Craving a classic Southern dessert? You’re in luck! Pecan pie is not just a timeless favorite, but an absolutely irresistible treat that combines a buttery, flaky crust with a rich, sweet, nutty filling. This pecan pie recipe is simple to prepare, even if you’re a beginner at pie making, and perfect for any gathering, holiday table, or cozy weekend indulgence. With whole or chopped pecans floating on a gooey caramel-like filling, every bite is a delight for the senses.
Whether you prefer your pecan pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or served as is, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. And don’t worry if you’re not a pie crust pro—I’ll guide you step by step to ensure everything turns out perfect. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking!
Ingredients List for Pecan Pie
For the pie crust:
- 1 Homemade pie crust (this recipe makes 2 crusts, feel free to freeze the extra one or halve the recipe)
For the pecan pie filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup salted butter, softened or melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups pecan halves (you can either chop them or leave them whole)
Required Kitchen Tools
To make the pecan pie process as easy as pie (pun intended), you’ll want to gather the following kitchen tools:
- Mixing Bowl : A large one for combining the ingredients.
- Pie Dish : Use a 9-inch pie dish to hold the crust and filling.
- Whisk or Hand Mixer : To mix the pecan pie filling ingredients until smooth.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula : Ideal for folding the pecans into the pie filling.
- Aluminum Foil : To cover the pie halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.
- Rolling Pin and Pastry Board : For rolling out the homemade pie dough.
- Cooling Rack : Allow your pie to cool completely before slicing.
Making the Homemade Pie Crust
If you haven’t already made your pie crust, here’s a quick rundown:
- Prepare the Dough : Use my trusty pie crust recipe, which yields two pie crusts (you can freeze one for later or halve the recipe to make just one). Ensure your pastry dough is softened but cold when you roll it out for your pie base.
- Roll out the Dough : On a well-floured surface, use a rolling pin to roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Make sure it’s about ¼-inch thick and slightly larger than the pie dish itself in diameter.
- Fit the Dough into the Pie Dish : Once rolled out, gently lay the dough over your pie dish and press it down carefully around the edges. Trim any excess dough hanging off the sides.
- Refrigerate the Pie Crust : Place the pie dish with the dough in the refrigerator while you prepare the pecan pie filling. Keeping the dough cold will ensure a tender, flaky crust when baked.
Preparing the Pecan Pie Filling
Mixing the Pecan Pie Filling
Now that your pie crust is chilling in the refrigerator, it’s time to prepare the delectably sweet pecan pie filling. This step is super simple and only requires a handful of staple ingredients—most of which are likely already in your kitchen!
- Start with the Sugars and Salt :
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar , 3 tablespoons of light brown sugar , and ½ teaspoon of salt . These ingredients are the base of your sweet, indulgent pecan pie. - Add Corn Syrup :
Next, pour in 1 cup of light corn syrup . The corn syrup gives the pie its traditional gooey texture without the filling becoming overly runny. It’s the secret ingredient to achieving the perfect balance between firm and gooey! - Stir in Butter and Vanilla :
Add ⅓ cup of softened or melted salted butter . The butter adds richness and depth of flavor to the filling. Now, add ¾ teaspoon of vanilla extract for that wonderful, fragrant warmth and a hint of extra flavor. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth. - Beat in the Eggs :
Crack and beat 3 large eggs into the mixture one at a time. The eggs give the filling its structure once baked, so don’t skip this step! Whisk until everything is well-blended and smooth. The consistency should now be silky and slightly thick.
Folding in the Pecans
Once your filling ingredients are fully mixed, the pecans make their debut!
- Reserve Some Pecans :
Before adding all the pecans, set aside a few (about 10-12 nice full halves) to decorate the top for presentation later. - Fold in the Pecans :
Stir in 1 ½ cups of pecan halves into the mixture, making sure everything is evenly distributed. You can chop the pecans if you prefer smaller pieces, but I find that leaving them whole gives the pie a more classic look and wonderful texture contrast. If you like a mix, feel free to do half chopped and half whole.
Your filling should now be beautifully thick, with pecans swimming in the sweet batter. This pecan pie filling is ready to be transferred into the prepared pie crust!
