Irresistible Pecan Pie Recipe: Perfect for Every Occasion
Greetings, fellow bakers and dessert-lovers! I am excited to share with you one of my absolute favorite recipes – the perfect pecan pie. This classic Southern dessert has been a staple on my family’s Thanksgiving table for years, and it never fails to impress. With its gooey caramel filling, crunchy pecans, and buttery pie crust, it’s no wonder that this pie has become such a beloved treat across the United States.
But let me be clear – not all pecan pies are created equal. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different butter ratios, corn syrup variations, and crust textures in an attempt to perfect this recipe. And after countless test batches and taste tests (tough job, I know), I can confidently say that this is truly the best pecan pie recipe out there. The filling strikes the perfect balance between sweet and salty, and the pecans stay nice and crispy without becoming overly chewy or burnt.
Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress your holiday guests or simply craving a slice of something sweet after dinner, this easy pecan pie recipe has got you covered. So grab your apron and preheat your oven to 350°F – it’s time to get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of pecans, indulging in a piece of this pecan pie is not optional but mandatory. This pecan pie recipe yields an incredibly sweet and nutty filling, with just the right amount of caramelization on top without being too sweet or gooey. Trust me; it’s nothing short of heavenly.
You’ll love this recipe because it’s easy to make and delivers consistent results every time. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at making pies for the first time, this recipe is perfect for everyone because there is no need to complicate things.
This classic southern pecan pie recipe uses simple ingredients that you can find in any pantry, like eggs, sugar, margarine, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt. Plus, most of these ingredients are available at Costco or Walmart, making this recipe both budget-friendly and easy to source.
The pecans add texture and crunch to the recipe while complementing the sweet filling. This particular recipe also recommends coarsely chopping one cup of pecans and reserving two cups of whole pecan halves for added depth. Paired with a homemade crust (or store-bought if you’re pressed for time), this pie is sure to please.
With its perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, this old fashioned pecan pie is versatile enough to pair with various flavors like caramel or chocolate sauce drizzled on top or a la mode with some vanilla ice cream.
In conclusion, you’ll love this easy and delicious pecan pie recipe because it’s affordable, adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs (vegan makers rejoice!), and foolproof when it comes to delivering perfect results every time.
Ingredient List
Before starting making the Southern Pecan Pie, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
- ¼ cup margarine, cut into small pieces (or use ice-cold vegetable shortening)
- 2 to 4 tablespoons ice-cold water
For the Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup dark corn syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups pecan halves or coarsely chopped pecans
Other variations include using maple syrup instead of corn syrup and adding a pinch of bourbon to your filling. Standard staples like caramel or chocolate chips can also be added to bring a twist to the classic southern pecan pie.
Make sure you have all your ingredients pre-measured and ready to pour straight away, so you don’t have to sift through your pantry shelves mid-baking.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you know what makes this pecan pie recipe so special, it’s time to make one yourself. Follow these simple steps and enjoy a perfect, gooey, Southern-themed dessert!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Combine the Filling Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mix together brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and melted butter. Then, stir in the corn syrup, vanilla extract, and eggs until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Add Pecans
Add the cup of coarsely chopped pecans into the filling mixture and mix well.
Step 4: Pour the Filling into the Pie Crust
Unroll your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. With your fingers, crimp the edges of the crust so it looks beautiful.
Step 5: Pour the Filling Over the Crust
Pour the filling mixture onto the crust, then add two cups of pecan halves on top of the filling mixture. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout.
Step 6: Bake Your Pie
Bake your pie at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes or until the pie has set up. You can also test by inserting a knife into the center of your pecan pie. If it comes out clean, then you know your pecan pie is ready.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before serving. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top, if desired.
Making a southern-style classic pecan pie is easy as long as you follow these steps carefully. Once you taste that deep caramel flavor with a bit of spice in every bite, we guarantee that this will be one of your go-to desserts for many occasions!
Substitutions and Variations
As delicious as this pecan pie recipe is, there’s always room for some creativity in the kitchen! Here are some tweaks and twists you can try to make your pecan pie even more special:
– Caramel Pecan Pie: Love caramel? Add 1/4 cup of caramel sauce to the filling mixture for an extra decadent treat.
– Chocolate Pecan Pie: Chocolate and pecans are a match made in dessert heaven. Melt 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and drizzle on top of the filling before baking.
– Bourbon Pecan Pie: For an adult twist on this classic dessert, simply add a few tablespoons of bourbon to your pecan pie mixture.
– Maple Pecan Pie: Instead of using corn syrup, substitute 1/2 cup of maple syrup for a unique and delicious flavor.
– Sweet Potato Pecan Pie: Puree 1 cup cooked sweet potatoes and add to the filling mixture. This creates a richer and creamier texture that perfectly complements the pecans.
– Vegan Pecan Pie: Substitute margarine or vegetable oil for butter, and use vegan-friendly alternatives for eggs such as flaxseed or applesauce.
These are just some ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own unique spin on this Southern classic. Whether you go for a healthy twist or stick with a traditional approach, the result will surely be award-winning.
Serving and Pairing
Now, you have mastered the art of making the perfect Southern Pecan Pie, it’s time to talk about how to serve and pair it. This classic pie is truly a showstopper and will impress your loved ones anytime.
The sweetness of the pie makes it perfect to enjoy after a savory main course. You can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added treat. The creamy texture of the ice cream complements the crunchy texture of the pecans, making it an irresistible combination.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try pairing the pie with coffee or tea. The bitterness in the coffee will balance out the sweetness of the pie, while tea can add some calming flavors to the overall experience.
