Classic Pecan Pie Recipe 5/5 (1)

Pecan Pie Recipe: The Ultimate Sweet & Salty Dessert

Pecan pie is a beloved classic dessert that steals the show every holiday season. It is a perfect combination of sweet and salty, with a buttery crust, gooey filling, and crunchy pecans on top. Whether you’re making it for a holiday dinner or just because you want a comforting treat, this pecan pie recipe will be the star of the table. It’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

What Makes Pecan Pie Recipe Best?

Pecan pie has everything you want in a dessert: a rich, sweet filling and crunchy, roasted pecans that add texture and flavor. What makes this pecan pie recipe the best is its perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness. The filling is made with brown sugar, corn syrup, and eggs, which creates a smooth, luscious consistency that pairs perfectly with the toasted pecans. Plus, the buttery pie crust holds everything together while adding another layer of flavor.

One of the secrets to making this pecan pie stand out is the quality of the pecans. Fresh, crunchy pecans make a big difference in the final taste. Using high-quality ingredients and making it from scratch guarantees a pie that everyone will love. If you’re a fan of pecan pie, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for every occasion.

Ingredients Needed for Pecan Pie Recipe

Here are the ingredients you will need for this pecan pie recipe:

• 1 ½ cups of pecan halves (use fresh, unsalted pecans)
• 1 cup of light corn syrup
• 1 cup of brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if preferred)

These ingredients are simple but essential. The corn syrup and brown sugar create the rich, gooey filling, while the butter and vanilla add flavor and richness. The pecans provide the crunch and the perfect contrast to the sweet filling.

How to Make Pecan Pie Recipe

Making pecan pie is easy! Follow these simple steps to get the perfect pie:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a baking sheet in the oven to catch any drips from the pie while it bakes.
2. Prepare the pie crust by rolling it out and placing it into a 9-inch pie dish. You can use a store-bought pie crust or make one from scratch.
3. Toast the pecans (optional, but recommended for extra flavor): In a pan over medium heat, toast the pecans for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. This step brings out the nuts’ natural oils and deepens the flavor.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
5. Add the toasted pecans to the filling mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
6. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Spread it out gently to make sure the pecans are evenly distributed.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is slightly golden. You can check for doneness by gently shaking the pie – it should be firm but still slightly wobbly in the center.
8. Cool the pie on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to firm up and makes it easier to cut clean slices.

This pecan pie is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Success Tip Pecan Pie Recipe

For the best pecan pie recipe, here are a few success tips:

1. Don’t overbake the pie: Overbaking can cause the filling to become too thick and the crust to burn. Keep an eye on the pie as it bakes, and remove it when the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the middle.
2. Use fresh pecans: Fresh pecans make all the difference in the flavor of the pie. If your pecans are old or stale, the pie won’t taste as rich or flavorful.
3. Let the pie cool completely: Allow the pie to cool for a couple of hours before slicing. This ensures that the filling sets properly and makes cutting easier.
4. Add chocolate chips for extra flair: If you want to add a twist to your pecan pie, mix in a few chocolate chips to the filling. It adds an extra layer of flavor and makes the pie even more indulgent.

Things to Avoid Pecan Pie Recipe

To make sure your pecan pie turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Don’t skip the pie crust: The crust is essential for holding the filling in place and providing a crunchy contrast to the rich filling. Even if you’re short on time, don’t skip the crust.
2. Avoid underbaking: An underbaked pie will be runny and not set properly. Make sure the filling is fully cooked before removing the pie from the oven.
3. Don’t use too many pecans: While pecans are the star of the show, too many can make the filling too thick and dry. Stick to the recommended amount for the best texture and flavor.
4. Don’t cut the pie too soon: Allow the pie to cool completely to ensure the filling firms up. Cutting it too early may cause the filling to spill out.

Pecan Pie: A Classic Dessert

Pecan pie is the classic sugary dessert without which no Thanksgiving is complete. It’s as traditional as pumpkin pie and as wonderfully rich as apple pie. Growing up, my family’s Thanksgiving dessert table always included my late grandmother’s homemade recipe. It’s a true honor to share her recipe in memory of her, and I know her recipe will live on for many years to come.

I published this recipe with my personal opinion and have since added new photos, a video tutorial, and more helpful success tips.

FAQs About Pecan Pie

1. Can I make pecan pie ahead of time? Yes, you can make pecan pie up to two days ahead of time. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
2. How do I store leftover pecan pie? Store leftover pecan pie in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Be sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.
3. Can I freeze pecan pie? Yes, you can freeze pecan pie for up to 2 months. Let the pie cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
4. Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light? Yes, you can use dark corn syrup, but it will give the pie a deeper flavor. It will still be delicious!
5. Can I add chocolate to my pecan pie? Yes, you can add chocolate chips to your pecan pie for a richer flavor. Just stir them into the filling before baking.
6. Why is my pecan pie too runny? A runny pecan pie may be underbaked or the filling may not have set properly. Ensure you bake it long enough and let it cool before cutting.

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