Easy Pecan Pie Recipe: Indulge in Perfect Sweetness.
Are you looking for a dessert that will make your taste buds sing and your heart soar? Look no further than Lady Bird Johnson’s famous pecan pie recipe! From its humble beginnings in the White House to its continued popularity today, this classic dessert is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it.
Lady Bird Johnson, known for her love of gardening, was also a skilled baker. Her recipe for pecan pie became a staple in the Johnson family, as well as a beloved dessert served at state dinners during her time as First Lady. Today, this recipe remains a favorite among bakers and dessert-lovers alike.
But what sets Lady Bird Johnson’s pecan pie apart? It starts with a deliciously buttery and flaky crust filled with an irresistible mixture of toasted pecans, eggs, sugar, and dark corn syrup. A touch of fine sea salt and vanilla extract elevates the flavor and creates a perfect balance of sweet and salty.
So whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to indulge in something truly decadent, give Lady Bird Johnson’s pecan pie recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, dear baker. I’m about to reveal a recipe that will make your taste buds dance the tango. It’s Lady Bird Johnson’s pecan pie recipe, and it’s a dessert fit for royalty.
Now, you might be thinking, “What makes this pecan pie recipe so special?” Well, let me tell you. First of all, it comes from Lady Bird Johnson herself, a former first lady with impeccable taste. If it was good enough for her, it’s good enough for us mere mortals.
But beyond its impressive origins, this pecan pie is simply delicious. The combination of dark corn syrup and granulated sugar creates a rich sweetness that perfectly complements the nutty flavor of the pecans. And with 2 cups of unsalted butter (yes, you read that right), the filling is luxuriously smooth and indulgent.
Now, some might argue that pecan pie is just pecan pie – what could possibly set this one apart? But I’m here to tell you that even small variations can make a big difference in a recipe. For example, Lady Bird’s version calls for fine sea salt instead of regular table salt, giving it a subtle but distinct flavor profile.
And let’s not forget the eggs and vanilla extract – two key players in any dessert recipe. Lady Bird’s recipe calls for 3 large eggs and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, ensuring a custardy filling with plenty of depth and complexity.
In short, if you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that will dazzle your taste buds and impress your guests (or just yourself), look no further than Lady Bird Johnson’s pecan pie recipe. Trust me- you’ll thank me later.
Ingredient List
To make a delectable Lady Bird Johnson’s Pecan Pie, you will need these simple ingredients found in most stores. These delicious ingredients when added altogether create an irresistible delicacy to cater to your sweet cravings.
Check your Kitchen Pantry
- Pie Crust: (homemade or store-bought) If you are making pie dough at home, use this pie crust recipe or any trusted recipe you like.
- Pecans: Use fresh shelled pecans.
- Granulated Sugar: To sweeten the filling.
- Dark Corn Syrup: To add moisture and flavor to the filling
- Unsalted Butter: Softened
- 3 Large Eggs
- Fine Sea Salt: A pinch of salt enhances flavors, especially that of sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Only true vanilla extract, please! It adds a depth of flavor that really can’t be achieved with any volatile essentials oils or artificial vanilla flavors
Check your Grocery List
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup dark corn syrup
- 2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
- 1 – 1/2 or 2 cups pecans
The above quantity is enough to make one 9-inch pie that serves around eight individuals. So let’s get ready to bake some Southern dessert!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all of the ingredients, it’s time to whip up this Lady Bird Johnson’s Pecan Pie Recipe. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a mouthwatering dessert that is sure to please.
Making the Filling
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Take a medium mixing bowl and set aside three-fourth cup of the pecans for garnishing later. Chop the rest of the pecans into small pieces and spread over unbaked pie crust.
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In another mixing bowl, whisk together three large eggs, one cup of dark corn syrup, one cup of granulated sugar, one-half cup of softened unsalted butter, two teaspoons of fine sea salt, and two teaspoons of vanilla extract.
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Pour the mixture over the pecans in the pie crust, leaving room for expansion while baking.
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Once you have filled the pie crust with the mixture, gently place leftover pecans on top for additional texture and crunch.
Baking Your Pecan Pie
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Place the pecan pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes or until set in the center; you can check it by jiggling it gently.
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Once done, let your pecan pie cool on a wire rack before slicing into wedges.
Serving
- You can serve this warm or cold as per your preference with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra treat.
With these simple steps, you will have a stunning and delicious Lady Bird Johnson Pecan Pie ready to be enjoyed in no time!
Substitutions and Variations
Alright folks, let’s talk about some variations and substitutions to spice up this classic Lady Bird Johnson’s Pecan Pie recipe. Now I always believe that flexibility is the key to success in the kitchen, so feel free to get creative!
First off, if you’re looking for a slightly healthier alternative to dark corn syrup, you can try using pure maple syrup or honey instead. You’ll get a different flavor profile, but it will still be just as delicious. Speaking of flavors, if you’re feeling adventurous, add some cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm and cozy dessert.
But let’s not stop there. If you want to take this pie to the next level, try incorporating some chocolate! Add semi-sweet chocolate chips into the filling or drizzle melted chocolate over the top once it’s done baking. It may not be traditional, but trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Now onto crusts – we all know that a good crust makes or breaks a pie. If you’re not a fan of traditional pie crusts, switch things up by using graham cracker crust instead. Or take it a step further and create a shortbread or even oatmeal cookie crust for added texture and flavor.