For a more festive occasion, you can add a bit of sparkle to your pecan pie by pairing it with champagne. The bubbles in champagne will cut through the richness of the pie and provide another layer of complexity. This is perfect for celebrations like weddings or birthdays.
Finally, if you’ve got leftover pie slices which are unlikely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in your fridge for up to four days. If you must reheat it, we recommend heating it in an oven heated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
In summary, regardless of your preference, Southern Pecan Pie is one dessert that goes well with just about anything from coffee and tea to champagne and whipped cream!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As any seasoned baker knows, making a perfect pecan pie takes time and attention to detail. Luckily, with a little bit of planning, you can save yourself some time and enjoy your homemade dessert without the fuss. Here are some tips on make-ahead, storing and reheating your Southern Pecan Pie.
Make-Ahead: To simplify the process of making this delectable dessert, you can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance. It is best to keep it refrigerated until you are ready to start baking. You can also make the pie crust a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer in an airtight container.
Storing: If you find that you have leftover pie (unlikely as that may be), no worries – this dessert freezes beautifully! Simply wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating: To reheat a fully baked frozen or refrigerated pecan pie, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pie on a baking sheet covered with foil or parchment paper. Tent loosely with foil to prevent over-browning or burning of crust edges. Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
If your mouth is watering at the thought of enjoying this scrumptious pie again, then get ready to prepare an extra one for this purpose – remembering that handwritten recipes like these should be perpetuated from generation to generation!
Tips for Perfect Results
The key to making a perfect pecan pie is understanding what makes a pecan pie great. As a baker with experience making this delicious dessert, here are some tips that can help you achieve the best pecan pie you’ve ever made.
1. Use Fresh Pecans:
Freshly roasted and chopped pecans will make all the difference in your pecan pie. Make sure to buy high-quality pecans that are plump, brown, and have a rich aroma.
2. Don’t Overmix the Filling:
Overmixing the filling can result in a runny pie that doesn’t set properly. Mix the ingredients until they’re just combined, then allow the mixture to rest for five minutes before pouring it into the crust.
3. Choose Your Corn Syrup Wisely:
Corn syrup is an essential ingredient in a classic Southern pecan pie. If you prefer a lighter flavor, use light corn syrup. But if you want a darker, more intense flavor, go for dark corn syrup.
4. Use Real Butter:
Real butter adds richness and depth to the filling. Avoid using margarine or other vegetable oils as they don’t add the same flavor or quality.
5. Do Not Under-Bake or Over-Bake:
To avoid an undercooked or overcooked pie, bake it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 50-55 minutes or until it’s golden brown on top and bubbling around the edges.
6. Protect the Crust:
Covering the edges with aluminum foil prevents them from becoming too dark and burning while baking.
7. Let It Rest Before Slicing:
Pecan pies need time to cool down and set properly; otherwise, they might collapse when sliced too soon after baking. Let your pie cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing it.
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to produce a delicious and perfect pecan pie every single time!
FAQ
Now that you have learned all the necessary steps to create a perfect pecan pie, let’s move on to some frequently asked questions (FAQs) and helpful tips that will help you troubleshoot any issues that may arise during the process. Here are some common inquiries about the pecan pie recipe, ingredient substitutions, serving suggestions, and more, which I’ve answered to assist you in making the best pecan pie in town.
What is the thickening agent in pecan pie?
When making a traditional pecan pie, the filling is usually created by using corn syrup as both a thickener and sweetener, resulting in a sticky and sweet pie.
How do you keep a pecan pie from being runny?
Nothing is more disappointing than slicing into a perfectly baked pecan pie only to find that it’s underdone and runny. To avoid this, it’s crucial to bake your pecan pie for a sufficient amount of time. It’s recommended that you bake it for 60 to 70 minutes at 350F until it’s golden brown on top. Once it’s done, allow it to cool and set before enjoying it. As tempting as it may be to dive right in, giving your pecan pie time to set will help ensure that it holds together and doesn’t turn into a soupy mess.
What is the filling of pecan pie made of?
Pecan pie is a delicious dessert that traditionally combines pecans with a filling that includes eggs, butter, and sweeteners like corn syrup, brown or white sugar, cane syrup, molasses, maple syrup or honey.
How do you make Paula Deen’s pecan pie?
For this recipe, you will need 1 and 1/4 cups of chopped pecan pieces and a pre-baked 10-inch pie crust. Other necessary ingredients include 1 cup of light corn syrup, 2 and 1/2 cups of brown sugar (divided), 3 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (divided), and 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter (plus an additional 4 tablespoons for making caramel).
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Southern Pecan Pie recipe is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With its gooey caramel-like filling, crunchy pecans, and flaky crust, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. One of the best things about this recipe is that you can personalize it by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting the sweetness to your liking. From classic to chocolate or even pumpkin pecan pie, this recipe provides easy variations to suit everyone’s taste buds.
If you’re looking for a tried and true recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds, then try out this award-winning recipe. The combination of brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla extract gives it a unique flavor that you won’t find in any store-bought pecan pie. Plus, it’s easy to make and requires only a few ingredients that are readily available in your pantry.
So don’t wait any longer and try out this delicious recipe today! Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or just want to surprise your family with a sweet treat, this Southern Pecan Pie is the perfect dessert. Just be prepared for plenty of compliments from all of your guests!
Pecan Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pancake syrup (Log Cabin)
- 1/3 cup margarine, melted
- 1 cup pecans (6 oz bag)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 unbaked pie shell
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350*.
- Mix first seven ingredients.
- Pour into unbaked pie crust.
- Bake for 50 minutes.
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.