Assembling and Baking the Pecan Pie
Filling the Pie Crust
Now that you have your pecan pie filling ready and your pie crust chilled, it’s time to bring everything together:
- Pour the Filling into the Pie Shell :
Take your pie crust out of the refrigerator. Gently pour your pecan pie filling into the unbaked pie shell, ensuring an even distribution of pecans throughout the filling. Don’t worry if the filling looks a bit thin—thanks to the eggs and sugar, it will firm up beautifully in the oven. - Decorate with Reserved Pecans :
Take the few pecan halves you set aside earlier and place them on top of the pie. You can arrange them in a circle or create a pattern to make the pie visually appealing. A simple yet thoughtful placement can make a stunning difference when serving! - Cover Pecans with Batter (Optional):
With a small spoon, gently scoop some batter from the sides and pour over the pecans you’ve placed on top, just to ensure they are slightly coated. This helps prevent them from over-darkening during baking.
Baking Your Pecan Pie
Now it’s baking time!
- Start with a High Temperature :
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) . Bake the pie at this high temperature for the first 10 minutes to give the crust and filling a nice, quick set and to encourage a golden-brown finish. - Lower the Heat :
After the first 10 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) . Continue baking the pie for about 40 minutes . - Check for Doneness and Tent with Foil :
Halfway through the baking time (after about 25-30 minutes), check the color and doneness of the pie. If the crust or the pecans on top are browning too quickly, loosely tent the pie with a greased piece of aluminum foil. Ensure the foil is high enough so it doesn’t touch the filling but covers enough to avoid over-browning. - Check for Doneness :
To determine if your pecan pie is done, give it a gentle shake. The center should be mostly set with just a slight jiggle. If the pie still appears too liquid in the center, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until done. Every oven is different, so keep a close eye on your pie in case it needs more or less time.
Cooling the Pecan Pie
Once the pie is finished baking:
- Cool Completely :
Set it on a wire cooling rack and allow the pie to cool completely for several hours. It’s important to let the filling firm up during this cooling period before you slice into it; this ensures that the pie holds its shape when cut. - Refrigerate (Optional) :
If you plan on serving the pie at a later time, feel free to refrigerate it for up to 1-3 days . Pecan pie actually tends to taste even better after resting overnight, allowing the flavors to deepen.
Serving and Storing the Pecan Pie
Serving the Pecan Pie
Your pecan pie has cooled and is now ready to be savored! Here are some delightful ways to serve it:
- Slice and Serve :
Use a sharp knife to cleanly slice through the pie. The perfect slice will have a rich, gooey filling complemented by crunchy pecans and a flaky, golden crust. Serve slices on their own or with some delicious accompaniments! - Top It Off with Ice Cream :
For an extra special treat, top each slice with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melting into the warm, sweet pie creates an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. - Add a Dollop of Whipped Cream :
If ice cream isn’t to your taste, a dollop of homemade whipped cream is a simple and elegant alternative. The light, fluffy cream provides a perfect contrast to the rich, dense pie filling. - Drizzle Caramel Sauce (Optional):
Feeling a little fancy? Try drizzling homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over each serving for an extra buttery layer of sweetness.
How to Store the Pecan Pie
Depending on when you’d like to enjoy your pecan pie, here are some tried-and-true storage methods:
- Store at Room Temperature :
If you plan to eat the pie within a day or two, you can leave it at room temperature, covered with plastic wrap or foil. This will keep the crust perfectly crisp and the filling fresh for up to 2 days . - Refrigerating the Pie :
If you’re planning to serve the pie later, or want to preserve its freshness for a few days, you can refrigerate it. Simply wrap the pie or cover it with foil, and it will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days . Before serving, you can enjoy it cold or warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back that just-baked warmth.
Freezing the Pecan Pie
For long-term storage, freezing is a great option:
- Freeze for Future Enjoyment :
To freeze the whole pie, let it cool completely first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe ziplock bag or aluminum foil. Frozen pecan pie will keep well for up to 3 months . - Thawing the Pie :
When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen pie, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can then warm it in a low oven (about 275°F for 15-20 minutes ) if you prefer to serve it warm, or simply serve it at room temperature.
Conclusion
That’s it! You’ve now mastered the art of making traditional pecan pie—complete with a buttery homemade crust, gooey caramel-like filling, and a generous helping of pecans. Whether you decide to serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoy a chilled slice after dinner, this classic Southern dessert is sure to impress your guests or simply satisfy your cravings.
With easy storage and make-ahead tips, you’ll be ready to enjoy homemade pecan pie whenever the mood strikes. And as always, don’t hesitate to put your own twist on this recipe. Whether you prefer extra pecans or a creative topping, the beauty of homemade baking is making it uniquely yours.
Happy baking, and enjoy every bite!