The Perfect Southern Pecan Pie Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Southern kitchens buzz with excitement when a classic pecan pie with buttery, caramelized filling hits the table.

This beloved southern pecan pie recipe delivers pure comfort straight from traditional baking roots.

Sweet pecans dance through a rich, golden custard that melts in your mouth with each delectable bite.

The aroma of warm spices and toasted nuts will draw everyone to the kitchen.

Generations have cherished this simple yet decadent dessert that speaks to southern hospitality.

Precise ingredients and straightforward steps make this pie accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

You’ll fall in love with this timeless treat that promises to become a family favorite.

Why Southern Pecan Pie Is a Classic

• Delight in a pie that brings warmth and nostalgia to your table.
• Designed for bakers of all skill levels, this pecan pie recipe requires minimal cooking expertise and delivers maximum deliciousness with simple steps and basic ingredients.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations, this classic Southern treat guarantees smiles and seconds from everyone around the table.
• Experiment by adding a splash of bourbon, swapping brown sugar for dark corn syrup, or topping with whipped cream to make the recipe uniquely yours while maintaining its traditional charm.
• Prepare this pie in advance and store at room temperature, allowing busy home cooks to streamline meal preparation without sacrificing flavor or presentation.

Ingredients for Southern Pecan Pie

• Pie Crust: A pre-made or homemade base that provides the delicious foundation for the pecan pie.

• Eggs: Bind the filling together and create a smooth, custard-like texture.
• Corn Syrup: Adds sweetness and helps create the signature gooey consistency of pecan pie.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep, rich sweetness and helps caramelize the filling.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps blend the filling ingredients smoothly.

• Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon, Salt: Enhance the overall flavor profile with warmth, depth, and balance.

• Pecans: The star ingredient that gives the pie its classic Southern character and nutty crunch.

Steps to Make Southern Pecan Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F.

This temperature creates the perfect environment for baking a pie that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 2: Set Up the Pie Crust

Grab your pie crust and get it ready.

Whether you’re using a store-bought version or a homemade creation, make sure it’s nestled perfectly in a 9-inch pie dish.

No need to prebake – we’re keeping things simple!

Step 3: Sprinkle Pecan Magic

Spread those chopped pecans across the bottom of the pie crust.

Think of it like creating a nutty treasure map that’ll surprise and delight with every bite.

Step 4: Mix the Filling Wonderland

• Eggs
• Corn syrup
• Brown sugar
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Blend everything until it becomes a smooth, dreamy mixture that looks like liquid gold.

Step 5: Pour and Bake

Gently pour your filling over the pecans, making sure to cover them completely.

Slide the pie into the oven and let it bake for 55 to 60 minutes.

You’ll know it’s perfect when the edges look set but the center has a tiny wiggle when you give it a gentle shake.

Pro tip: If the crust starts getting too brown, wrap the edges in foil to protect them.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Patience is key!

Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours.

This gives the filling time to set up perfectly, ensuring clean, beautiful slices that will make everyone swoon.

Tips for Southern Pecan Pie Perfection

• Cover the pie crust with aluminum foil halfway through baking to stop over-browning while ensuring the filling cooks perfectly.
• Scatter chopped pecans evenly across the pie crust bottom for consistent nutty flavor and texture in every slice.
• Let the pie cool completely for 2 hours before cutting to allow the filling to set and create clean, beautiful slices.
• Whisk ingredients thoroughly to create a silky, well-blended mixture that ensures a uniform and delicious pie texture.
• Use an oven thermometer to confirm accurate 350°F temperature, guaranteeing even baking and consistent results.

How to Store and Reheat Pecan Pie

• Store leftover pecan pie in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Wrap the entire pie or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices at 275°F for 10-15 minutes. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and preserve the pie's texture.
• Heat single slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add additional 5-second intervals if needed, being careful not to overheat and dry out the filling.

