Classic Pecan Pie
A rich and decadent Southern classic, this pecan pie features a buttery, caramelized filling loaded with toasted pecans, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. It's a quintessential dessert for holidays and special occasions.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Pecans
- 1 cup Light corn syrup
- 1 cup Packed light brown sugar
- 3 Large eggs
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 0.25 tsp Salt
- 1 standard Unbaked 9-inch pie crust
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the unbaked pie crust on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten eggs, light corn syrup, packed light brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract (if using), and salt until well combined and smooth. The mixture should be homogenous.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Arrange the pecans evenly in the bottom of the unbaked pie crust. If using halved pecans, you can create a decorative pattern.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Carefully pour the prepared filling over the pecans, ensuring they are mostly submerged. The filling will be quite liquid at this stage.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is mostly set. The center should still have a slight jiggle, similar to a custard, indicating it's not overcooked. If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, loosely tent them with aluminum foil.
⏱️ 50-60 minutes - 6
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack for at least 3-4 hours. This allows the filling to fully set and the flavors to meld. Chilling the pie for an hour before serving can also help achieve a firmer texture.
⏱️ 3-4 hours
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, blind-bake it for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling, especially if using a homemade crust.
- ✓For a richer flavor, consider adding 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon or dark rum to the filling mixture.
- ✓Serve slices of pecan pie slightly warm or at room temperature, ideally with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- ✓Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for easier incorporation into the filling.
🔄 Variations
- Chocolate Pecan Pie: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the filling before baking.
- Bourbon Pecan Pie: Incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon into the filling mixture.
- Maple Pecan Pie: Substitute half of the corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a different flavor profile.