Nothing captures the warmth and charm of southern baking quite like a classic Southern Pecan Pie. With its buttery, flaky crust and that mesmerizing, glossy layer of sweet, toasted pecans nestled in a rich, custardy filling, this dessert is an invitation to slow down, gather round the table, and savor every sweet, nutty bite. It’s a cherished favorite for holidays, special occasions, or any time you want to bring a little Southern hospitality to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Southern Pecan Pie is all in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role in creating the decadent flavor and unforgettable texture. Let’s take a peek at what you’ll need and why every bit counts.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: This forms the sturdy foundation, holding up all that gooey, nutty goodness.
- 1 cup light corn syrup: Provides shine and sweetness, giving the filling that signature silky consistency.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of rich, classic sweetness.
- 3 large eggs: They’re the magic that binds the filling together for that custard-like texture.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings extra depth and a lush, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Balances the sweetness and highlights the pecans.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just enough to keep every bite from being cloying; it brightens the flavors.
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves: The heart and soul of Southern Pecan Pie—beautifully toasty and satisfyingly crunchy.
How to Make Southern Pecan Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Go ahead and arrange your unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently against the bottom and sides. This sets the stage for all those sumptuous flavors you’re about to layer in. If your crust edges need a little love, give them a simple crimp with your fingers or a fork—no need for perfection, just plenty of heart.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the corn syrup, sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until this mixture is completely smooth and golden—a few minutes of effort rewards you with a silky, dreamy custard base that defines traditional Southern Pecan Pie.
Step 3: Add the Pecans
Stir in the pecan halves, mixing until every nut is glossy and perfectly coated. This is a good moment to sneak in a quick tip: if you have a few minutes to spare, toasting the pecans before adding them will amplify their flavor tremendously.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour the filling into your prepared crust, making sure the pecans are distributed evenly across the surface. Arrange a few extra pieces prettily on top if you like—a little rustic charm goes a long way in Southern Pecan Pie!
Step 5: Bake
Slide your pie into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, checking around the 40-minute mark to see if the crust edges are browning—if so, loosely tent them with aluminum foil. The filling should be set and lightly puffed; a gentle jiggle in the center tells you it’s just right and will firm as it cools.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Patience pays off here—let your Southern Pecan Pie cool completely before slicing. This allows the luscious filling to set, so you get beautiful, clean slices that hold together perfectly on the plate.
How to Serve Southern Pecan Pie
Garnishes
A dollop of barely sweetened whipped cream is a classic touch, but you can also add a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of warm caramel for extra flair. Toasted pecan pieces scattered on top make for a beautiful and tasty finish.
Side Dishes
Serve slices of this luscious pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for cool, creamy contrast, or pair it with fresh berries if you want a tangy bite alongside the sweetness. A hot cup of coffee or strong black tea is the perfect cozy companion.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, cut the pie into small wedges or bars for bite-sized treats. Try layering cubes of Southern Pecan Pie in parfait glasses with whipped cream, or tuck thin slices between layers of vanilla custard in trifles for a novel dessert experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Southern Pecan Pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate it for up to five days. The flavors continue to deepen as it rests.
Freezing
Wonderful news: this pie freezes beautifully! Simply wrap the cooled pie (or individual slices) in a double layer of plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
To serve warm, pop slices in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave individual pieces for 15–20 seconds. This revives the filling’s gooey magic and brings the nutty aroma alive all over again.
FAQs
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?
Absolutely! Dark corn syrup will give your Southern Pecan Pie a deeper color and a bolder, slightly molasses-like flavor, making for a delicious twist.
Why did my pie filling turn out runny?
Most often, a runny filling comes from underbaking or slicing before the pie has cooled completely. Make sure the pie is set and puffs up a little in the center, then allow it to cool fully before serving.
Do I need to blind-bake the pie crust?
For Southern Pecan Pie, there’s no need to blind-bake—the long, gentle bake with the filling sets the crust beautifully, yielding that classic, tender bite.
Can I make this with a store-bought pie crust?
Definitely! A quality store-bought crust works like a charm and saves precious prep time. Just remember to use a 9-inch size.
What’s the best way to toast pecans for the filling?
Spread the pecan halves in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes. Keep a close eye—they can go from golden to burnt in a flash!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing like the feeling of sharing a slice of homemade Southern Pecan Pie—it’s comfort, tradition, and joy all baked into one unforgettable dessert. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try, share it with friends, and savor every bite of its sweet, nutty perfection.
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Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, sweet flavors of a classic Southern Pecan Pie. This dessert features a buttery, flaky crust filled with a gooey mixture of pecans, sugar, and eggs, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy treat any time.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in pecans.
- Fill the crust: Pour the filling into the crust, spreading the pecans evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 55–60 minutes until the center is set. If needed, cover the edges with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. Serve plain or with whipped cream.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, toast the pecans for 5–7 minutes before adding to the filling.
- This pie can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature or refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 41 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 63 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
