Lazy girl pecan pie bars recipe are exactly the kind of dessert I reach for when life’s hectic but comfort is non-negotiable. As a mom of two and someone who grew up baking with my grandmother in St. Francisville, I learned that great flavor doesn’t have to mean a complicated process. These bars prove it. They deliver all the buttery, gooey charm of a traditional pecan pie—without the pie dish, the fuss, or even a rolling pin.
They’re not Joanna Gaines pecan bars, but if you love her classic Southern baking style, these lazy girl bars deliver the same nostalgic warmth with half the effort.
I first came across a lazy girl pecan pie bars during a busy holiday season. My youngest was sick, my oven timer was beeping, and I had half the pantry on the counter. I saw a version using cake mix and thought—yes, that’s the shortcut I need. Turns out, these bars were a hit. Since then, I’ve tweaked the method a little, tried them with pie crust and even added twists for more crunch or richness. But at their core, they’re simple, sweet, and Southern.
Print
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe – Gooey, Easy & Irresistible
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are gooey, buttery, and irresistibly easy. A shortcut version of a Southern classic that’s perfect for holidays or everyday treats.
Ingredients
1 box yellow or butter cake mix
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
3 large eggs
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups chopped pecans
Optional: 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust (for variation)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Combine cake mix, 1 egg, and melted butter. Press into the dish to form a crust.
3. In another bowl, whisk the remaining 2 eggs with corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, and chopped pecans.
4. Pour pecan filling over the crust layer and spread evenly.
5. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the center is just set and golden.
6. Cool completely before cutting into bars and serving.
Notes
To make lazy girl pecan pie bars with pie crust, press pre-made crust into the dish instead of using cake mix.
These bars freeze well—wrap individually and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Try sprinkling sea salt or adding mini chocolate chips for a fun twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bars are:
- Gooey in the middle, crisp around the edges
- Easy to prep with cake mix or pie crust
- Freezer-friendly and crowd-approved
They taste like home, with none of the stress. You can make them in under an hour with fewer than 10 ingredients. Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving or just need a sweet bite after dinner, lazy girl pecan pie bars always deliver. And if you love quick bakes with big payoff, you’ll also enjoy our Lazy Day Lemon Cream Pie Bars and the rich Pecan Dump Cake Recipe—two more shortcuts you’ll want to keep on hand.
How to Make Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe (Step-by-Step)
When it comes to low-effort, high-reward baking, this lazy girl pecan pie bar is the ultimate fix. Whether you’re prepping for a last-minute party or just craving something sweet and Southern, this recipe skips the stress without skipping the flavor. And yes—it tastes like the real deal.
Key Ingredients for Success
These bars use pantry staples, but it’s all about how you layer them. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box yellow or butter cake mix (for lazy girl pecan pie bars with cake mix)
- 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
- Optional: pre-made pie crust (for lazy girl pecan pie bar with pie crust)
You can mix and match depending on your preference. The cake mix gives it that sweet, soft base, while pie crust offers a flakier bite. I’ve used both, and they’re equally delicious in different ways.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Mix cake mix with 1 egg and melted butter. Press into the dish as your crust.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, and pecans.
- Pour the filling over the crust and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly.
- Let cool completely before slicing into squares.
This method works beautifully even if you swap the crust base. For a classic twist, try the version made with a pre-rolled pie crust—hello, lazy girl pecan pie bars with pie crust! And if you’re craving more pecan magic, our Butter Pecan Dump Cake is a must-try for dessert lovers.
Why These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bar Always Hit the Spot
There’s something magical about the first bite of lazy girl pecan pie bars—crispy edges, gooey center, and that rich buttery taste balanced by toasted pecans. Even though they’re quick to make, they still deliver that same decadent Southern comfort you’d expect from a traditional pecan pie.
The texture depends a bit on which version you try. With cake mix, the crust is soft, cakey, and absorbs the sticky pecan layer beautifully. If you go the pecan pie bars with pie crust route, you’ll get that flaky, pastry-like base that holds up beautifully and looks extra elegant on a serving plate.
