Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Squares Recipe

Easy Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Squares Recipe: Sweet Magic in Minutes

Pecan pie squares offer a delightful twist on a classic dessert that simplifies indulgence for busy bakers.

Sweet, nutty flavors meld perfectly in this effortless treat that requires minimal preparation.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly these squares come together without complicated techniques or extensive kitchen skills.

Rich caramel undertones complement the buttery, crisp pecans, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.

Traditional pie constraints disappear with this convenient, slice-and-serve approach that redefines a labor-intensive dessert into an accessible delight.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward assembly make these squares a go-to option for spontaneous sweet cravings.

Grab your mixing bowl and prepare for a mouthwatering experience that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Why LAZY GIRL PECAN PIE SQUARES Are a Go-To Treat

  • Whip Up Ultimate Comfort: These pecan pie squares deliver pure, melt-in-your-mouth comfort with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy home bakers who crave deliciousness without complicated steps.
  • Nail Super Easy Technique: The recipe simplifies traditional pecan pie by using a graham cracker crust and straightforward mixing method, making it accessible for beginners and lazy bakers who want maximum flavor with minimal work.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Rich, gooey filling combined with crunchy pecans and buttery crust creates a texture and taste explosion that'll impress family and friends at potlucks, holidays, or casual gatherings without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Goes Into LAZY GIRL PECAN PIE SQUARES

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base with a sweet, crumbly texture that provides a delicious foundation for the pie squares.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust and adds rich, creamy flavor to the base.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust and helps with caramelization.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Light Corn Syrup: Creates a smooth, glossy filling with a perfect sticky consistency.
  • Brown Sugar: Brings deep, molasses-like sweetness and helps create a rich caramel flavor.
  • Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help set the filling with a custard-like texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor that complements the pecans and other ingredients.
  • Pecans: The star ingredient that provides a nutty crunch and signature flavor to the pie squares.
Baking Essentials:
  • Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch pan that allows for even baking and easy cutting of the squares.

Baking Instructions for LAZY GIRL PECAN PIE SQUARES

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Oven

Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Crust

Gather the crust ingredients:
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Melted butter
  • Granulated sugar

Mix these ingredients in a medium bowl until fully combined. Press the mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom of the baking dish to create a solid base.

Step 3: Bake the Crust

Place the crust in the preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.

Step 4: Mix the Filling

Combine filling ingredients in a large bowl:
  • Light corn syrup
  • Brown sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk until smooth. Fold in chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Add Filling to Crust

Carefully pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust. Spread evenly across the entire surface.

Step 6: Final Baking

Return the dish to the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the filling sets and the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the pecan pie squares to cool completely in the baking dish. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy your deliciously simple dessert!

Easy Tips for LAZY GIRL PECAN PIE SQUARES Success

  • Crush Crumbs Perfectly: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create uniform graham cracker crumbs, ensuring a consistent and compact crust base.
  • Prevent Soggy Bottom: Allow the crust to cool slightly after initial baking, which helps create a barrier that keeps the filling from making the base too wet.
  • Check Doneness Smartly: Insert a toothpick near the center of the filling – if it comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs, your squares are ready to remove from the oven.
  • Cool Completely: Let the squares cool entirely at room temperature before cutting, which helps the filling set and makes slicing cleaner and more precise.
  • Store Strategically: Keep these squares in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness without losing their delicious texture.

Keep LAZY GIRL PECAN PIE SQUARES Tasty Over Time

  • Refrigeration: Carefully store your pecan pie squares in an airtight container, placing wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicious flavor and texture.
  • Freezing Method: Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for maximum 3 months, preserving their sweet, nutty goodness for future enjoyment.
  • Reheating Tip: Gently warm refrigerated squares in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. For frozen squares, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying their original, delectable taste.

LAZY GIRL PECAN PIE SQUARES and What to Serve Them With

  • Craft Complementary Wine Pairings: Select a sweet dessert wine like Port or Madeira to harmonize with the rich, caramel-like flavors of the pecan pie squares. The wine's sweetness will enhance the nutty pecans and buttery crust.
  • Create Perfect Coffee Companions: Brew a robust dark roast or a smooth espresso to cut through the pie's sweetness. The coffee's slight bitterness balances the dessert's intense caramel and nut profile, creating a delightful taste experience.
  • Design Creamy Ice Cream Matchups: Serve vanilla bean or bourbon vanilla ice cream alongside the warm pecan squares. The cold, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the warm, gooey filling, while the vanilla notes complement the pie's deep caramel undertones.
  • Prepare Whiskey Tasting Notes: Pour a small glass of smooth bourbon or aged whiskey to sip alongside the dessert. The whiskey's oak and vanilla hints will elevate the pecan pie's complex flavor profile, offering a sophisticated dessert pairing.

Delicious Variations for LAZY GIRL PECAN PIE SQUARES

  • Chocolate Chip Pecan Delight: Sprinkle semi-sweet chocolate chips over the filling before baking, creating a rich chocolate undertone that complements the nutty pecans. The chocolate melts slightly, adding a decadent layer to the classic recipe.
  • Maple Walnut Swap: Replace pecans with chopped walnuts and substitute corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a deep, woodsy flavor profile. This variation brings a Canadian-inspired touch to the traditional pecan squares.
  • Salted Caramel Crunch: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the baked squares just before serving. The combination of sweet caramel and crunchy pecans elevates the dessert with a gourmet restaurant-style finish.
  • Bourbon Pecan Crumble: Add a splash of bourbon to the filling mixture for an adult-friendly version. Top with a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the complex flavors and create a more sophisticated dessert experience.
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Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Squares Recipe

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Squares Recipe


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4.8 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Squares offer a quick, delightful twist on classic Southern desserts. Crisp buttery layers and rich caramel-like filling create an irresistible treat you can whip up in minutes without complicated baking skills.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Filling Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) light corn syrup
  • 1 cup (220 grams) packed brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups (170 grams) chopped pecans

Flavoring Ingredient:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeter) baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes uniform and slightly clumpy.
  3. Press the graham cracker mixture uniformly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a compact and smooth foundation for the pie squares.
  4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, then remove and allow to cool slightly, maintaining its structural integrity.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk light corn syrup, dark brown sugar, large eggs, and pure vanilla extract until the mixture achieves a silky, consistent texture.
  6. Fold in roughly chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling for balanced flavor in every bite.
  7. Gently and methodically pour the pecan filling over the pre-baked crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the entire surface.
  8. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and a slightly firm filling that indicates proper setting.
  9. Remove from the oven and let the pie squares cool completely before cutting into individual servings to ensure clean, neat edges.

Notes

  • Quick and Easy Dessert: These pecan pie squares are a lazy girl’s dream, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Versatile Base: Graham cracker crust provides a delightful alternative to traditional pie pastry, adding extra crunch and simplicity.
  • No-Fuss Filling: Light corn syrup and brown sugar create a rich, gooey texture that’s impossible to resist.
  • Perfect for Sharing: The 9×13-inch pan makes enough squares to feed a crowd or provide delicious leftovers.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare these squares in advance and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, making party planning a breeze.
  • Customization Option: Experiment by adding chocolate chips or a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the classic pecan pie flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 85 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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