Lastly, we can talk about toppings. Whip up some homemade whipped cream and add a dollop on top of each slice to give it that extra touch of luxury. Or serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, sprinkling some chopped pecans on top for an extra crunch.
So as you can see folks, there are endless ways to make Lady Bird Johnson’s Pecan Pie recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to swap out ingredients or try new things – in baking, experimentation leads to inspiration!
Serving and Pairing
The Lady Bird Johnson Pecan Pie is a delicacy that deserves to be enjoyed in the best way possible. The buttery crust, crunchy pecans, and gooey filling make it a dessert worth sharing. And what better way to share it than with good company? This pie is perfect for parties or gatherings, so don’t be afraid to show it off.
To get the most out of this dessert, I recommend serving it warm with a generous scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The cold creaminess complements the warm pie and brings out the flavors of the pecans and filling. You can even sprinkle some extra chopped pecans on top for added texture.
If you’re looking for something more adventurous, pair this pie with a spicy cinnamon tea or a strong coffee with a hint of cocoa. The richness of the coffee combined with the nutty sweetness of the pie creates an indescribable flavor explosion. You can also opt for a glass of bourbon, which pairs perfectly with pecan desserts.
This versatile recipe can also be served at any time of day. It makes for a delicious brunch treat or an after-dinner indulgence. In fact, it’s been said that former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson herself loved to serve her famous pecan pie for breakfast!
No matter when or how you decide to serve this pecan pie, make sure to savor every bite. With its rich southern flavor and historical significance, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite and a talking point among your guests.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Listen up, bakers, because this is where things get truly wild. Lady Bird Johnson’s pecan pie recipe can be made ahead of time and stored like a treasure for later indulgence.
If you’re planning ahead for an upcoming shindig, make the pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, all you need to do is pull it out when the guests start rolling in and slice away to happiness.
But wait, there’s more. If you find yourself with leftovers (I mean, if that even happens), you can store them properly and reheat them without losing the fresh taste. Simply let the pie cool completely before covering it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and storing it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat the pie, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place the pie on a baking sheet. Bake it in the oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Keep an eye on it so you don’t overheat and dry out those lovely pecans.
Now, I know some of you might be tempted to pop a slice of this scrumptious dessert into your mouth straight from the fridge. While I certainly won’t judge your actions, might I suggest reheating that slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds? It’ll give you that fresh-from-the-oven taste that we all crave.
So go forth, my friends, and make that Lady Bird Johnson pecan pie ahead of time or store those precious leftovers for later indulgence. Life is too short not to have pecan pie on hand at all times.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients in hand, it’s time to start baking your pecan pie! But hold your horses there, cowboy. Here are a few tips to ensure you end up with a perfectly baked pie.
First and foremost, do not overmix the filling. Overmixing can cause air bubbles to form in the filling while baking which leads to cracks on the surface. You don’t want that! Just mix everything until well-combined, then stop.
Another tip to keep in mind is to check the pie frequently as it bakes. Pecan pies tend to burn easily because of the sugar content. To avoid this, cover the edges of the crust with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking or until the pie is cooked through so that it doesn’t burn.
It can also help if you pre-bake the pie crust for a few minutes before filling it up. This will ensure that the crust remains firm and flaky even after being filled with liquid filling.
One more critical thing – resist from cutting into your beautifully baked pecan pie right away! Give it ample time to cool completely until it sets properly. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but if you’re piling on ice cream or whipped cream, be patient and let it cool down for at least 2 hours before cutting them into slices.
And now, my final piece of advice – always use high-quality ingredients! Your pecan pie deserves nothing but the finest ingredients you can get your hands on. Invest in good quality pecans and don’t scrimp on butter and syrup – this is what sets apart an average pecan pie from an exceptional one.
By keeping these tips in mind, your Lady Bird Johnson’s Pecan Pie recipe is bound to turn out perfectly every time.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Lady Bird Johnson’s pecan pie recipe is a classic dessert recipe that has stood the test of time. If you are a fan of baked goods, this recipe is definitely worth trying. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients, it will not disappoint. Once you’ve mastered the recipe, feel free to experiment with substitutions and variations to make it your own.
Lady Bird Johnson’s love for baking and entertaining is clearly reflected in this recipe, and it’s no surprise that it became one of her favorite dessert recipes. So why not bring a piece of history into your home by making this delicious pie? Whip up a batch for your family and friends during the holidays, or serve it as a showstopping dessert at your next dinner party.
Overall, this recipe successfully combines buttery richness and nutty flavor to create a dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth. So go ahead, give it a try!
Lady Bird Johnson’s Pecan Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup dark corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups coarsely chopped pecans
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust, shell (if frozen, thawed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375*. Place the pie shell on a baking sheet and set aside.
- Add the softened butter, sugar, corn syrup, salt and vanilla extract to the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat until thoroughly blended together.
- Add the eggs and stir on medium speed, until combined.
- Use a rubber spatula to fold in the pecans. Pour the filling into your pie shell.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pie crust is golden brown and the pie filling is set when gently shaken.
- Remove the pie from the oven and set on a wire rack to cool completely (at least 5 hours). Serve with unsweetened whipped cream if desired.
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.