Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars – All the Classic Thanksgiving Flavor Without the Fuss!

Let’s face it: Thanksgiving can be overwhelming. Between roasting a turkey, whipping up mashed potatoes, baking pies, and entertaining guests, it’s easy to feel more stressed than thankful. Whether you’re hosting a full house or planning a cozy celebration, finding recipes that deliver on flavor without draining your time and energy is key.

Enter these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars—a genius twist on the traditional pecan pie that comes together with fewer steps, less cleanup, and the same rich, gooey, nutty flavor we all crave during the holidays.

Why You’ll Love These Pecan Pie Bars

No homemade crust required – We’re using refrigerated pie crusts to save time without sacrificing that buttery, flaky texture.
Same flavor, less work – Everything you love about classic pecan pie, but in bar form.
Perfect for serving a crowd – Easy to cut and serve at potlucks, Friendsgiving, or holiday dessert tables.
Freezer-friendly – Make them ahead, freeze, and enjoy later!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes these bars taste like the real deal with half the effort:

1 package (16 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (usually comes with 2 crusts)
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups pecan halves
¼ teaspoon salt

Pro Tip: You can use chopped pecans if you prefer a more even texture, but the halves add that beautiful, classic pecan pie look.

How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaner edges.

Step 2: Prep the Pie Crust

Roll out both refrigerated pie crusts. Press them into the bottom of your greased baking dish to form a single even layer. Press gently to seal any seams and ensure the crust covers the bottom completely. It doesn’t need to go up the sides—this is a bar, not a traditional pie.

Step 3: Make the Pecan Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together:

corn syrup
brown sugar
melted butter
eggs
vanilla extract
salt

Mix until smooth and well combined. Fold in the pecan halves until they’re evenly coated in that glossy, sweet filling.

Step 4: Assemble

Pour the pecan mixture over the prepared pie crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

Step 5: Bake

Place in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling is set in the center and the top is golden brown. If the edges brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil halfway through baking.

Step 6: Cool & Slice

Let the bars cool completely in the pan—this is crucial for clean slicing. Once cool, cut into squares or rectangles and serve!

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour (important!)
Total Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes

Pro Tips for Success

Let them cool completely before slicing! If you try to cut them while warm, the filling will be too soft.
Use parchment paper if you want to lift the whole tray out and slice neatly.
Make them ahead! These bars keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days, and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Variations & Substitutions

Add chocolate chips for a rich, sweet twist.
Swap maple syrup for corn syrup for deeper, more complex flavor.
Add a splash of bourbon to the filling for a grown-up holiday treat.

Nutrition Info (Per Bar, approx. based on 24 bars)

Calories: ~230
Carbohydrates: 28g
Sugar: 18g
Fat: 12g
Protein: 2g

Note: These values are estimates and will vary depending on the exact brands and portion sizes.

Make It a Holiday Dessert Spread

These bars pair perfectly with:

Pumpkin spice cookies
Cranberry crumble bars
Classic whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
A warm mug of spiced cider or coffee

Final Thoughts

When you’re short on time but don’t want to compromise on tradition, these Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars check every box. They’re fast, festive, and full of nostalgic flavor—without the stress of rolling out pie dough or babysitting a custard. Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Herb Pasta

Bake a batch, sit back, and actually enjoy your Thanksgiving. You deserve it.