What Goes with Southern Pecan Pie

• Pair with Bourbon Whiskey: Enhance the rich, caramel-like sweetness of pecan pie with a smooth Kentucky bourbon, creating a warm, complementary flavor profile that highlights the pie's nutty and sweet characteristics.
• Complement with Vanilla Ice Cream: Top a warm slice with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, allowing the cold, smooth texture to contrast beautifully with the pie's warm, gooey filling and provide a refreshing balance.
• Match with Strong Black Coffee: Serve alongside a robust, dark roast coffee that cuts through the pie's intense sweetness and provides a slightly bitter counterpoint to the rich, sugary dessert.
• Enhance with Cream Sherry: Select a medium-dry cream sherry that offers subtle nutty undertones, which will harmonize wonderfully with the pecans and provide a sophisticated dessert wine experience.

Easy Variations for Pecan Pie Lovers

• Gluten-Free Pecan Pie: Replace traditional pie crust with a gluten-free almond flour or coconut flour crust. Use certified gluten-free corn syrup and carefully check all ingredients for potential gluten contamination.
• Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie: Swap corn syrup with pure maple syrup and add 2 tablespoons of bourbon for a rich, complex flavor profile. The bourbon enhances the nutty pecan taste while adding depth to the sweetness.
• Vegan Pecan Pie: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water), use coconut oil instead of butter, and select a plant-based corn syrup alternative. Choose a vegan pie crust to complete the transformation.
• Lower-Sugar Pecan Pie: Reduce brown sugar by half and incorporate monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free corn syrup substitute and add extra spices like nutmeg to boost flavor without increasing calories.

FAQs

• What makes pecans perfect for this pie?

Pecans have a rich, buttery flavor that caramelizes beautifully when baked, creating a sweet and nutty texture that’s classic in Southern desserts. Their natural oils help enhance the pie’s overall richness and depth of flavor.

• Can I use light corn syrup instead of dark corn syrup?

Yes, you can substitute light corn syrup for dark corn syrup. The main difference will be a slightly less intense flavor and slightly lighter color, but the pie will still taste delicious and have the same fundamental texture.

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

Check the pie’s center – it should have a very slight jiggle when gently shaken, while the edges appear set. The top should be golden brown and the filling should look slightly puffed. A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.

• Why do I need to let the pie cool for 2 hours?

Cooling allows the filling to set completely, which helps create clean, neat slices and prevents the filling from being runny. The cooling process helps the pie’s texture become firm and stable, making it easier to serve and enjoy.

Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Southern charm meets sweet indulgence in this classic Pecan Pie, where buttery pecans nestle into a rich, caramelized filling that whispers comfort. Crisp pastry and glossy caramel create a delectable dessert perfect for family gatherings where you’ll savor each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

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Filling Ingredients:

• 1 cup light or dark corn syrup
• 3/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) melted unsalted butter, slightly cooled
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Nut Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 (9-inch) unbaked or frozen pie crust

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, ensuring an even baking environment for a perfectly golden dessert.
2. Arrange the pie crust in a 9-inch dish, allowing it to rest at room temperature if previously frozen.
3. Distribute chopped pecans across the bottom of the unbaked crust, creating a delectable nutty foundation.
4. Blend eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a mixing bowl until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
5. Gently pour the combined filling over the pecans, ensuring complete coverage of the nut layer.
6. Transfer the pie to the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, watching for a slightly jiggly center and set edges.
7. Protect the crust edges with aluminum foil if browning occurs too quickly during baking.
8. Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to rest for 2 hours, enabling the filling to stabilize and solidify completely.
9. Slice and serve the pie after the cooling period, revealing a perfectly set, rich southern classic.

Notes

• Ensure pecans are toasted lightly before adding to the pie for enhanced nutty flavor and crunchier texture.
• Swap corn syrup with maple syrup or honey for a more natural sweetness and unique flavor profile.
• Use room temperature eggs to help ingredients blend smoothly and create a more consistent filling texture.
• Cover pie edges with aluminum foil during baking to prevent over-browning and maintain a golden-perfect crust.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 388
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 102 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 69 mg