Lazy Pecan Pie Bars

INGREDIENTS:

For the Crust:

1 cup all-purpose flour

⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Filling:

½ cup corn syrup

½ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 tablespoon melted butter

1½ cups chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by lining it with parchment paper. Leave an overhang of parchment on the sides to make it easier to lift the bars out of the pan later.

Prepare the Crust

In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and salt. The brown sugar should be packed so that it holds its shape. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The mixture should hold together when pressed.

Transfer the crumbly mixture into the prepared baking pan. Press it firmly into an even layer across the bottom of the pan. This forms the base for your bars. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown.

Make the Filling

While the crust is baking, prepare the pecan filling. In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. The mixture should be well combined and smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.

Once the crust has finished baking, remove it from the oven. Pour the prepared pecan filling evenly over the hot crust. Use a spatula to spread it out if necessary.

Bake the Bars

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. The filling should be set and slightly puffed. To check if it’s done, gently shake the pan. The center should have a slight jiggle but should not be overly liquid.

Cool and Cut

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling step is important as it allows the filling to set properly. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Transfer them to a cutting board and cut into squares. For a neat presentation, you can use a sharp knife.

Optional Garnish

If you’d like to add an extra touch, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the bars before serving. This adds a subtle sweetness and makes them look even more inviting.