Classic Pecan Pie Recipe: A Sweet Southern Delight
Indulging in a slice of homemade pecan pie is like experiencing a warm hug on a chilly day. This classic dessert features a rich, gooey filling, perfectly complemented by the delightful crunch of toasted pecans. With its sweet and nutty flavor, pecan pie is a beloved favorite for holidays and special gatherings.
In just a few simple steps, you can create this delectable treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or enjoying a quiet night at home, this recipe is sure to impress. So, let’s get started and bring a little sweetness to your table!
What Makes This Recipe So Good?
- Rich Flavor: The combination of brown sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla creates a deep, sweet flavor that perfectly complements the pecans.
- Crunchy Texture: The toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch, balancing the gooey filling for a delightful contrast.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is easy to whip up without needing special equipment or ingredients.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in, pecan pie fits any occasion.
- Quick Preparation: With straightforward steps, you can prepare this pie in no time, making it accessible even for novice bakers.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe by adding chocolate chips or a splash of bourbon for an extra twist.
- Classic Appeal: Pecan pie has a timeless charm that brings nostalgia and warmth to your dessert table.
- Serve Warm or Cold: Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled with whipped cream—either way, it’s delicious!
Key Ingredients
- Pecans: Chopped or whole, they provide the signature nutty flavor and crunch.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
- Corn Syrup: Creates the gooey texture and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances the sweetness and contributes to the filling's consistency.
- Eggs: Essential for setting the filling and providing structure.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
- Salt: A pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Pie Crust: A pre-made or homemade crust serves as the base for the filling.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Toast the Pecans: Lightly toasting the pecans before adding them to the filling enhances their flavor and crunch.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your eggs are fresh and your vanilla extract is high-quality for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the filling just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause the pie to puff up and crack.
- Blind Bake the Crust: Pre-bake the crust for about 10-15 minutes to prevent it from becoming soggy from the filling.
- Check for Doneness: The pie is done when the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
- Cool Completely: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and a well-set filling.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover pie in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. It can last for up to four days.
- Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding a splash of bourbon, chocolate chips, or even a hint of coffee for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
- Serve with a Scoop: For an extra treat, serve slices with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast to the rich filling.
- Use a Deep-Dish Pie Pan: If you like a lot of filling, opt for a deep-dish pie pan to hold more of that gooey goodness.
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Indulging in a slice of homemade pecan pie is like experiencing a warm hug on a chilly day. This classic dessert features a rich, gooey filling, perfectly complemented by the delightful crunch of toasted pecans. With its sweet and nutty flavor, pecan pie is a beloved favorite for holidays and special gatherings.
- 1.5 cups Pecans (chopped or whole)
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 cup Corn Syrup (light or dark)
- 3 large Eggs
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 Pie Crust (9-inch, unbaked)
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Pie Crust
If using a homemade crust, roll it out and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges. If using a store-bought crust, place it in the pie pan.
- Toast the Pecans
In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pecans for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Add Pecans
Fold in the toasted pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
- Pour into Crust
Pour the pecan filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading the pecans evenly.
- Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2-4 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to firm up.
- Serve
Slice and serve the pecan pie plain or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- Calories from Fat 200kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 22g34%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Cholesterol 70mg24%
- Sodium 200mg9%
- Potassium 250mg8%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 35g
- Protein 5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.