Golden, gooey, and gloriously nutty—these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars taste like all the best parts of a pecan pie without the fuss. Think buttery shortbread crust layered with rich, sticky caramel and toasted pecans, all packed into a handheld square. These bars are sweet, indulgent, and unbelievably simple to throw together.

Perfect for potlucks, fall holidays, or when that pecan pie craving hits but you don’t feel like rolling out dough, this recipe will save you time and energy without sacrificing any flavor. It’s all the joy of pecan pie, minus the pie plate—because sometimes shortcuts are just smart baking.

Why You’ll Love This Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Effortless Elegance: These bars look like you spent hours in the kitchen, but they come together with minimal effort.
No Pie Crust Required: A simple shortbread base replaces traditional pastry, saving time and frustration.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake them the night before an event; they slice better when fully cooled.
Perfect Texture Combo: Buttery crunch from the base, sticky-sweet filling, and that irresistible pecan crunch on top.
Crowd Pleaser: Great for holiday parties, bake sales, or cozy weekends in.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Tools & Equipment You Need:

9×13-inch Baking Pan: Essential for even baking and layering.
Parchment Paper: Helps with easy lifting and clean slicing.
Mixing Bowls (2): One for the crust, one for the filling.
Electric Mixer or Whisk: For creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy.
Spatula: For spreading the layers evenly.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy matters, especially for the gooey filling.
Saucepan (optional): If you’re melting butter or warming ingredients gently.

Ingredients for the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Unsalted Butter: Forms the rich, crumbly base of the shortbread crust and adds depth to the filling.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the crust and balances the richness of the filling.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the crust layer.
Light Corn Syrup: The secret to that sticky-sweet pecan pie texture and shine.
Brown Sugar: Adds caramel depth and molasses warmth to the filling.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of warmth.
Eggs: Essential for setting the filling to a luscious, sliceable consistency.
Chopped Pecans: The star of the show—toasty, buttery crunch in every bite.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and round out the flavors.

How To Make the Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Make the Shortbread Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the flour and a pinch of salt until a soft dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes until just golden. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Gooey Pecan Filling

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and fully combined. Stir in the chopped pecans, ensuring they’re well-coated.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the pecan filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set but still a bit wobbly. It will continue to set as it cools.

Step 4: Cool and Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan. For best results, refrigerate for an hour before slicing into neat squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Serving and Storing Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

These bars are best served cool or at room temperature, when the filling has had time to firm up just enough to hold its shape while still delivering that signature gooey bite. They’re a natural match for holiday dessert spreads but feel just as right with a morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To freeze, wrap bars individually in parchment and place them in a sealed freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight for a ready-to-go treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?

Yes, but keep in mind it will add a deeper molasses flavor and a slightly darker color. Light corn syrup keeps the flavor more classic and sweet.

Do I have to toast the pecans first?

Toasting is optional but highly recommended. It brings out the natural oils and enhances the nutty flavor. Just a quick 5-7 minutes in the oven at 350°F will do the trick.

How do I know when the filling is set?

The edges will be firm and the center will jiggle slightly—like a cheesecake. It will fully set as it cools.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, they slice better and taste even richer the next day.

What if I don’t have parchment paper?

You can grease the pan generously, but parchment makes cleanup and slicing much easier. It’s worth it if you have it.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Sure! Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chips for a chocolatey twist. They melt into the filling beautifully.

Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If you’re loving the ease and indulgence of these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars, here are more deliciously simple bars and sweet bites to keep your cravings satisfied:

Try the Quick and Simple Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars for a chewy, nutty treat with chocolate swirls.
These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups are perfect when you want something rich and individually portioned.
For a fruitier fix, the Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake brings layered sweetness with almost no effort.
Enjoy a retro twist with the Brownie Refrigerator Cake — cold, chocolatey, and ultra-satisfying.
Or savor the cozy comfort of Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread for a sliceable dessert alternative.