If you’re craving a classic dessert that brings warmth, sweetness, and a touch of Southern charm to your table, look no further than this Southern Pecan Pie Recipe. It’s a decadent celebration of crunchy toasted pecans nestled in a rich, buttery filling that’s perfectly sweetened with a blend of brown sugar and corn syrup. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast or an everyday treat, this pie captures the essence of Southern hospitality in every bite, inviting you to savor a slice of tradition that’s both indulgent and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect Southern Pecan Pie Recipe. Each element plays a vital role, from the flaky pie crust that provides the sturdy, buttery base to the toasted pecans that offer a delightful crunch. The sugars and syrup combine to create that signature glossy, sweet filling, while the eggs and vanilla bring it all together with richness and depth.
- Pie crust: Choose store-bought for convenience or homemade for extra flakiness and flavor that elevates your pie.
- Toasted pecans: Toasting intensifies their nutty flavor and adds a satisfying crunch that’s essential to this pie.
- Dark brown sugar: This adds deep molasses notes, enriching the sweetness and complexity of the filling.
- Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness with a clean, straightforward sugar flavor.
- Large eggs: Act as a binding agent to create that luscious, custard-like texture.
- Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic undertones.
- Light corn syrup: This gives the filling its glossy appearance and smooth consistency.
- Pinch of salt: Crucial for balancing sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors.
How to Make Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
The first step sets the foundation for success. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you finish mixing your filling. Lightly grease a 9-inch pie pan to prevent sticking and ensure an easy release of your perfect pie later.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Basics
In a large bowl, whisk your large eggs until they’re frothy and light. This helps to create a smooth, airy custard base. Then stir in dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Combining these ingredients at once creates a harmonious blend of sweetness and depth that defines the Southern Pecan Pie Recipe.
Step 3: Add the Toasted Pecans
Gently fold the toasted pecans into your filling. This step is important to keep those nuts whole and crunchy, creating a delightful texture contrast with the silky custard beneath.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour the pecan and custard mixture into the prepared pie crust. Make sure to spread the pecans evenly across the surface for that iconic look and balanced nut distribution in every slice.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 60 to 70 minutes until the center jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan. This delicate balance ensures your pie is fully cooked yet still moist and tender in the middle, capturing the luscious texture everyone loves in a Southern Pecan Pie Recipe.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Allow the pie to cool completely. This part is worth the wait because it lets the filling set perfectly, making slicing clean and the flavors even more harmonious with each bite.
How to Serve Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy contrast that pairs beautifully with the nutty sweetness. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also add an extra touch of elegance and flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
Southern pecan pie shines as a dessert star on its own, but pairing it with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk can elevate the experience. For festive occasions, serving alongside spiced pecan pralines or fresh seasonal berries adds another dimension of flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve individual mini pecan pies in ramekins for a charming, personal touch. You can also cut the pie into wedges and garnish each slice with chopped pecans and a drizzle of honey, transforming a classic into a visually stunning dessert presentation that invites everyone to indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy every last bite without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the pie for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It’s best used within 2 months for optimal taste. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices of pecan pie gently in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 to 15 minutes or pop a slice in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. This revives the gooey goodness without drying out the filling, letting you enjoy it warm and comforting just like fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I make the pie crust from scratch?
Absolutely! While store-bought crusts save time, a homemade crust adds a personal touch and flakier texture that pairs beautifully with the rich pecan filling.
What’s the secret to perfectly toasted pecans?
Toast them in a single layer in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning and bring out their natural oils and flavor.
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light corn syrup?
Yes, you can substitute dark corn syrup for light, but the filling will have a richer, more robust flavor and slightly darker color. It’s a delicious variation if you like deeper caramel notes.
Why is my pie center still too runny after baking?
This often means the pie needs more baking time or the oven temperature might be off. Make sure to bake until the center jiggles slightly but isn’t liquid—carryover heat will finish setting it as it cools.
How long does Southern Pecan Pie keep at room temperature?
Because of its egg-based custard, it’s best to keep the pie refrigerated if you’re not serving it immediately. However, if the room is cool, you can leave it out for a few hours when properly covered.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Pecan Pie Recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a heartfelt tradition that brings sweetness and joy to every occasion. With its inviting aroma and irresistible combination of crunchy pecans and smooth filling, it’s sure to become a treasured favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try, and you’ll discover just how deliciously satisfying Southern hospitality can be on a plate.
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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
A classic Southern Pecan Pie featuring a rich, gooey filling of toasted pecans, dark brown sugar, and corn syrup baked into a flaky pie crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
Ingredients
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
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch pie pan to ensure the pie does not stick.
- Prepare Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the three large eggs until frothy. Then stir in the dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, light corn syrup, melted unsalted butter, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Add Pecans: Gently fold the toasted pecans into the filling mixture, ensuring even distribution without crushing the nuts.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the filling evenly into the prepared pie crust laid in the pie pan.
- Bake: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes. The center should be just set but slightly jiggly when gently shaken, indicating it is perfectly cooked without overbaking.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature before slicing to let the filling fully set for clean, neat slices.
Notes
- Ensure pecans are toasted to enhance their flavor and crunch.
- Use a toothpick or knife inserted near the center to check for doneness; it should come out mostly clean with just a slight tackiness.
- For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly before adding to the filling.
- Store leftover pie covered at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to four days.
