Sweet & Savory: Georgia Pecan Pie Recipe
Are you looking for a mouthwatering dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests? Look no further than this Georgia Pecan Pie recipe.
Originating from the southern state of Georgia, this pie is made with an array of rich and flavorful ingredients. The combination of buttery crust, caramelized brown sugar, and crunchy pecans creates a taste that lingers on your palette in a delectable way.
If you have never tried making pecan pie before, don’t worry – this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees perfect results every time. And if you’re already a fan of pecan pie, you’ll love the twist on this classic version.
Whether you’re serving it as a special treat or as part of a holiday feast, there’s no doubt that this Georgia Pecan Pie will be a hit at any gathering. So why not step up your baking game and give it a try? Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Georgia pecan pie is my all-time favorite dessert, and this recipe is just perfect! I could talk about its deliciousness for hours, but let’s focus on why you will love it too.
First of all, if you are a fan of nuts and caramel flavors, this pie will blow your mind. The combination of toasted pecans with the sweetness of the corn syrup and brown sugar creates an exquisite texture that will melt in your mouth. You won’t be able to resist that heavenly aroma coming from the oven!
Moreover, this recipe is easy to make. Lee Hefter, a renowned American chef, created this classic Georgia pecan pie recipe that requires only 10 ingredients – most of which are pantry staples – and doesn’t take long to prepare. If you’re new to making pies, fret not! This recipe comes with detailed instructions and photos that guide you every step of the way.
Another reason why you’ll love this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or making a simple dessert for the family, Georgia pecan pie works perfectly for any occasion. You can even customize it by adding chocolate chips, drizzling it with caramel sauce, or serving it with whipped cream or ice cream.
Finally, this pie is a Southern tradition that brings people together. You don’t need to be from Georgia to appreciate its rich history and cultural significance. Biting into a slice of homemade pecan pie reminds us of simpler times and shared memories around the table with loved ones.
In conclusion, trust me when I say that this Georgia Pecan Pie recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home too. With its irresistible flavors, ease of preparation, versatility, and cultural significance, it’s definitely worth trying!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make a mouth-watering Georgia pecan pie:
- 1 (10 inch) pre-baked pie crust
- 4 cups pecans, divided into halves and pieces
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup dark corn syrup
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons lee hefter’s corn syrup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar, divided
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Note: Make sure to use good-quality ingredients to get the best results. And if you’re allergic to nuts, substitute them with chocolate chips or butterscotch chips.
The Recipe How-To
Below you will find the steps to make an authentic and classic Georgia Pecan Pie. This dessert is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas or anytime you crave a sweet, nutty snack.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 pie crust (either homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup of chopped pecans
- 3 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup of light corn syrup
- ¼ cup of granulated sugar
- ¼ cup of brown sugar
- ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon of salt
Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven
You should preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
You should first prepare a deep-dish pie crust by rolling out the pie dough and placing it into a 10-inch pre-baked and cooled pie dish.
Pro-tip: Try to use an aluminum or glass pie dish. If you don’t have one on hand, check our Tips for Perfect Results to adapt baking time for a darker pie pan.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine 3 lightly beaten eggs, 1 cup light corn syrup, ¼ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract, and ½ tsp. salt. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
Pro-tip: Be sure to mix the ingredients in order as listed in the ingredient list, it makes it easier to thoroughly incorporate everything.
Step 4: Add the Pecans
Add 1 cup of chopped pecans into the mixture and stir until fully combined.
Step 5: Pour into the Pie Crust
Gently pour the pecan mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
Pro-tip: Be sure not to overfill the pie, leave some room around edges or your pecan pie will runny.
Step 6: Bake the Pie
Bake for roughly 45 minutes or until done – this means that when you wiggle the pan ever so slightly the center of your pecan pie should no longer be liquid or wet-looking.
Pro-Tip: Every oven is different which means proper timing is key. Keep an eye on it during baking and remove it from heat once done.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove from oven and let cool for several hours before cutting with a sharp knife.
And that’s all! Now you know how to make a traditional Georgia Pecan Pie from scratch. Enjoy your freshly baked dessert with friends and family or save it for
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to put your own twist on the classic Georgia pecan pie recipe? There are a few substitutes and variations you can try that will create unique flavor combinations and make this recipe truly your own.
For a healthier take on the classic, swap out the dark corn syrup for pure maple syrup or honey. You can also use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour to make the pie crust gluten-free.
If you’d like to add a little something extra to your pie filling, consider mixing in some cocoa powder or adding a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the recipe. These subtle shifts can add depth and complexity to the sweet, nutty flavors of the Georgia pecan pie.
Don’t have pecans on hand? No problem! Swap them out for other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts. You can also add in some chopped apples or dried cranberries for an unexpected burst of tangy sweetness.
Finally, if you’re feeling adventurous, try making mini-pecan pies by using muffin tins instead of a standard pie dish. This allows guests to enjoy individual-sized portions of this classic Southern dessert.
No matter what substitutions or variations you choose, always remember that this is your pecan pie recipe – so feel free to experiment until you find the perfect blend of flavors that suit your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving a Georgia Pecan Pie, I suggest letting it cool completely and set for at least an hour. A warm pie might be tempting, but a chilled one tastes much better.
To create an additional layer of richness and sweetness, serve a slice with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture balances perfectly with the crunchy pecans and gooey filling of the pie.
