If you’re ready to bring a slice of the South right into your own kitchen, look no further than this classic Southern Pecan Pie. With its rich, buttery filling studded with pecans and nestled inside a flaky crust, this dessert is equal parts nostalgic and irresistible. Whether you’re crafting a holiday spread or just craving a bit of old-fashioned comfort, this pie never fails to impress. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with loved ones, and maybe even guard a little secret slice for yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Southern Pecan Pie lies in how a handful of basic ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each component is crucial for the perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and that signature gooey center.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Use homemade for extra love or a quality store-bought crust for ease—it’s the vessel that holds all the goodness together.
- 1 cup light corn syrup: This is the secret to that signature glossy, sweet, and chewy filling.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Brown sugar brings a deep caramel flavor that’s essential for a rich pie.
- 3 large eggs: Eggs set the filling, giving it structure while keeping it creamy.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Butter adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla ties all the flavors together with a warm, fragrant finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the nuttiness of the pecans.
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves: The star of Southern Pecan Pie—these add crunch, flavor, and that unmistakable Southern charm.
How to Make Southern Pecan Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Gently lay your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, smoothing it out so there are no air bubbles. Crimp the edges however you like—classic pinched edges or a simple fork-pressed pattern both work beautifully. This is your chance to add a little homemade flair!
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, packed brown sugar, eggs, cooled melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Take your time whisking until the mixture is smooth and all the ingredients are fully combined. This ensures a silky, even filling with every bite.
Step 3: Add the Pecans
Stir in the pecan halves, making sure they’re evenly coated in the luscious filling. For extra depth, you can toast your pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them. This little step intensifies their flavor and gives your Southern Pecan Pie even more character.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the pecan filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading the pecans out so they’re evenly distributed. Slide the pie into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Keep an eye on the crust and nuts—if they start to brown too quickly, loosely tent the pie with foil for the last 15 minutes. The pie is done when the center is set but still has a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let your masterpiece cool completely at room temperature for about 2 hours. This step is key for setting the filling, so don’t rush it! Once cooled, slice and serve your Southern Pecan Pie as is, or dress it up with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for pure indulgence.
How to Serve Southern Pecan Pie
Garnishes
Southern Pecan Pie is a showstopper on its own, but a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can take it over the top. If you’re feeling extra fancy, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to highlight the pie’s sweet-salty magic.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs perfectly with light, creamy sides like vanilla ice cream or a silky crème anglaise. For a holiday table, serve it alongside fresh fruit or a tart cranberry compote to balance the richness and bring a pop of color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a memorable twist, try baking your Southern Pecan Pie in mini tart pans for individual servings—adorable and great for parties! You can also layer slices into parfait glasses with whipped cream and crushed shortbread for a deconstructed dessert that’s both elegant and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Simply cover your pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making for an even more delicious treat on day two or three.
Freezing
Southern Pecan Pie freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap the pie (or individual slices) in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked taste, warm slices in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave individual pieces for 20 to 30 seconds. This brings back the gooey texture and makes the pecans extra aromatic.
FAQs
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?
Absolutely! Dark corn syrup will give your Southern Pecan Pie a deeper, richer flavor with more pronounced caramel notes. Both options are delicious—it just depends on your preference.
Why did my pie turn out runny in the center?
If the filling is too runny, it likely needed a bit more baking time. Make sure the pie is set in the center (a little jiggle is okay, but it shouldn’t look soupy) before removing it from the oven. Cooling fully also helps the pie firm up.
Can I make this pie ahead for the holidays?
Yes, Southern Pecan Pie is perfect for making ahead! Bake it a day or two in advance, let it cool completely, then store in the fridge. The flavors actually improve as it sits, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert.
Should I toast the pecans first?
Toasting the pecans is optional, but it adds a lovely depth and intensifies their nutty flavor. Just toast them in a dry skillet for a few minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Definitely! Store-bought pie crusts are a great time-saver and still yield delicious results. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade crust adds a personal touch, but both are completely welcome in Southern Pecan Pie.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a homemade Southern Pecan Pie with friends and family. It’s a recipe that never goes out of style and always leaves people asking for another slice. If you haven’t made it yet, now’s the perfect time to give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!
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Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Southern Pecan Pie is a classic, rich dessert featuring a flaky pie crust filled with a gooey mixture of corn syrup, brown sugar, and pecan halves. This traditional Southern treat offers a perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and nutty flavors, ideal for holiday celebrations or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Filling
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the unbaked 9-inch pie crust into a pie dish and crimp the edges as desired to create a decorative border.
- Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, packed brown sugar, eggs, melted and cooled unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add Pecans: Stir in the pecan halves thoroughly ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling mixture.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the pecan filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading the pecans evenly over the surface.
- Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. The pie is done when the center is set but still slightly jiggles when gently shaken. To prevent over-browning, tent the pie loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes if the crust or pecans brown too quickly.
- Cool the Pie: Remove from oven and let the pie cool completely at room temperature for about 2 hours. This allows the filling to fully set before slicing.
- Serve: Slice the pie and serve as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent touch.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant before adding them to the filling.
- Using dark corn syrup instead of light can provide a richer, deeper taste to the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
