Lazy Pecan Pie Bars
Prep time: | 10 minutes + cooling |
Cook time: | 50 minutes |
Total time: | about an hour + cooling |
Servings: | 15 bars |
Cuisine: | Desserts |
Lazy Pecan Pie Bars are a simplified twist on the classic pecan pie, offering the same rich, buttery, and nutty flavors in an easy-to-make bar format. These bars are designed for convenience, combining a shortbread crust with a gooey pecan filling, perfect for those who love traditional pecan pie but prefer a hassle-free recipe. Their portable nature makes them a popular choice for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or weekend treats. The beauty of Lazy Pecan Pie Bars lies in their versatility. The shortbread crust is light yet crisp, serving as the perfect base for the sweet filling, which typically consists of eggs, sugar, corn syrup, and crunchy pecans. Unlike traditional pie, these bars require minimal preparation and baking time, making them ideal for busy bakers. Additionally, the recipe is easy to customize—whether by adding chocolate chips, substituting maple syrup for corn syrup, or experimenting with different types of nuts. These bars are also convenient for storage and travel, keeping well at room temperature or refrigerated for up to a week. With their irresistible combination of flavors and textures, Lazy Pecan Pie Bars are destined to become a favorite dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling:
3 large eggs
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, flour, granulated sugar, and salt until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes:
– Ease of Preparation: The recipe is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any special equipment. Pre-baking the shortbread crust ensures it stays crisp beneath the gooey filling.
– Customization Options: These bars are highly adaptable. For example, chocolate chips can be added for a richer taste, or maple syrup can replace corn syrup for an autumnal twist. Gluten-free and keto-friendly variations are also easy to create by swapping ingredients.
– Storage and Serving: Lazy Pecan Pie Bars store well, making them ideal for make-ahead desserts. They can be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for several months. Their handheld nature makes them convenient for parties and potlucks.
– Troubleshooting Tips: To ensure the filling sets properly, bake until the center has a slight jiggle but isn’t runny. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to maintain clean edges. Lining the pan with parchment paper simplifies removal and slicing.
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