Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan pie is a beloved dessert, especially during the holidays. But, let’s face it – sometimes, we want the flavor of pecan pie without the hassle of rolling out dough, waiting for the oven to preheat, or fussing over a complicated recipe. If you’ve been looking for a quick, delicious alternative to traditional pecan pie, the lazy pecan bars are your new best friend. Imagine the rich, buttery filling and crispy pecans you adore, but in an easy-to-make bar form. Sounds like a dream, right?

In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can create lazy pecan bars that are not only simple but also packed with flavor. Get ready for a step-by-step guide to crafting a recipe that’s perfect for both novice bakers and experienced pros looking for a shortcut to a fan-favorite dessert.

Ingredients List

Before you dive into making these lazy pecan bars, let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need. These bars are incredibly easy to whip up with common pantry staples, and there are plenty of options for ingredient substitutions if you need them.

For the Base:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: This creates the soft, crumbly base for your bars.
• ½ cup unsalted butter: For a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• ¼ cup powdered sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust without overwhelming the pecan filling.

For the Pecan Topping:

• 1 ½ cups pecans (chopped or whole, depending on your preference): The star of the show! You can use toasted pecans for an added depth of flavor.
• ¾ cup brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness to the topping.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps bind everything together.
• 2 large eggs: These give the topping structure and a smooth texture.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, aromatic flavor.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.

Substitutions:

• If you’re looking for a healthier twist, try swapping out the butter for coconut oil or olive oil. The texture may differ slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.
• You can replace the brown sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
• For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Timing

One of the best things about these lazy pecan bars is how quick and easy they are to make. Let’s break down the timing:

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Baking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

That’s 45 minutes in total – nearly 20% less time than your typical pecan pie, and just as delicious! So, whether you’re rushing to prepare dessert for a last-minute gathering or just want a quick treat for yourself, these bars are a perfect option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to dive into creating these simple and tasty lazy pecan bars? Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. To make the crust:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly.
2. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon to press it down firmly.
3. Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside while you prepare the pecan topping.

Step 2: Make the Pecan Topping

While the crust is cooling slightly, prepare the topping:

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add the brown sugar and stir until the sugar has dissolved, creating a syrup-like consistency.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and salt. Mix well until smooth.
4. Finally, fold in the chopped pecans.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the pecan topping mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

1. Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is set and golden brown.
2. Let the bars cool in the pan before cutting into squares.

Your lazy pecan bars are now ready to enjoy!

Nutritional Information

While these lazy pecan bars are undeniably delicious, let’s break down their nutritional content so you can enjoy them mindfully.

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional breakdown for one serving (1 bar, assuming 12 bars per batch):

• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 25g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 3g

Pecan bars are a rich dessert, but with the right serving size, they can be enjoyed as an occasional treat. Plus, pecans are a great source of healthy fats and protein, making them a better alternative to many other sugary desserts.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking for ways to make your lazy pecan bars a bit lighter or cater to different dietary preferences, here are some ideas:

1. Swap the Butter for Coconut Oil:

Using coconut oil in place of butter is an excellent way to reduce the dairy content of your bars, making them suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.

2. Use Almond Flour for a Gluten-Free Version:

Substituting almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend is a great way to make this recipe suitable for those on a gluten-free diet. You may need to adjust the quantity of flour, so keep an eye on the consistency of the dough.

3. Reduce Sugar:

Cutting down on sugar is always an option. Try using a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener, or reduce the amount of brown sugar to make it a little lighter while still retaining the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

While lazy pecan bars are delicious on their own, you can elevate the experience with a few creative serving ideas:

• Top with whipped cream: Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream or whipped coconut cream for an extra indulgence.
• Serve with vanilla ice cream: The warm, gooey bars paired with cold, creamy ice cream create the perfect contrast in texture and temperature.
• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce: For an even more decadent experience, drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top.
• Pair with coffee or tea: These bars make a fantastic accompaniment to a warm cup of coffee, chai, or herbal tea. The flavors complement each other beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making lazy pecan bars is a breeze, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

1. Overmixing the crust: If you overwork the crust, it can become tough instead of crumbly. Make sure to stop mixing once the butter is fully incorporated.
2. Not letting the crust cool enough: If you pour the pecan topping onto a hot crust, it can cause the filling to spread unevenly. Let it cool for a few minutes before adding the topping.
3. Not baking the bars long enough: If you underbake the pecan topping, the texture may be too runny. Make sure to bake until the topping is firm and golden.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Once your lazy pecan bars are made, you’ll want to keep them fresh. Here’s how:

• Room temperature: Store your bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezing: For even longer storage, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

Making lazy pecan bars is a quick and easy way to enjoy the rich flavor of pecan pie without all the fuss. With just a few simple ingredients and less than an hour of your time, you can create a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them at a family gathering, a holiday party, or just as a treat for yourself, these bars will surely be a hit.

Ready to try them out? Leave a comment below and let us know how your lazy pecan bars turned out. Don’t forget to subscribe for more easy and delicious recipes!

FAQs

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These bars store well in the fridge and can be made a day or two in advance.

Q: Can I use other nuts?
A: Yes, you can swap pecans for walnuts or even almonds for a different flavor.

Q: Can I make these bars vegan?
A: Yes! Use a plant-based butter and a flax egg as a substitute for regular eggs.

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