Traditional Southern Pecan Pie

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 10 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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Pecan pie is a true Southern classic, beloved for its rich, nutty flavor and irresistible sweetness. This traditional recipe captures the essence of Southern hospitality and is perfect for any gathering or holiday feast.

Ingredients for Traditional Southern Pecan Pie

Sugar is essential for the sweetness and helps create that beautifully caramelized top. Light corn syrup adds to the sweetness while giving the filling its smooth, gooey texture. The butter, melted and mixed in, adds richness and depth, making each bite luxurious. Eggs are crucial for binding the filling together, ensuring it sets properly. A hint of vanilla extract elevates all the flavors, adding a warm, aromatic note. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness, making the pie more complex and satisfying. The star of the show, of course, is the pecan halves, which provide the signature crunch and nutty flavor. Lastly, an unbaked 9-inch pie crust holds everything together and provides a crispy, flaky base.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a glass or ceramic pie dish for even baking.
  • Cover the edges of the crust with foil if they start to brown too quickly.
  • Let the pie cool completely to ensure it slices cleanly.

Serving Suggestions

This pie pairs beautifully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a bit of contrast, consider serving with a side of tart cranberry sauce, which complements the pie's sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dark corn syrup instead?
Yes, but it will result in a deeper color and slightly more robust flavor.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The center should be set and not jiggle when lightly shaken. The top will be a deep golden brown.

Traditional Southern Pecan Pie Recipe Walkthrough

First, get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This way, it'll be ready to go when you are. Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together your granulated sugar, light corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. You want this mixture to be smooth and well-combined.

Take your unbaked pie crust and arrange the pecan halves on the bottom. They should be spread out evenly so every slice gets a fair share of pecans. Once that's done, pour your sugar mixture over the pecans. Make sure the pecans are completely covered — this ensures they bake evenly.

Place the pie on a baking sheet. This helps catch any potential overflow and makes handling easier. Pop it into the oven and let it bake for 60-70 minutes. You're looking for a filling that's set and a top that's a rich golden brown. Once done, let the pie cool completely, which will take about two hours, allowing the filling to firm up nicely.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple and straightforward, using ingredients you likely already have.
  • Rich, buttery flavor with a perfect balance of sweet and nutty.
  • Classic Southern dessert that brings a touch of nostalgia to any table.

Ingredients

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

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
3. Arrange the pecan halves evenly on the bottom of the unbaked pie crust.
4. Pour the sugar mixture over the pecans, ensuring they are evenly covered.
5. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is a rich golden brown.
6. Allow the pie to cool completely before serving, which will take about 2 hours.

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