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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Amber Myers
I must try this for sure. I just love pecan pie. I normally cheat and buy a frozen one.
Tanya P.
Super easy and very good. This will be my new go-to pecan pie recipe 🙂
Beth Pierce
Thanks Tanya! So glad that you like it!
Monica Simpson
This recipe doesn’t intimidate me as some other pie ones do. I love pecans so I really want to try and make this!
Tara Pittman
I have never made a pecan pie. This is my next dessert recipe to make.
Eileen M Loya
Yummy! I like that you have given some suggestions to tweak the recipe according to our preference. Pecan pie is always a winner with my family. I am going to try the one with chocolate chips. That would be so delicious!
Ladena
My mom LOVES Pecan Pie, she’d be over the moon if I made this for her. Thanks for the recipe!
Danielle Wolter
I am all about a southern pecan pie. This looks absolutely amazing!
Dannii
Pecans are my favourite nut and I love any dessert with pecans. This looks epic!
Maria
Pecan pie is the best! The Bourbon Pecan Pie sounds tempting, i’ll definitely try this one on the next bake day.
Anaiah
Pecan pie has always been one of my favorites and your recipe does NOT disappoint! Perfect with a big serving of whipped cream. Yum! Definitely going to try adding chocolate chips next time like you suggested.
Toni
This is such a gorgeous pie! Everyone at my house enjoyed it!
Bintu | Budget Delicious
I love a good pecan pie and this sounds so sweet and delicious! One of my fave desserts for sure.
Beth Sachs
Pecan Pie is one of our favourite desserts and this recipe is so easy to make!
Michelle
This was such a delicious pecan pie! It was amazing with a dollop of vanilla ice cream! Thank you for sharing!
Karen M
I made this yesterday and baby..this was delicious yes
kerri
the perfect southern holiday dessert!