And speaking of textures—pecan cake with butter notes really come through in both versions. The butter not only adds richness but helps create those crispy, golden edges everyone reaches for first. Whether you’re cutting perfect squares or indulging in the gooey center piece, these bars are 100% satisfying.
Try This Twist: Old Fashioned and Modern Takes
While the standard version is crave-worthy, I’ve tested a few favorites worth trying:
- Old fashioned lazy girl pecan pie bars – Just pie crust, a deep pecan filling, and no shortcuts on flavor.
- Lazy girl pecan pie bars with cake mix – Fastest method, best texture for casual gatherings.
- Lazy girl pecan pie cheesecake bars – Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese under the filling for a creamy surprise!
And if you’re into dessert bars that save time but wow at the table, don’t skip our reader-favorite Pecan Pie Bars Recipe. It’s got the same gooey goodness with even more ways to customize.
Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Are Made for Sharing
If there’s ever a dessert that deserves a permanent spot on your party table, it’s lazy girl pecan pie bars. They’re easy enough for weekday baking and festive enough for your next gathering. No one ever guesses they’re made from a shortcut recipe—and you won’t tell, right?
These bars freeze beautifully, cut cleanly, and hold up well on dessert trays. Whether you serve them with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, or just plain and warm, they always hit the sweet spot. I like keeping a stash in the freezer—just wrap individual squares in wax paper and freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Perfect for Holidays
These bars really shine during the fall and winter months. The sweet aroma of brown sugar and toasted pecans fills the kitchen and sets the tone for cozy moments. If you’re making a list of holiday dessert bar ideas, this one should be near the top.
Bonus tip: top each bar with a tiny sprinkle of flaky sea salt to contrast the sweetness. It elevates the flavor and gives a more gourmet finish—without adding any extra work.
Whether you’re baking a tray for Thanksgiving, a potluck, or just a Tuesday night treat, lazy girl pecan pie bars are the shortcut you’ll come back to again and again. The texture, the taste, the simplicity—it’s all the things you love in one buttery bite.
FAQs About Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars
How can you tell if pecan pie has gone bad?
You’ll know it’s time to toss your bars if the filling has an off smell, the surface becomes excessively sticky or slimy, or if mold appears. Properly stored, lazy girl pecan pie bar can last up to 4 days in the fridge or up to 2 months in the freezer.
Are these bars like Joanna Gaines’ famous pecan pie recipe?
Not exactly—but if you love Joanna Gaines’ Southern-style pecan desserts, these lazy girl pecan pie bars are right up your alley. While her version may be more traditional, this shortcut delivers the same gooey richness and nostalgic flavor, all in less time and with fewer ingredients.
Why is my pecan pie jiggly?
A slight jiggle in the center is normal and even desirable—it firms up as it cools. If your bars are still liquid after baking, they may need a few more minutes in the oven. Just be careful not to overbake; that can ruin the gooey texture you want.
Is pecan pie supposed to be gooey?
Absolutely! Gooey is part of the charm. These easy lazy girl pecan pie bar recipe versions hit the mark with a soft, rich filling balanced by a crisp crust—whether you use cake mix or pie crust as your base.
conclusion
Lazy girl pecan pie bar aren’t just a shortcut—they’re a smart way to enjoy one of the South’s most beloved desserts without all the work. Whether you’re using a cake mix, a pie crust, or adding your own twist, these bars deliver everything you crave: buttery richness, gooey filling, and that signature nutty crunch.
They’re easy to make, easy to serve, and even easier to love. Perfect for holidays, casual weekends, or anytime you want to impress without the stress. If you’re looking for a recipe that checks every box—simple, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing—this one absolutely earns a place in your baking rotation.
No matter how busy life gets, there’s always time for a sweet moment. And with lazy girl pecan pie bars, that moment is just one pan away. For a more traditional version, you might enjoy this classic pecan pie bars recipe for comparison or inspiration.
