecan pie bars prove that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to make a dessert that’s rich, satisfying, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re whipping up treats for a holiday gathering or just want to indulge in the flavors of pecan pie easy, this recipe is your go-to. The buttery crust, gooey filling, and crunchy pecan topping make each bite a little slice of heaven.

So grab your ingredients and prepare to impress with this easiest dessert recipe that’s bound to become a holiday tradition!