If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly captures the rich, comforting flavors of the South, this Southern Pecan Pie Recipe is absolutely the one to try. With its buttery, flaky crust, luscious caramel-like filling, and crunchy toasted pecans, it’s a true showstopper that brings warmth and sweetness to any table. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy weekend treat, this pie promises a delightful balance of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Southern Pecan Pie Recipe plays a crucial role in delivering that classic, crave-worthy flavor and texture you love. From the nutty crunch of toasted pecans to the deep caramel notes of brown sugar and corn syrup, each element is simple yet essential.
- Pie crust: Choose store-bought for convenience or homemade for that extra buttery touch that makes all the difference.
- Toasted pecans: Toasting enhances their natural nuttiness and provides that irresistible crunch.
- Dark brown sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that deepens the flavor of the filling.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps create the perfect texture.
- Large eggs: They bind the filling together and contribute to a smooth, custardy consistency.
- Pure vanilla extract: A small touch that brings warmth and rounds out the flavor.
- Light corn syrup: Ensures a glossy finish and that signature gooey center everyone adores.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness beautifully.
How to Make Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Pan
Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie pan, which helps prevent sticking and keeps the crust crisp and golden. This simple prep step ensures your pie bakes evenly and releases effortlessly from the pan.
Step 2: Whisk the Eggs and Sweeteners
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until they become frothy so the filling turns out light yet luscious. Then stir in the dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, light corn syrup, pure vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and melted butter until everything blends into a smooth, rich mixture that will become your pie’s signature filling.
Step 3: Gently Fold in Toasted Pecans
Carefully fold the toasted pecans into the filling. This helps keep their crunch intact and spreads the nuts evenly throughout the pie, ensuring every bite is filled with that unmistakable nutty burst.
Step 4: Pour the Filling into Your Crust
Now pour the luscious pecan filling into the prepared pie crust, letting it settle evenly. This step sets the foundation for a beautifully structured pie that holds together while baking and slicing.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your pie for 60 to 70 minutes, watching closely for that perfect doneness. The center will be set yet still slightly jiggly, signaling that gooey, chewy texture everyone loves. This careful timing makes all the difference in achieving that melt-in-your-mouth filling.
Step 6: Cool Completely Before Serving
After baking, allow your pie to cool entirely before slicing. This not only helps the filling firm up nicely but also makes sure your slices come out clean and beautiful. Patience here really pays off!
How to Serve Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
Garnishes
The classic way to elevate this Southern Pecan Pie Recipe is with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool creaminess perfectly contrasts the pie’s rich, sticky filling, adding an extra layer of indulgence that simply melts on the tongue.
Side Dishes
While pecan pie often shines as a standalone dessert, consider pairing it with a handful of fresh berries or a citrusy salad to lighten the palate. The bright, tart notes nicely offset the pie’s intense sweetness, creating a more balanced and memorable dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving mini pecan pies in individual tart shells for parties. You can also drizzle warm caramel or chocolate sauce over each slice to elevate the look and flavor. Adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt brings out the pecans’ earthiness and makes every bite irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. Pecan pie keeps well for up to four days, so you can enjoy its buttery goodness a little longer without losing any flavor or texture.
Freezing
This Southern Pecan Pie Recipe also freezes beautifully. To save for later, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and you’ll have a delightful dessert ready whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
If you prefer warm pie, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm the whole pie in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked aroma and gooey texture without drying out the crust.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade crusts add a wonderful buttery flavor and flaky texture that complements the rich pecan filling perfectly. Just make sure it’s prepped and ready before filling with your luscious pecan mixture.
Is it necessary to toast the pecans?
Toasting pecans isn’t mandatory, but it makes a big difference. It intensifies their flavor and adds a delightful crunch, elevating the entire pie experience from good to unforgettable.
What’s the best way to tell when the pie is done baking?
The key indicator is that the center is mostly set but still slightly jiggly when you gently shake the pie. This ensures a sticky, chewy texture that’s signature to a perfect Southern Pecan Pie Recipe.
Can I make this pie vegan or gluten-free?
With some substitutions, yes! Use a vegan crust and plant-based butter, and replace eggs with an egg substitute like flaxseed meal mixed with water. For gluten-free, opt for a gluten-free crust. Keep in mind the texture and taste will vary slightly.
How long does Southern Pecan Pie stay fresh?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for about four days. After that, the texture and flavor begin to decline, so it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this Southern Pecan Pie Recipe has become a timeless favorite across so many homes. It’s the comforting mix of sweet, nutty, and buttery flavors all wrapped up in a flaky crust that feels like a warm hug. I hope you give this recipe a try and experience the simple joy it brings to the table, whether for a festive occasion or just because you deserve something delicious today.
Print
Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This classic Southern Pecan Pie is a rich and buttery dessert featuring a flaky pie crust filled with a luscious mixture of toasted pecans, dark brown sugar, corn syrup, and eggs. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, this pie delivers a sweet and nutty flavor that’s ideal for holidays or any comforting 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch pie pan to ensure the crust doesn’t stick.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. Then stir in the dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, light corn syrup, melted butter, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is well combined.
- Add Pecans: Gently fold in the toasted pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the filling without breaking them.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the pecan filling carefully into the prepared pie crust, spreading evenly.
- Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes until the center is set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing to let the filling set properly.
Notes
- Ensure the pecans are toasted for enhanced flavor – toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently.
- If the pie crust edges brown too quickly during baking, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
- For best results, use pure vanilla extract and light corn syrup as specified.
- The pie is best served at room temperature or slightly warmed.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
