Homemade Pecan Pie Recipe: Sweet Southern Magic in Every Bite

Warm, buttery aromas waft through the kitchen when baking this classic southern pecan pie recipe that captures generations of sweet tradition.

Rich golden syrup blends perfectly with crunchy pecans, creating a dessert that sings with comfort and nostalgia.

Every slice promises a decadent experience that melts in your mouth.

Generations of bakers have perfected this simple yet extraordinary treat.

The combination of flaky crust and gooey filling makes this pie an absolute showstopper at any gathering.

Crisp autumn days or festive holiday tables become instantly more delightful with this beloved dessert.

Prepare to indulge in a slice of pure, nutty bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 439 kcal

Servings: 9

What You’ll Need for Pecan Pie Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy foundation for a crisp, flaky base that cradles the luscious filling.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, melt-in-your-mouth layers with a delicate, golden texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the pie.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough while keeping it tender and light.

• Corn Syrup: Delivers that classic, gooey pecan pie consistency with a silky smooth finish.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and creates a rich, complex flavor profile.
• Eggs: Bind the filling together and provide a luxurious, custard-like texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces a warm, aromatic depth that complements the nutty pecans.
• Salt: Cuts through the sweetness and elevates the overall taste.

• Pecans: Bring a rich, buttery crunch and signature nutty flavor that defines this beloved Southern dessert. Select fresh, plump pecans with a golden brown color and robust aroma for the most intense taste experience.

Tools That Help with Pecan Pie Success

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining filling ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending corn syrup, sugar, and eggs without lumps.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Pie dish: Standard 9-inch dish works best for holding the pecan filling.
• Rubber spatula: Great for folding pecans and scraping bowl edges.
• Aluminum foil: Helpful for protecting pie crust edges from over-browning.
• Oven mitts: Necessary for safely handling hot pie dish.

How to Bake the Pecan Pie from Scratch

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F and get ready for some serious pie. This temperature is your golden ticket to a perfectly baked dessert.

• Whip Together the Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and create a delectable symphony of corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Blend until silky smooth, then introduce the eggs and mix until everything dances together beautifully.

• Sprinkle in the Nutty Goodness

Gently fold those gorgeous pecans into your filling. Make sure they’re distributed like confetti, promising a crunch in every single bite.

• Pour and Spread

Transfer your luscious mixture into the pie crust. Spread the pecans evenly so each slice gets maximum deliciousness. Don’t be shy about creating a luxurious landscape of nuts.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the pie into the oven and let it transform for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling looks set and puffy, and the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown. Pro tip: if the edges start looking too dark, drape some aluminum foil over them.

• Let It Rest and Devour

Pull the pie out and let it cool completely. This waiting game ensures your pie slices like a dream and the flavors truly meld together. Then dive in and enjoy your masterpiece!

Flavor Tips for Your Pecan Pie Recipe

• Bake like a pro with these expert tips!
• Wrap pie edges with aluminum foil during initial baking to prevent over-browning and protect delicate crust edges.
• Lightly toast pecans before adding to filling to enhance their nutty flavor and create deeper, richer taste profile.
• Chop half the pecans and leave some whole for a more interesting mouthfeel and visual appeal in each slice.
• Swap traditional pie crust with a gluten-free version made from almond flour or use a nut-based crust for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Prepare pie filling one day ahead and refrigerate, which allows flavors to meld and intensify before baking.

How to Serve the Pecan Pie Like a Pro

• Sweet Morning Kickstart: Pair this pecan pie with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee, letting the rich coffee flavors complement the sweet, nutty pie profile.
• Decadent Dessert Companion: Serve a generous slice alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a luxurious contrast between warm pie and cold, creamy ice cream.
• Elegant Dinner Finale: Present thin slices as a sophisticated dessert course after a hearty meal, garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a few whole pecans for visual appeal.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Feature the pie as a centerpiece during weekend family gatherings, cutting into smaller portions to encourage sharing and enjoyment.

Save and Store Pecan Pie with Ease

• Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping its delicious flavor and texture intact.
• Wrap the entire pie or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months for future enjoyment.
• Leave the pie at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to maintain food safety and prevent bacterial growth.
• Prepare the pie filling one day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, then bake fresh when ready to serve for maximum flavor and freshness.

FAQs

• What makes corn syrup important in this pecan pie recipe?

Corn syrup provides the signature gooey, smooth texture and helps prevent sugar crystallization, ensuring a silky and glossy filling that holds the pecans perfectly in place.

• How do I know if my pecan pie is fully baked?

Look for a slightly puffed and set filling that wobbles just a bit in the center when gently shaken, and a golden-brown crust. The filling should not appear liquid or runny when you move the pie.

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

While pecans are traditional, you can substitute with walnuts or a mix of nuts. However, the classic flavor and texture of a true pecan pie comes specifically from pecans, so the taste will be different.

• Why do I need to let the pie cool completely before serving?

Cooling allows the filling to firm up and set properly, which helps the pie hold its shape when sliced. A warm pie will be too loose and might fall apart when you try to serve it.

Irresistible Pecan Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Southern pecan pie showcases rich, buttery flavors from generations of home baking traditions. Nutty pecans and caramel-like filling create a classic dessert perfect for holiday gatherings and sweet celebrations.

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Ingredients

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• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) light corn syrup or maple syrup
• 1 ½ cups (170 grams) pecan halves
• 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup (76 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ¼ cups (156 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 tsp (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
• ½ tsp (2.5 grams) salt
• 3 to 4 tbsps (45 to 60 milliliters) ice water
• ¼ tsp (1.25 grams) salt

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Instructions

1. Preheating: Fire up the oven to 350°F (175°C), establishing the optimal thermal environment for pie transformation.
2. Filling Fusion: In a mixing bowl, whisk corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until achieving a velvety, homogeneous mixture that gleams with potential.
3. Egg Integration: Fold whole eggs into the syrupy base, thoroughly blending to create a luxurious, cohesive foundation that will provide structural integrity and deep flavor complexity.
4. Pecan Infusion: Gently incorporate pecans throughout the liquid landscape, ensuring each nut is lavishly coated and strategically distributed for maximum gustatory impact.
5. Pie Assembly: Cascade the pecan-enriched filling into the prepared pie crust, meticulously spreading with a spatula to create an even, tempting topography that promises delectable results.
6. Baking Ritual: Slide the pie into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 50-60 minutes until the filling puffs slightly and metamorphoses into a set, glossy masterpiece with a golden-brown perimeter.
7. Cooling and Serving: Extract the pie from the oven, letting it rest at room temperature to stabilize and achieve the perfect slicing consistency, transforming anticipation into culinary satisfaction.

Notes

Prevent Soggy Crust: Blind bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding filling to create a crisp, sturdy base that resists moisture from the syrupy pecan mixture.

Manage Pecan Distribution: Lightly toast pecans before mixing to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the pie during baking.

Control Filling Consistency: Use room temperature eggs and mix ingredients gently to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause the filling to become puffy or crack during baking.

Achieve Perfect Doneness: Insert a knife near the pie’s center – it should come out clean with a slight wobble, indicating the filling is set but still delicately soft and not overcooked.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 439
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg