Classic Pecan Pie is an incredibly easy and delicious Southern treat, with loads of buttery pecans baked in a soft filling made with eggs, butter, and sugar. It has eight easy ingredients, and if using a frozen or premade crust, you can have it in the oven in less than ten minutes.
I love to serve this homemade Pecan Pie during the holidays, especially around Thanksgiving, along with pumpkin pie and Dutch apple pie.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This pie is always a big family hit. Honestly, who wouldn’t love a soft, buttery mess of pecans nestled in soft sweetness made with eggs, brown sugar, and butter, all in a flaky, buttery crust? Oh, did I forget to mention the butter?
- If using a frozen or premade pie crust, this pie is in the oven in less than 10 minutes, leaving plenty of time for the rest of the meal.
- The ingredients for this pie are readily available at most local grocery stores. Nothing is complicated here; you can even pick up a frozen pie crust or premade pie crust at the grocery store.
Ingredients Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.
- Pie crust: frozen pre-made or homemade single pie crust
- Pecans: don’t chop your pecan halves too much. Just a quick coarse chop. There should still be whole halves and some quarters for the best texture.
- Corn syrup: light corn syrup produces a lighter flavor, while dark corn syrup produces a deeper, more caramelized flavor.
- Brown sugar: light or dark brown, like corn syrup, they produce slightly different results.
- Butter: unsalted or salted
- Vanilla extract: please use pure vanilla extract
How to make Pecan Pie
This is the summary version; see the recipe card below for the complete list of ingredients and the instructions.
Start by adding the coarsely chopped pecans to the unbaked pie crust. Whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Pour the mixture over the pecans.
Bake for about 55-60 minutes or until the center has just a slight jiggle, but the edges are stable and set. Cover the top with a loose piece of aluminum foil if the crust browns too much. The pie needs to cool for at least 2 hours on a wire rack before you slice it. Top with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Preparation Tips and Storage
- If you have the time, make a delicious homemade pie crust. Cut this recipe in half since it is for a double crust. It won’t take long, and your guests will be impressed with your cooking.
- The pie should still be ever so slightly jiggly in the middle when it is done; however, the outside should be set and steady.
- For the ultimate pleasure, top with fresh whipped cream and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Once cooled, store the pecan pie covered in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Flavor Variations
- Bourbon Pecan Pie: Add 2 tablespoons of good quality bourbon to the egg mixture.
- Chocolate Pecan Pie: Add 3/4 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips to the egg mixture.
- Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie: Add 2 tablespoons of good quality bourbon and 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips to the egg mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this pecan pie freezes well double-wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator so condensation does not build up in the freezer bag and affect the crust or the consistency of the pie.
The most common reason your pecan pie did not set was that it was not baked long enough for the custard to set or the oven temperature was off. Place it back in the oven for a few minutes, but cover it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it from over-browning.
More Pie Recipes
Best Pecan Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (9 inch) unbaked or frozen pie crust
- 2 ½ cups pecans coarsely chopped
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup light corn syrup or dark corn syrup
- ¾ cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add pecans to the unbaked pie shell.
- In a large bowl, stir together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the mixture over the pecans.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes or until the center has just a slight jiggle but the edges are stable and set. Cool for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Video
Notes
- If you have the time, make a delicious homemade pie crust. Simply cut this recipe in half since it is for a double crust. It won’t take long at all, and your guests will be so impressed with your cooking.
- Don’t chop your pecan halves too much. Just a quick coarse chop. There should still be whole halves and some quarters for the best texture.
- The pie should still be ever so slightly jiggly in the middle when it is done; however, the outside should be set and steady.
- For the ultimate pleasure, top with fresh whipped cream and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Once cooled, store the pecan pie covered in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
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https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
rika
Looks scrumptious! Pecan pie is one of my fav desserts! Can’t wait to make it.
Jane Saunders
I like the sound of your variations, especially the chocolate AND bourbon version.
Healing Tomato
I am a huge fan of pecan pies and this southern flavored one goes right to the top of my bookmark list! It looks so delicious and comforting.
Jen
Such a delicious dessert for my whole family! They loved it!
Brad
Love that this is so easy to make! This is delicious and a real treat.
Emily Liao
This pecan pie was so delicious! The flavors and textures were on point. Will be making again for tomorrow 🙂
Jacque Hastert
This is a true southern classic pie! I am loving that these are loaded with pecans and flavor. I can’t wait to bake this pie.
Allyson Zea
Wow this pie looks absolutely delightful! I can’t wait to try it
Haley Williams
This pecan pie sounds delicious right about now!
Erin
I need to try this Pecan Pie is immediately, it looks so good!
Amanda
Pecan pie is my favorite and this recipe is fantastic!
Michelle
Pecan pie is my husband’s favorite. This recipe looks perfect.
Tanya
This was really amazing!! Everyone at my house!
Angela
Nothing can beat a great homemade pecan pie. Great recipe…YUM!
Mirlene
I love this pie and my family aways ask me to make it again and again.
Kathryn Donangelo
This pecan pie is so perfect!! I can not wait to make this for thanksgiving! It looks so easy and simple to make too with your instructions, thank you!