Effortless Pecan Pie Squares Recipe

Irresistible Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Squares Recipe – No-Fuss Sweet Joy

These mouthwatering pecan pie squares offer a lazy girl shortcut to dessert perfection, blending buttery crust with gooey caramel-like filling.

No complicated techniques or endless hours in the kitchen stand between you and sweet success.

The recipe simplifies traditional pecan pie into bite-sized squares that melt in your mouth.

Rich, nutty pecans nestle into a golden base, creating a dessert that looks like you spent all day baking.

Minimal effort delivers maximum flavor with this ingenious twist on a classic Southern treat.

Each square promises a delectable crunch and sweet comfort that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab your baking pan and get ready to become the hero of any dessert table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 288 kcal

Servings: 17

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Squares: Ingredient

For Crust Base:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a sweet, crumbly foundation that adds delightful texture and classic graham flavor to the dessert.
  • Butter: Binds the crust together, creating a rich, golden base that melts in your mouth.
  • Granulated Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps create a crisp, caramelized crust texture.
For Filling Mixture:
  • Light Corn Syrup: Creates a luscious, glossy filling with perfect gooey consistency and deep sweetness.
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers a rich, molasses-like depth and helps develop a beautiful caramel undertone.
  • Eggs: Acts as a crucial binding agent that ensures the filling sets perfectly and creates a silky smooth texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic complexity and balances the overall sweetness of the dessert.
For Nutty Crunch:
  • Pecans: Brings a delightful crunch, earthy flavor, and wonderful textural contrast to the sweet, gooey filling. Choose fresh, crisp pecans with a golden-brown color and no signs of discoloration or rancid smell.

Tools For Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Squares

  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for creating perfect pecan pie squares with even layers.
  • Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for blending graham cracker crust ingredients smoothly.
  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking filling ingredients and combining pecans.
  • Whisk: Crucial for creating a silky-smooth filling without lumps.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Spatula or wooden spoon: Great for pressing crust and stirring filling mixture.
  • Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking dishes.

How To Prepare Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Squares

  • Oven Warmup

Bring your oven to a cozy 350°F and lovingly coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

  • Crumbly Foundation

Blend graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar into a soft, sandy mixture. Press this delightful base firmly across the entire dish, creating a perfect platform for your sweet creation.

  • Crust Transformation

Slide the crust into the warm oven for a quick 10-minute toast, allowing it to develop a golden, crispy personality.

  • Pecan Magic

Whisk corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla into a silky smooth symphony. Fold in chopped pecans, creating a luxurious filling that promises pure indulgence.

  • Sweet Assembly

Gently cascade the pecan mixture over the waiting crust, ensuring every corner gets a delicious coating.

  • Final Bake

Return the dish to the oven, letting it dance for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous amber and the filling sets into a dreamy consistency.

Tips For Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Squares

  • Swap graham cracker crumbs with crushed gingersnaps or shortbread cookies for a unique flavor twist that adds delightful complexity to the base.
  • Experiment with different nuts like walnuts, almonds, or a mixed nut blend to create your signature version of these decadent squares, offering a personalized touch to the classic recipe.
  • Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled squares or sprinkle sea salt on top to elevate the sweet and rich taste, creating a gourmet-style dessert that impresses everyone.
  • Keep these pecan squares fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week – perfect for make-ahead dessert planning and easy entertaining.
  • Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the filling for an adult version that brings warm, sophisticated notes to the classic pecan pie squares, transforming them into an irresistible grown-up treat.

Serve Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Squares In Style

  • Serve Alongside Creamy Companions: Pair these pecan pie squares with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the rich, nutty flavors and add a cool, smooth contrast.
  • Elevate with Beverage Pairings: Complement the dessert with a hot cup of coffee, a glass of bourbon, or a sweet dessert wine to balance the sweetness and bring out the pecans' deep, caramel-like notes.
  • Create Elegant Presentation: Dust the squares with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving, or garnish with a few whole pecans on top to add a touch of sophistication and extra crunch.
  • Pack for Sweet Gatherings: These portable squares are perfect for potlucks, picnics, or holiday parties – easily cut into bite-sized pieces and transported in a container for sharing with friends and family.

Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Squares: Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate with Care: Store these delectable pecan pie squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them covered to maintain their freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These treats can be frozen for up to 3 months, providing a sweet emergency dessert option for unexpected cravings.
  • Thaw Gently and Safely: Remove frozen squares from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. For best texture and flavor, avoid microwaving, which can make the crust soggy and compromise the delicate pecan filling.
  • Serve at Room Temperature: Allow chilled or frozen squares to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This brief rest helps restore the original creamy texture and brings out the rich, nutty flavors of the pecans.
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Effortless Pecan Pie Squares Recipe

Effortless Pecan Pie Squares Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 17 1x

Description

Lazy girl pecan pie squares deliver a simple, indulgent dessert with minimal effort. Rich, buttery layers of caramel and pecans nestle atop a crumbly shortbread base, making you crave each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml / 12 fl oz) pecans, chopped
  • 1 cup (240 ml / 8 fl oz) light corn syrup
  • 1 cup (220 grams / 8 oz) brown sugar, packed
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml / 12 fl oz) graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup (113 grams / 4 oz) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup (50 grams / 2 oz) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Craft a golden graham cracker foundation by mixing crumbs, melted butter, and sugar, then press firmly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Crust Baking: Crisp the base by baking at 350°F for 10 minutes, creating a sturdy platform for the decadent topping.
  3. Filling Creation: Whisk corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth, generating a luxurious caramel-like consistency.
  4. Pecan Integration: Gently fold chopped pecans into the silky mixture, ensuring uniform distribution for maximum flavor complexity.
  5. Assembly and Baking: Pour the pecan-laden filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading evenly and returning to the oven for 25-30 minutes until the surface turns a rich golden-brown and the filling sets with a subtle wobble.
  6. Cooling and Serving: Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature, then slice into elegant squares, revealing layers of buttery crust and nutty, caramelized filling.

Notes

  • Prep Like a Pro: Grease the baking dish generously to guarantee effortless square removal and prevent annoying sticking.
  • Crust Perfection Tip: Pack down the graham cracker base firmly and evenly to create a solid, stable foundation that won’t crumble when serving.
  • Filling Fusion Technique: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to eliminate sugar lumps and create a smooth, silky texture that guarantees consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Cooling is Crucial: Allow pie squares to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean edges and help the filling set perfectly, preventing messy slicing.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 17
  • Calories: 288
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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