Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars – A Lightened-Up Southern Classic

Craving pecan pie without the hassle—or the sugar overload? These Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars offer everything you love about the traditional Southern dessert: a rich, buttery crust and a sweet, nutty topping, but made simpler and with a lighter approach. Perfect for when you want all the flavor with none of the fuss (or the guilt).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No-Fuss Prep – No rolling, no pie dish, no problem.
Lightened Up – Made with smart swaps for a more balanced treat.
Perfectly Portionable – Pre-cut bars help keep things under control.
Crowd-Friendly – Southern flavor everyone will love, whether it’s a holiday or a regular Tuesday.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup light graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tbsp light butter, melted
• 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce

For the Filling:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup (or honey for natural sweetness)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp light butter, melted
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray lightly with cooking spray.

2. Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and applesauce until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then set aside.

3. Make the Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth. Stir in chopped pecans.

4. Bake the Bars
Pour the pecan mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust. Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden.

5. Cool and Slice
Let cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing into 16 small bars.

Nutritional Information (Per Bar, Approximate)

Calories: 120
Carbs: 13g
Fat: 6g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Chop Pecans Finely: This helps distribute the nutty crunch evenly in every bite.
• Chill Before Slicing: Bars firm up beautifully once chilled, making them easier to cut.
• Use a Sharp Knife: For clean edges, wipe the knife between cuts.
• Customize It: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a sprinkle of flaky salt for a flavor twist.

Why This Recipe Works

These bars give you all the ooey-gooey goodness of pecan pie without the sugar overload or baking stress. Using smart ingredient swaps, you get a dessert that’s rich in flavor but lighter in calories—perfect for enjoying a piece without overindulging.

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars are a dream for dessert lovers who want big flavor with less effort. Whether you’re serving them at a fall gathering, holiday party, or treating yourself to a weekday sweet, these bars deliver buttery, nutty, caramel-like comfort with a lighter footprint.