How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the cake mix and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and crumbly. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish to form the crust. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Pecan Pie Filling
While the crust is baking, prepare the pecan pie filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Add the Pecans
Once the crust has baked for 10 minutes, sprinkle the chopped pecans (or whole halves) evenly over the crust. Then, pour the pecan pie filling over the top, making sure the pecans are well covered.
Step 4: Bake the Bars
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown. You can check if it's done by gently tapping the pan—if the filling doesn’t jiggle too much, it’s ready. The edges will be slightly firm, while the center should still be a little soft but not runny.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut them into squares or bars. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars
- Chop the pecans: If you prefer smaller pieces of pecans in each bite, chop them into smaller pieces. Whole halves make for a beautiful presentation, but chopped pecans spread more evenly throughout the bars.
- Store leftovers: These bars store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for longer freshness.
- Make ahead: You can prepare these bars a day or two in advance, making them perfect for busy holiday baking or last-minute parties.
- Add a twist: For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced touch.
Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Bars
- Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients and no complicated steps, these bars are a breeze to prepare.
- Quick baking time: Unlike traditional pecan pie, there’s no long bake time—these bars are ready in about 45 minutes!
- Crowd-pleaser: The sweet, nutty filling and buttery crust make these bars a hit at any gathering, from holidays to casual get-togethers.
- No fuss: No need to worry about rolling out dough or blind baking—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
