Hey y’all! If you’re searching for an irresistible dessert that’s rich, gooey, and nutty, this classic pecan pie recipe is just what you need. Featuring a flaky homemade crust, golden sweet filling, and an abundance of toasty pecans, it’s a beloved favorite for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or cozy weekends at home. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie, anyone can whip up this Southern-inspired treat. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Recipe
- Loaded with crisp, buttery pecans in every decadent bite.
- Easy-to-follow instructions, making it perfect for beginners and pros alike.
- The perfect make-ahead dessert for holidays and special gatherings.
- Customizable with delicious variations for your personal twist.
- Foolproof and crowd-pleasing—disappears fast at every table!
Ingredients for Pecan Pie Recipe
- 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pecan halves
Step-by-Step Pecan Pie Recipe Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out your 9-inch pie crust and fit it into a standard pie dish. Flute or crimp the edges as desired for a decorative finish.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together light corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and slightly frothy.
Step 3: Add the Pecans
Stir in the pecan halves until evenly coated with the mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour the pecan filling into the prepared pie crust. Arrange a few extra pecans in a spiral or design on top if desired for a pretty finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pie on the center rack of your oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. The crust should be golden brown and the pecans toasted.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the pie cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours. This allows the filling to fully set—then slice, serve, and enjoy!
Pecan Pie Recipe Notes & Tips
- For extra flavor depth, swap half the corn syrup for maple syrup. Learn more about corn syrup substitutes.
- To prevent a burnt crust, use a pie shield or cover the edges with foil halfway through baking.
- Be sure to let the pecan pie cool completely before slicing for clean, perfect pieces.
Pecan Pie Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Pecan Pie: Stir in 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips for a fudgy twist.
- Bourbon Pecan Pie: Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling for rich, smoky notes.
- Salted Caramel Pecan Pie: Drizzle cooled pie with caramel sauce and a pinch of flaky sea salt before serving.
Required Equipment for Pecan Pie Recipe
- 9-inch pie plate
- Mixing bowl
- Balloon whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet (to catch drips)
- Pie shield or aluminum foil
Pecan Pie Recipe Storage & Shelf Life
Store your pecan pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To serve at its best, allow to come to room temperature, or gently warm slices in the microwave. For longer storage, tightly wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
Serving Recommendations for Pecan Pie Recipe
- Serve warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream or dollops of fresh whipped cream.
- Pair with strong coffee or after-dinner cocktails like bourbon or Irish cream.
- Enjoy next to seasonal sides like cranberry sauce or roasted nuts for extra flair.
Pecan Pie Recipe Pro Tips
- For a glossy finish, lightly brush the baked pecans with a little extra melted butter just out of the oven (learn more tips here).
- Bake your pie on a lower oven rack to help crisp the crust and avoid soggy bottoms.
- For the best flavor, toast pecans before adding them to the filling—this brings out their natural sweetness.
Pecan Pie Recipe FAQ
- Can I make pecan pie recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, pecan pie can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Can I use dark corn syrup for my pecan pie recipe?
- Absolutely! Dark corn syrup adds a richer, molasses-like flavor and deeper color to the pie.
- Is pecan pie recipe gluten-free?
- The filling is naturally gluten-free, but you’ll need to use a gluten-free pie crust. Here’s a great gluten-free crust recipe.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and set aside.
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2In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
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3Stir in the pecan halves until evenly coated.
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4Pour the filling mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading the pecans evenly.
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5Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.
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6Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
530 caloriescal
Protein:
5 gg
Fat:
27 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
68 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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