Pecan pie is a beloved classic dessert known for its rich, buttery filling and crunchy pecan topping. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any celebration, this pie is a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious. Whether you use a store-bought crust or make your own, this recipe ensures a perfectly gooey center with a golden pecan top every time.
What Is Pecan Pie?
Pecan pie is a traditional Southern dessert made with a flaky crust, a sweet filling of sugar, butter, and eggs, and pecan halves for added crunch. The light corn syrup creates a smooth, custard-like texture that balances perfectly with the crisp, nutty topping. It’s a holiday favorite that also works as a year-round treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Classic Flavor: A buttery, caramel-like filling with crunchy pecans is hard to beat.
- Versatile: Great for holidays, potlucks, or a casual dessert.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to fit dietary preferences or flavor variations.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade, if preferred)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) light corn syrup
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (150g) pecan halves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Pie
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges as desired for a decorative finish.
Making the Filling
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in the pecan halves to coat them evenly with the filling mixture.
Assembling and Baking
- Pour the pecan mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Place the pie on the center rack of your preheated oven.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed. To prevent the crust edges from over-browning, cover them with aluminum foil if needed.
Cooling and Serving
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This allows the filling to fully set.
- Slice and serve as is, or top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with whipped cream for a light, airy contrast to the dense filling.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
- Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence.
Storing and Freezing
Storage Tips
- Store the pie at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered with plastic wrap or foil.
- For longer storage, refrigerate the pie for up to 5 days.
Freezing Instructions
- Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To serve, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before slicing.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Pecan Pie: Add ½ cup (90g) of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling for a rich twist.
- Bourbon Pecan Pie: Mix in 2 tbsp of bourbon for a boozy, caramel-like depth of flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pie crust to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
- Maple Pecan Pie: Substitute light corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a natural, sweet alternative.
FAQs
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light corn syrup?
Yes, dark corn syrup will add a deeper, molasses-like flavor to the pie.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The pie is ready when the filling is set and slightly puffed in the center. A gentle jiggle is okay, but it should not be liquid-like.
Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! Pecan pie can be made 1-2 days in advance. Store it at room temperature or refrigerate until serving.
This classic pecan pie recipe combines a sweet, gooey filling with a satisfying crunch from the pecans, making it an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this pie will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out!
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Classic Pecan Pie Recipe: Sweet, Buttery, and Perfect for Any Occasion
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Rich, buttery, and loaded with crunchy pecans, this classic pecan pie is a timeless dessert perfect for holidays or special occasions. With a flaky crust and gooey caramel-like filling, it’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade, if preferred)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) light corn syrup
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (150g) pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Crust: Fit the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, trimming and crimping the edges as desired.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add Pecans: Stir in the pecan halves, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the filling mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading the pecans evenly.
- Bake: Place the pie on the center rack and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed. Cover the edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Prevent Over-Browning: If the crust edges darken too quickly, cover them with a strip of aluminum foil or use a pie shield.
- Make Ahead: Pecan pie can be prepared 1-2 days ahead of time and stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- Serving Tip: Enhance flavor by serving with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of the pie)
- Calories: ~500 per serving