Impress your guests with the Best Pecan Pie Recipe that captures the essence of Southern baking. This delightful dessert is perfect for various occasions, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations. With its rich, nutty flavor and a sweet, gooey filling, this pecan pie is sure to be a showstopper. Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients and minimal prep time, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just ten minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious dessert in no time.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples, this recipe is easy to follow and requires no special skills.
- Versatile Serving Options: This pecan pie is delightful on its own or served with whipped cream and ice cream for an extra treat.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a casual weekend dinner, this pie fits right in.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential kitchen tools you’ll need to create the Best Pecan Pie Recipe.
Essential Kitchen Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Pie dish
Why These Tools Matter
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to mix ingredients thoroughly without spills.
- Whisk: Using a whisk helps incorporate air into the eggs for a lighter filling.
- Measuring cups & spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results every time.
Ingredients
Impress your guests with this perfect Southern Pecan Pie. With eight easy ingredients and only ten minutes of prep time, you too, can cook like a chef.
For the Pie Filling
- 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
How to Make Best Pecan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven heats up, place the coarsely chopped pecans into the unbaked pie shell evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Crack three large eggs into the bowl.
2. Add one cup of corn syrup (light or dark).
3. Mix in three-quarters of a cup of brown sugar.
4. Pour in three tablespoons of slightly cooled melted unsalted butter.
5. Add one teaspoon of vanilla extract, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and half a teaspoon of salt.
6. Use a whisk to blend everything until smooth.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Pour the mixture over the pecans in the pie shell:
1. Ensure that all pecans are well-coated with the filling mixture.
2. Place the pie in the preheated oven.
3. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until the center has just a slight jiggle but is set at the edges.
Step 4: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least two hours before slicing it into eight servings. Enjoy your homemade pecan pie!
How to Serve Best Pecan Pie Recipe
Serving pecan pie can elevate your dessert experience, making it a highlight of any gathering. Here are some delightful ways to serve your best pecan pie.
Classic Serving Suggestions
- Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream for a light and airy contrast.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm slices alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a deliciously creamy pairing.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle chocolate sauce over the pie for an indulgent twist that chocolate lovers will appreciate.
Festive Accents
- Caramel Sauce: Enhance the sweetness with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the top.
- Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top for added texture and flavor.
- Seasonal Fruits: Serve with slices of fresh fruit, like apples or pears, to balance the richness of the pie.
How to Perfect Best Pecan Pie Recipe
Achieving the perfect pecan pie is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you master this classic dessert.
- Bold Ingredients: Use high-quality pecans and fresh eggs for the best flavor and texture.
- Chill Your Crust: If using homemade dough, chill your crust before baking to prevent shrinking in the oven.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time; overbaking can lead to a dry filling. The center should jiggle slightly when done.
- Cool Completely: Allow your pie to cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts and better texture.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to mix in other spices like nutmeg or ginger for unique flavor notes.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Best Pecan Pie Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your pecan pie can enhance its flavor and create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the pie.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve savory roasted vegetables as a counterpoint to the sweetness of pecan pie.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: This dish offers a comforting sweetness that complements the flavors of pecan pie perfectly.
- Green Salad with Vinaigrette: A light salad dressed with vinaigrette helps cleanse the palate after rich desserts.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The creaminess of mashed potatoes provides a hearty contrast next to dessert offerings.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins pair nicely with Southern cuisine, adding warmth and texture alongside your pie.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the Best Pecan Pie Recipe can be simple, but some common mistakes can hinder your results. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid.
- Skipping the pre-baking step: Not pre-baking the pie crust can lead to a soggy bottom. Always bake it for a few minutes before adding the filling.
- Using cold eggs: Cold eggs can affect the texture of your pie. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for optimal mixing and consistency.
- Overmixing the filling: Overmixing can incorporate too much air and lead to cracks. Mix just until combined for a smooth filling.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using incorrect measurements can alter the flavor and texture. Always use standard measuring cups and spoons for precision.
- Ignoring cooling time: Cutting into the pie too early can ruin its structure. Allow it to cool completely for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your pecan pie in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- Alternatively, keep it covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Freezing Best Pecan Pie Recipe
- Wrap your cooled pecan pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Best Pecan Pie Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the pie with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid to warm through evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret to a perfect pecan pie?
The secret lies in using fresh ingredients and ensuring you mix them just enough to blend without overmixing.
How do I know when my pecan pie is done?
Your pecan pie is ready when it has a slight jiggle in the center but is set around the edges.
Can I customize my pecan pie recipe?
Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, coconut, or even spices like nutmeg to tailor it to your taste.
How should I store leftover pecan pie?
Leftover pecan pie should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and kept in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
This Best Pecan Pie Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to add personal touches like chocolate or nuts. It’s perfect for any occasion, so try making this delightful dessert today!
Best Pecan Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Impress your guests with the Best Pecan Pie Recipe, a classic Southern dessert that embodies rich flavors and delightful textures. This pie features a gooey filling made from coarsely chopped pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon, all nestled in a flaky crust. Perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations, this recipe requires just ten minutes of prep time and simple ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Serve it plain or elevate your dessert with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence. Delight your loved ones with a slice of this irresistible pecan pie that’s sure to be the highlight of any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
- 2 ½ cups pecans (coarsely chopped)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (slightly cooled)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Evenly distribute coarsely chopped pecans in the unbaked pie shell.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the filling over the pecans in the pie shell, ensuring they're well-coated.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes until the center jiggles slightly but is set at the edges.
- Cool for at least two hours before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 112g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
