Pecan pie is a quintessential Southern dessert that captures the essence of comfort and indulgence. Its rich, gooey filling made with pecans, butter, and brown sugar, combined with a crisp, buttery crust, creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Whether enjoyed during the holiday season or as a special treat any time of the year, this classic pecan pie recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Its sweet, nutty flavor and satisfying crunch make it a perfect choice for festive occasions, dinner parties, or a simple dessert to end a meal on a high note. Follow this recipe to create a pecan pie that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients for Classic Pecan Pie
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Pecan Filling:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pecan halves (about 8 ounces)
For Garnish:
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)
How to Make Classic Pecan Pie
1. Prepare the Pie Crust
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of the ingredients.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions, shape each into a disk, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This helps the dough relax and makes it easier to roll out.
2. Prepare the Pie Filling
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, light brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Add Pecans: Stir in the pecan halves until they are evenly coated with the syrup mixture.
3. Roll Out the Dough
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough, leaving a small overhang.
- Blind Bake the Crust (Optional): For a crisper crust, you can blind bake it. Place parchment paper or aluminum foil over the crust and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Let it cool slightly before adding the filling.
4. Assemble the Pie
- Pour the Filling: Pour the pecan filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. The pie should be slightly puffed and the filling should be firm around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center.
5. Cool and Serve
- Cool the Pie: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly and makes it easier to cut clean slices.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the pie plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
About the Main Ingredients
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the pie crust, providing structure and a tender texture. The flour should be combined with cold butter to create a flaky texture.
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the pie crust and filling. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in the recipe.
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the crust, while brown sugar adds a deep, caramelized flavor to the filling. The combination creates a balanced sweetness.
Pecans: Pecans are the star of the pie, providing a rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture. They are combined with the sweet syrup to create the iconic filling.
Corn Syrup: Corn syrup helps bind the filling together and adds a glossy finish. Light corn syrup is used for its mild flavor and consistency.
Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent in the filling, helping to set it as it bakes. They contribute to the pie’s custard-like texture.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a subtle, aromatic sweetness to the filling, enhancing the overall flavor of the pie.
Classic pecan pie is a beloved dessert that combines simple ingredients to create a rich, decadent treat. By following this recipe, you’ll produce a pie with a perfectly balanced filling and a buttery, crisp crust. Enjoy this delightful dessert with your family and friends, and savor the sweet, nutty goodness of homemade pecan pie!
