These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect shortcut for when you want all the deliciousness of pecan pie without the hassle of rolling out dough or fussing over a crust. With just a few pantry staples and minimal effort, these bars deliver rich caramelized pecans, gooey filling, and a buttery shortbread-like base that’s simply irresistible. No one will guess how easy they were to make!
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- A pinch of salt
For the Filling
- 1 (12 oz) can prepared pie filling (pecan pie filling works best)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (plus extra whole pecans for topping, if desired)
Optional Toppings
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, melted butter, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, forming a compact layer.
Step 3: Add the Filling
- Spread the pecan pie filling evenly over the crust. Use the back of a spoon to smooth it out.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans generously over the top of the filling. If desired, press a few whole pecans into the surface for added flair.
Step 4: Bake
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the filling is set.
- Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing. This ensures they hold together nicely.
Step 5: Serve
- Once cooled, slice the bars into squares or rectangles. Dust with powdered sugar, serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, and enjoy every bite!
