Traditional Pecan Pie

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 10 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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If you’re craving a comforting, classic dessert, nothing beats a Traditional Pecan Pie. With its rich, nutty filling and flaky crust, this pie is a beloved staple for gatherings and holidays. Let's dive into making this timeless treat!

Ingredients for Traditional Pecan Pie

Pie crust: The foundation of your pie, providing a flaky, buttery base. Use store-bought for convenience or homemade for a personal touch.

Light corn syrup: Essential for that gooey, sweet filling we all love. It binds everything together while keeping the texture smooth.

Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the caramelized flavor in the filling.

Eggs: These act as a thickening agent, giving the pie its structure and custard-like consistency.

Unsalted butter: Provides richness and depth of flavor. Melting it ensures even distribution throughout the filling.

Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors, adding a warm, aromatic note.

Salt: A pinch helps balance the sweetness, bringing out the natural flavors of the pecans and other ingredients.

Pecan halves: The star of the show! They add crunch and a distinctive nutty flavor that makes this pie iconic.

Tips & Tricks

  • Toasting the pecans before adding them enhances their flavor and adds extra crunch.
  • If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil halfway through baking.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements this pie beautifully. For a cozy touch, serve it slightly warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce. It pairs wonderfully with a bourbon or dark rum cocktail for those who enjoy a spirited pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dark corn syrup instead?
Yes, but it will give the pie a deeper, more robust flavor. It's a great option if you prefer a more molasses-like taste.
How do I know when the pie is set?
The filling should be slightly puffed and set in the center. It will jiggle a bit but shouldn't be liquid.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! The pie can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving.

Traditional Pecan Pie Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it hot and ready when your pie is assembled.

In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, sugar, and eggs. You’re looking for a smooth mixture, so make sure everything is well combined. Add the melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt, and give it another good whisking.

Next, stir in the pecan halves. You want them to be evenly coated in that luscious filling.

Pour the pecan filling into your unbaked pie crust. Spread out the pecans if they’ve bunched up, so they’re evenly distributed.

Place your pie on a baking sheet—this makes it easier to handle and catches any drips—and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and the top is a beautiful golden brown.

Once baked, allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack. It needs this time to set properly, so resist the temptation to cut into it too soon!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness.
  • Easy to make with simple, straightforward steps.
  • An ideal dessert for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
  • Appealing to both pecan pie veterans and newcomers alike.

Ingredients

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
3. Stir in pecan halves until evenly coated with the mixture.
4. Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust, spreading pecans evenly.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until the filling is set and the pie is golden brown.
6. Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

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