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.

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars - Gooey, Buttery, and So Easy

Name: Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars Recipe – Gooey, Easy & Irresistible
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 16 bars
Cuisine: Southern
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

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)

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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