These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the ultimate shortcut dessert for busy bakers. With a buttery cake mix crust and a gooey pecan pie topping, they deliver all the flavors of traditional pecan pie without the hassle of making a crust from scratch.
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you need a quick crowd-pleasing dessert, these bars are chewy, nutty, and irresistibly sweet. Slice them into squares and serve at potlucks, family dinners, or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Filling:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped pecans
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment.
Step 2: Make the Crust
- In a bowl, mix cake mix, melted butter, and egg until crumbly. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
- In another bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans.
Step 4: Assemble
- Pour filling evenly over crust. Spread with a spatula so pecans are distributed.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until filling is set and golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
- Cool completely before cutting into bars for clean slices.
Variation
- Chocolate Pecan Bars: Stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the filling.
- Bourbon Twist: Add 1–2 tbsp bourbon to the filling for Southern flair.
- Coconut Pecan Bars: Mix 1/2 cup shredded coconut with the pecans.
- Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with walnuts or omit nuts.
Cooking Notes
- The filling should still jiggle slightly when removed from the oven—it will firm up as it cools.
- For easier cleanup, line pan with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for neater slices.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve plain or dust with powdered sugar.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Perfect for dessert tables and holiday trays.
Tips
- Toast pecans before adding for richer flavor.
- Cut into small squares—they’re rich and sweet!
- Store in fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: ~50 minutes
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx. 16 bars)
- Calories: 340
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars ahead of time?
- Yes, bake the day before and store in the fridge until serving.
Q2: Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?
- Yes, dark corn syrup gives a richer flavor.
Q3: Can I freeze these bars?
- Yes, freeze cooled bars tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
Q4: Do I have to use cake mix?
- No, but cake mix makes it quick. A homemade shortbread crust works too.
Q5: How do I keep them from sticking to the pan?
- Use parchment paper or grease generously with butter.
Conclusion
These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect solution for when you need a quick, easy, and delicious dessert. With their gooey filling and buttery crust, they bring all the flavor of pecan pie in a simple bar form. Ideal for holidays, potlucks, or last-minute gatherings, these bars will quickly become one of your go-to Southern desserts.