Pecan pie is a classic dessert that embodies the rich flavors of toasted pecans and sweet, gooey filling encased in a buttery crust. This recipe will guide you through creating a homemade pecan pie that’s perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to simple family desserts.
Ingredients for Pecan Pie
For the Crust:
- 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 2-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 and 1/2 cups pecan halves
How to Make Pecan Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold cubed butter.
- Cut in Butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Sprinkle ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, over the mixture. Gently stir with a fork after each addition until the dough begins to clump together.
- Form Dough: Gather the dough into a ball and flatten into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a baking sheet in the oven to preheat as well.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Add Pecans: Stir in the pecan halves until evenly coated with the filling mixture.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pie
- Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Transfer to a 9-inch pie dish.
- Fill Pie Shell: Pour the pecan filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed, and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.
About the Main Ingredients
Pecans
Pecans are the star of this pie, providing a rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture. Toasting the pecans before adding them to the filling enhances their flavor, making them a delightful contrast to the sweet, gooey filling.
Corn Syrup
Corn syrup is used to sweeten and bind the filling together. It contributes to the smooth, caramel-like texture that pecan pie is known for. Light corn syrup is preferred for this recipe to maintain the pie’s classic flavor and texture.
Butter and Eggs
Butter adds richness to both the crust and the filling, while eggs help to bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the pie. These ingredients work together to create a decadent dessert that is sure to be a favorite.
Tips for the Perfect Pecan Pie
- Prevent Over-Browning: If the edges of the crust are browning too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
- Cooling Time: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to ensure that the filling sets properly.
- Storage: Store leftover pecan pie at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm slightly before serving, if desired.
Enjoy the indulgent flavors of homemade pecan pie with this easy-to-follow recipe. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday feast or a casual dessert, this pecan pie is sure to impress with its buttery crust, sweet filling, and crunchy pecans. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of classic pecan pie goodness!
