Southern Pecan Pie
Why Make This Recipe
Pecan pie is a classic dessert that speaks volumes of Southern hospitality and love for comfort food. This rich and sweet pie offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make it an irresistible treat for gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy night at home. But why should you make this Southern pecan pie? It’s simple! The ingredients are easy to find, the steps are straightforward, and the result is a delicious pie that your family and friends will adore. Plus, who can resist the warm aroma of pecans, brown sugar, and vanilla melting together in the oven? Every bite takes you on a journey to the heart of Southern tradition.
To top it off, this recipe is flexible enough to allow for personal touches. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a slice after dinner, Southern pecan pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this delightful dessert!
How to Make Southern Pecan Pie
Ingredients
To create this heavenly pecan pie, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 unbaked pie crust
Directions
Making Southern pecan pie is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these steps to create your very own pie:
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial as it ensures your pie will bake evenly.
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Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the corn syrup and brown sugar. Whisk them together until fully blended. Now, add in the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition to ensure they are well combined.
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Add the Butter and Vanilla: Once the eggs are mixed in, pour in the melted butter and the vanilla extract. Continue to whisk until the mixture appears smooth and creamy.
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Stir in the Pecans: Carefully fold the pecan halves into the filling mixture. Ensure that the pecans are evenly distributed throughout.
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Pour into Pie Crust: Pour the pecan filling into the unbaked pie crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly, if necessary.
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Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the crust doesn’t burn. The filling should be set, and the crust should have turned a lovely shade of golden brown.
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Cool Before Serving: After you take the pie out of the oven, allow it to cool for at least a couple of hours. This will help the filling to set properly and make it easier to slice.
How to Serve Southern Pecan Pie
Serving Southern pecan pie is all about enhancing its wonderful flavors. Here are a few ideas to make your serving experience even better:
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Chilled or Warm: Pecan pie can be served either warm or chilled. Many people enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. Others prefer it chilled, bringing out the nutty flavors and sweet filling.
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Add Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a perfect touch. It contrasts the sweetness of the pie nicely and adds a lovely creaminess.
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Pair with Coffee: For adults, serve a slice of pecan pie alongside a cup of coffee or espresso. The bitterness of the coffee pairs beautifully with the pie’s sweetness.
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Use a Decorative Plate: As a final touch, consider serving the pie on a beautiful plate. A nice presentation can turn your homemade dessert into a star of the table.
How to Store Southern Pecan Pie
If you have leftovers (which is rare with such a delicious pie), storing your Southern pecan pie correctly is essential to maintain its quality. Here’s how you can store it:
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Cool Completely: Make sure the pie has cooled completely before storing it. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make the crust soggy.
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Wrap or Cover: If you are storing it in the refrigerator, cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container if you have one large enough.
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Refrigerate: Store the pie in the refrigerator if you intend to eat it within a few days. It can last in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
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Freezing: If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze the pecan pie. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and you can lightly warm it in the oven if desired.
Tips to Make Southern Pecan Pie
To ensure your Southern pecan pie turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips:
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Use Fresh Pecans: Make sure your pecans are fresh. Old or stale nuts can affect the flavor of your pie.
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Don’t Overmix the Filling: When mixing the filling, whisk until just combined. Overmixing can make the filling too airy and cause it to rise too high while baking.
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Check Doneness: The pie is done when the filling looks set but has a slight jiggle in the center. If it’s still quite liquid, give it a bit more time in the oven.
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Use a Pie Shield: If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with a pie shield or aluminum foil to prevent burning.
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Experiment with Flavors: Give your pecan pie a twist by adding other flavors. A splash of bourbon can add a unique aroma and depth. You might also consider incorporating a bit of chocolate for a chocolate pecan pie variant.
Variation
While the classic Southern pecan pie is delightful on its own, here are a few variations you might want to try:
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Chocolate Pecan Pie: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent chocolate version.
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Bourbon Pecan Pie: Substitute a few tablespoons of the corn syrup with bourbon for a rich, adult version of the pie.
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Maple Pecan Pie: Replace half of the corn syrup with real maple syrup for a different sweet flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, using a store-bought pie crust is a quick and convenient option. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the package for pre-baking if required.
2. Is pecan pie supposed to be gooey?
Yes, pecan pie has a sweet, gooey filling. The filling should be set but still have a slight jiggle in the center.
3. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! Pecan pie can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
4. How can I tell when my pie is done baking?
The pie is done when the filling is set and doesn’t slosh when you gently shake it. The crust should also be a nice golden brown.
5. What can I substitute for corn syrup?
You can use maple syrup or honey as an alternative, though it may slightly change the flavor and texture of the pie.
Now you have all the tools and knowledge to create a delightful Southern pecan pie that will impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy a slice. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or choose to add your unique twist, your homemade pie will surely be a cherished addition to your dessert table. Happy baking!
PrintSouthern Pecan Pie
A classic Southern dessert featuring a rich and sweet filling of pecans, brown sugar, and corn syrup, baked in a flaky pie crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 unbaked pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the corn syrup and brown sugar, whisking until fully blended.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition.
- Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and creamy.
- Carefully fold in the pecan halves.
- Pour the pecan filling into the unbaked pie crust.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Allow to cool for at least a couple of hours before serving.
Notes
Serve warm or chilled with whipped cream and coffee for an enhanced experience. Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freeze for later.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg