If you crave a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the South, this Southern Pecan Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a luscious blend of toasted pecans nestled in a rich, gooey filling with just the right amount of sweetness and a buttery crust that crisps perfectly. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or simply because you deserve a treat, this pie brings a centuries-old Southern tradition to your table with ease and incredible flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Southern Pecan Pie Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen to balance texture and taste, creating that signature nutty, caramel-like filling that pecan pie lovers adore. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why.
- Pie crust: Either store-bought or homemade, it forms the perfect base, flaky and buttery to hold the filling.
- Toasted pecans: Toasting intensifies their nutty flavor and adds crunch to the pie.
- Dark brown sugar: Brings a deep, molasses-rich sweetness that’s essential for the classic taste.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness so it’s not overpowering.
- Large eggs: They help set the filling, giving it that custardy texture.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant note that enhances all other flavors.
- Light corn syrup: Gives the filling its glossy, smooth finish and holds everything together.
- Pinch of salt: Elevates the sweetness and ties all the flavors into a harmonious blend.
How to Make Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie pan to ensure your crust doesn’t stick and bakes evenly. This sets the stage for a perfectly baked pie from the very start.
Step 2: Mix the Sugars, Eggs, and Syrup
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re frothy—this will help give your filling a light texture. Then, stir in the dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, light corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Combining these ingredients thoroughly is key to achieving the pie’s signature sweet and smooth filling.
Step 3: Fold in the Toasted Pecans
Gently fold in the toasted pecans. Being delicate here preserves the crunch and ensures the nuts are evenly distributed throughout the filling for every delicious bite.
Step 4: Fill the Pie Crust
Pour the pecan filling into your prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly. This is where the magic of the Southern Pecan Pie Recipe begins to take shape visually and aromatically.
Step 5: Bake Until Set
Bake the pie for 60 to 70 minutes. The center should be set but still slightly jiggly—this signals the filling is perfectly cooked without becoming dry. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid overbaking.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. Cooling helps the filling set firmly, making each slice clean and the flavors even more pronounced.
How to Serve Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the sweetness and adds a creamy contrast. You can also sprinkle a few extra toasted pecans on top for a beautiful, rustic finish that invites a second slice.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit like sliced oranges or berries to cut through the richness. For festive occasions, a warm cup of coffee or spiced tea enhances the cozy, comforting mood that this Southern Pecan Pie Recipe creates.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve mini pecan pies as individual servings at gatherings, or drizzle with a bit of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch. Layering a slice with a piece of sharp cheddar cheese is a charming Southern tradition that heightens the flavor contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, maintaining that delightful balance of creamy filling and crunchy nuts.
Freezing
You can freeze the pie either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen pecan pie lasts for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
To warm slices, place them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes. This revives the pie’s texture without drying it out, just like fresh from the oven!
FAQs
Can I make this Southern Pecan Pie Recipe with a homemade crust?
Absolutely! A homemade crust adds a personal touch and can enhance the flavor even more, but store-bought crusts work wonderfully for convenience without sacrificing taste.
How do I toast pecans properly?
Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. This brings out their oils and intensifies the nutty flavor.
Why does my pecan pie filling sometimes crack?
Cracking often happens when the pie is overbaked. Keep an eye on the center consistency; it should jiggle slightly when you pull it from the oven to avoid dryness.
Is there a substitute for corn syrup in this recipe?
You can substitute with light honey or maple syrup for a different flavor, but corn syrup is preferred because it helps prevent crystallization and keeps the filling smooth.
How long should I let the pecan pie cool before serving?
Cooling for at least 2 hours at room temperature is important. It allows the filling to set fully, ensuring neat slices and the best texture when eating.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Pecan Pie Recipe is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a celebration of flavors and traditions that bring people together. With its irresistible combination of crunchy pecans, smooth filling, and flaky crust, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation. Go ahead and give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!
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Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This classic Southern Pecan Pie recipe features a rich and gooey filling made from toasted pecans, dark brown sugar, and corn syrup baked to perfection in a flaky pie crust. It’s a traditional dessert loved for its nutty flavor and sweet, caramel-like texture, perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 1 cup toasted pecans
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie pan to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy to incorporate air for a lighter texture. Stir in dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, light corn syrup, melted butter, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until fully combined, creating a smooth filling base.
- Add Pecans: Gently fold the toasted pecans into the mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them apart.
- Fill Pie Crust: Pour the pecan filling carefully into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes. The center should be set but still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature to let the filling fully set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use lightly toasted pecans for enhanced flavor and crunch.
- If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.
- Ensure the pie cools completely to avoid a runny filling when cut.
- This pie is best served at room temperature or slightly warmed.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
