Introduction in Alex Guarnaschelli’s Writing Style:

Kitchies! Picture this: It’s the holiday season, and you’re craving the rich, buttery goodness of pecan pie, but let’s be honest—you don’t have time to roll out a pie crust, mix up a complicated filling, and babysit it in the oven. That’s where these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars come in.

Think all the deep, nutty, caramelized flavors of a classic pecan pie, but in an easy, no-fuss bar that you can whip up in no time. A buttery shortbread crust holds up a sweet, gooey, pecan-filled layer that’s rich but not overly heavy. And the best part? No rolling, no chilling, and no stress—just mix, bake, and slice!

These bars are the perfect shortcut dessert for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or just when you need a quick and indulgent treat. If you’re a pecan pie lover, this recipe will be your new best friend.

Resume of the Recipe in Todd Wilbur’s Writing Style:

If you love pecan pie but hate the work, these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are the answer. They have all the sweet, buttery, nutty goodness of the classic dessert, but in a simple, handheld form. The crust is a rich, buttery shortbread, and the filling is a caramelized pecan dream—gooey, crunchy, and perfectly balanced.

No pie dough? No problem! These bars come together in minutes and bake up beautifully without the hassle. One bowl, one pan, and zero stress. You’ll want to make them again and again!

Exciting Story:

Every Thanksgiving, my family begs for pecan pie, but I hate dealing with the pie crust. One year, after an exhausting holiday meal prep, I had zero energy left but still wanted to give my family their pecan fix. So, I ditched the crust, threw together a buttery shortbread base, and topped it with my favorite pecan pie filling. The result? Absolute magic.

My husband took one bite, looked at me with wide eyes, and said, “You’re making these every year, right?” Now, these bars are a non-negotiable part of our holiday dessert table, and honestly? I don’t miss the pie one bit.

Why These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Are a Must-Try

Selling Points:

✔ All the flavors of pecan pie in an easy bar form!
✔ No rolling or chilling pie dough—just mix & bake
✔ Buttery shortbread crust = melt-in-your-mouth perfection
✔ Gooey, caramelized, crunchy pecan filling
✔ One bowl, one pan, and less than an hour from start to finish

Cuisine: American, Dessert

Tips for the Perfect Pecan Pie Bars

Press the shortbread crust firmly to avoid crumbling.
Use high-quality pecans for the best flavor.
Let the bars cool completely before cutting—this helps them firm up.
Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch!
For extra crunch, use a mix of chopped and whole pecans.

Substitutions and Variations:

Swap honey for maple syrup for a richer, deeper flavor.
Use dark brown sugar for a more caramel-like taste.
Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.
Want extra crunch? Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips or shredded coconut.
Make them boozy! Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the filling.

Make a Healthier Version:

Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a refined sugar-free option.
Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce to cut fat.
Use whole wheat flour for a fiber boost.
Swap out half the pecans for oats to reduce calories.

Closing in Todd Wilbur’s Style:

And there you have it—Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars that deliver all the gooey, nutty goodness of pecan pie without the hassle. They’re quick, easy, and ridiculously delicious. Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or just because you need a treat.

Try them once, and you’ll never go back to traditional pecan pie again!

Love this recipe? Check out more of our easy dessert bar recipes!

Relevant Categories:

Desserts
Holiday Baking
Easy Bar Recipes
No-Fuss Treats

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! They stay fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature or a week in the fridge.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp before serving.
What if I don’t have honey?
You can use maple syrup or light corn syrup instead.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the shortbread crust.
Why did my filling come out too runny?
Make sure you bake until the filling is set, and let the bars cool completely before slicing.
Can I add chocolate?
Yes! Stir ½ cup mini chocolate chips into the filling or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
What’s the best way to cut them cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.