Another classic option is a drizzle of hot caramel sauce over the top, adding that extra sweetness that makes this dessert even more irresistible.
A cup of coffee, tea, or milk will do well with this recipe. If you’re aiming for something more refined, pair the pie with a glass of dark liqueur or a sweet wine like sherry or port.
Overall, Georgia Pecan Pie is a dessert that can be served on any occasion from Thanksgiving dinner to Christmas baking day. It’s charming in its simplicity and versatile enough to complement other cuisines. So whether you prefer it plain or paired with some whipped cream, there’s no debating that homemade pecan pie deserves pride of place on your table!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
I know you’re going to want to make this Georgia pecan pie recipe ahead of your holiday gatherings, so let me enlighten you on the best way to make-ahead, store and reheat it to perfection.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare your pie up to 2 days in advance. It is crucial to keep it refrigerated until ready to serve. Don’t leave it at room temperature for too long as the filling can separate or spoil.
Storing: When you have leftovers, cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you don’t finish it within that period, then it’s time to say “bye bye” and discard what’s left.
Reheating: To reheat your previously baked Georgia pecan pie, preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and then place the pie in for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed throughout. If your crust is tightly covered with foil, remove it towards the end of the heating process to brown accordingly.
Let’s talk about one more essential thing – how to keep your pecan pie from getting runny. To ensure your pie consistency remains intact even after reheating, avoid exposing your leftover pie to extreme temperatures rapidly or holding it back at room temperature for too long. Start reheating from chilled state directly from the fridge. This will guarantee a refreshing taste and texture like a freshly baked one.
I hope these tips will equip you with all necessary information on making-ahead or storing this classic Georgia Pecan Pie Recipe so that you enjoy its deliciousness any time you desire!
Tips for Perfect Results
As an experienced baker, I’ve learned a few things about making the perfect Georgia Pecan Pie. Here are some tips to help you achieve amazing results with this recipe:
1. Watch your pie crust – A great crust is essential to any good pie, and checking the crust is just as important as watching the filling. To avoid a soggy crust, pre-bake it for 10 minutes before adding the filling. You can also brush the crust with an egg wash or sprinkle it with a little sugar for extra crispiness.
2. Use high-quality ingredients – The best pecan pies start with high-quality pecans, corn syrup, and butter. Look for fresh pecans that are plump and have a deep, rich color to ensure they’re full of flavor.
3. Toast your pecans – Toasting your pecans in the oven for a few minutes before adding them to the filling brings out their natural oils and gives them a delicious, nutty flavor.
4. Don’t overbake your pie – Overcooking your pecan pie can lead to a tough, chewy texture or even burn the filling. Check your pie often towards the end of baking time and take it out of the oven once the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
5. Let it rest – After you take the pie out of the oven, let it rest for at least two hours before slicing into it. This will allow the filling to fully set and prevent any runniness.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a perfectly baked Georgia Pecan Pie every time!
FAQ
As we bring this recipe article to a close, I would like to address some of the most commonly asked questions about making this delectable Georgia Pecan Pie. Read on to find out how to troubleshoot pie runny issues, how to keep pecan pie fresh for longer periods, and more!
Is Georgia known for pecan pie?
Pecans are a quintessential ingredient that brings a nutty richness to any Thanksgiving table. Interestingly, Georgia produces more pecans than any other state in the nation and has been taking the top spot since the late 1800s. An average pecan pie contains anywhere between 1/2 lb to 3/4 lb of pecans, which is about 78 pecans per pie.
How do you make Paula Deen’s pecan pie?
For this recipe, you will need 1 1/4 cups of chopped pecans and a pre-baked 10-inch pie crust. Other necessary ingredients include 1 cup of light corn syrup, 2 1/2 cups of brown sugar (divided), 3 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter. You’ll also need ground cinnamon, which will be divided amongst the filling and the caramel.
What is Southern pecan pie made of?
A pie made with pecan nuts and an indulgent filling of eggs, butter, and sugar (commonly corn syrup) is known as pecan pie. Other sweeteners such as white or brown sugar, molasses, cane or sugar syrup, honey, or maple syrup may also be added to create unique variations of the classic recipe.
How do you keep a pecan pie from being runny?
When it comes to pecan pie, nobody wants a runny mess. To ensure your pie turns out perfectly, you need to pay close attention to the baking time. Some common issues that lead to a runny pie include underbaking, unsufficient cooling time or using too many eggs. To avoid these pitfalls, it’s important to bake your pecan pie for 60 to 70 minutes at 350F. Once it’s done baking, resist the urge to dig in right away. Give it enough time to cool and set. This will help keep your pie from being runny and will give you a delicious, indulgent dessert that everyone will love.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Georgia Pecan Pie Recipe is simply irresistible. The combination of pecans, butter, corn syrup, and sugar creates an amazing flavor that you won’t be able to resist. Plus, the easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips make this recipe both simple and delicious. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just as a sweet treat for yourself, this pie is sure to impress. So what are you waiting for? Try making it today! Trust me, once you’ve tasted this classic Southern dessert, you won’t be able to resist sharing your love of this pecan pie with others.
Georgia Pecan Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 eggs, whole
- 1 cup Dark Karo syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 -2 cup chopped pecans
- 6 tablespoons butter, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 unbaked pie shell
Instructions
- Mix ingredients and pour into unbaked pie shell.
- Bake until filling is set, pecans look toasted, and pie crust is nicely browned.
- Serve pie either cold or slightly warm.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.