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Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars: Decadent Dessert, Minimal Effort
Craving the rich, nutty sweetness of pecan pie but dreading the fuss of making a traditional pie crust? You’re not alone! Many of us love the taste of pecan pie but shy away from the time and effort involved. That’s where these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars come in. They offer all the deliciousness of pecan pie with a fraction of the work. We’re talking a simple, buttery crust and a gooey, pecan-studded filling that will have everyone begging for seconds. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you need a show-stopping dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why These Pecan Pie Bars Are a Game Changer
Traditional pecan pie, while undeniably delicious, can be intimidating. Making a pie crust from scratch requires patience and a bit of skill. Plus, getting the filling just right can be tricky. These pecan pie bars eliminate all those potential pitfalls. Instead of a traditional pie crust, we use a simple shortbread-like base that comes together in minutes. The filling is equally easy, requiring just a few pantry staples and minimal stirring. The result? A decadent, satisfying dessert that’s practically foolproof.
Think of these bars as the ultimate shortcut to pecan pie bliss. They’re also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with different extracts, spices, or even a drizzle of chocolate. Plus, they’re perfect for cutting into squares and serving at parties or gatherings. So, ditch the stress of making a traditional pie and embrace the ease and deliciousness of these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars.
The Secret to the Perfect Pecan Pie Bar
While this recipe is incredibly simple, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure your pecan pie bars turn out perfectly every time.
- Don’t Overbake the Crust: The crust should be lightly golden brown, not dark brown. Overbaking will result in a dry, crumbly crust.
- Use Good Quality Pecans: The quality of your pecans will greatly impact the flavor of the bars. Look for fresh, flavorful pecans.
- Let the Bars Cool Completely: This is crucial for the filling to set properly. If you cut the bars while they’re still warm, the filling will be runny.
- Adjust Sweetness to Your Liking: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
Variations and Customization
One of the best things about these pecan pie bars is how easily they can be customized to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet) to the filling. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled bars.
- Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars: Add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling for a warm, boozy flavor.
- Spiced Pecan Pie Bars: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of cloves to the filling for a festive, spiced flavor.
- Maple Pecan Pie Bars: Substitute maple syrup for some of the corn syrup in the filling for a richer, more complex flavor.
- Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the cooled bars for a sweet and salty treat.
Example: Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
To make chocolate pecan pie bars, simply follow the recipe below and add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the pecan filling before pouring it over the crust. Bake as directed. The chocolate adds a rich, decadent layer that complements the nutty flavor of the pecans perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a few simple accompaniments.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to the rich, nutty flavor of the bars.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy touch.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and adds a touch of elegance.
- Coffee or Tea: These bars are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.
Storage Tips
Pecan pie bars are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Troubleshooting
Even with a simple recipe like this, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:
- Crust is Too Dry: Make sure you’re not overbaking the crust. Also, ensure you’re using the correct amount of butter.
- Filling is Too Runny: Make sure you’re baking the bars long enough for the filling to set. Also, be sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting them.
- Pecans are Burnt: Keep an eye on the bars while they’re baking and cover them loosely with foil if the pecans start to brown too quickly.
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Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe
Ingredients:
- Crust:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Filling:
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Directions:
- Preheat: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Crust: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- Filling: While the crust is baking, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Stir in the pecan halves.
- Pour Filling: Pour the pecan filling evenly over the baked crust.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown.
- Cool: Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Conclusion
These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the perfect solution for anyone craving the taste of pecan pie without the hassle of making a traditional pie. With a simple crust and a gooey, pecan-studded filling, these bars are sure to be a hit. So, go ahead and give them a try – you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy the deliciousness and the time you saved!
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