Hey y'all! If you’re craving that classic, gooey pecan pie flavor but don’t want to fuss with a homemade crust, these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars with Gooey Filling are about to become your new best friend. With a buttery shortbread base and that signature sticky, nutty topping, these bars are effortless to make and guaranteed to wow at any holiday, potluck, or late-night snack attack. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars with Gooey Filling Recipe
- Ridiculously easy—no rolling pins or pie dough required!
- Gooey, buttery filling with perfectly crunchy pecans in every bite.
- Quick prep and bake time mean you can satisfy your craving fast.
- Perfect for parties, bake sales, or a cozy family dessert.
- Freezes beautifully for a make-ahead treat.
Ingredients for Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars with Gooey Filling
- For the crust:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- For the gooey pecan filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) light corn syrup
- 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon (28g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (200g) chopped pecans
Directions: How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars with Gooey Filling
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, flour, sugar, and salt until a crumbly dough forms. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until just lightly golden.
Step 3: Prepare Gooey Pecan Filling
While the crust bakes, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
Pour the gooey pecan filling over the hot crust. Spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set but still jiggles slightly. The top should look caramelized and delicious.
Step 5: Cool & Slice
Let bars cool completely in the pan—about 2 hours—then lift out, slice, and enjoy!
Notes for Perfect Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars with Gooey Filling
- For ultra-clean slices, chill the bars in the fridge for 1 hour after cooling, then use a sharp knife. Check King Arthur Baking's tips for neat bar cutting.
- Swap in dark corn syrup for a deeper flavor if you prefer.
- Lightly toast pecans before adding for extra richness—learn how at Serious Eats.
Variations for Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars with Gooey Filling
- Chocolate Chip: Sprinkle ½ cup mini chocolate chips over the crust before adding filling.
- Maple Pecan: Replace half of the corn syrup with ½ cup pure maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
Required Equipment for Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars with Gooey Filling
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars with Gooey Filling
Store bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze well-wrapped bars for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
- Pair with hot coffee or a glass of bourbon for a Southern-inspired treat.
- Cut into small squares for a sweet addition to your holiday dessert platter.
Pro Tips for Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars with Gooey Filling
- Don’t overbake—look for a slight jiggle in the center for that perfect gooey texture. For more baking science, read Cooks Illustrated’s guide on "just set".
- Use high-quality pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Let bars cool completely before slicing—this ensures the filling sets and doesn’t ooze out.
FAQ: Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars with Gooey Filling
- Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?
- Absolutely! Walnuts or chopped almonds work well, though the flavor will change slightly.
- How do I know when the filling is set?
- The center should wobble just a bit when gently shaken but not look liquid. It’ll firm up as it cools.
- Can I make these bars ahead?
- Yes! They actually taste better the next day—store them covered at room temperature or in the fridge.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
50 minutes (20 minutes for crust + 30-35 minutes for filling)
Total Time:
About 1 hour 5 minutes plus cooling
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-
1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
-
2In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix until a crumbly dough forms. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
-
3Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
-
4While the crust bakes, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Stir in the chopped pecans.
-
5Pour the pecan mixture over the hot crust. Return to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly gooey in the center.
-
6Allow bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into squares.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!