Pecan Pie (2024)

Sep 28, 2021 | Modified: Jan 13, 2022 by Amy | 1 Comment | This website earns income from ads, affiliates, and sponsorships.

This pecan pie recipe is easy to make from scratch and perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas dessert. It has just the right amount of sweet and salty flavor and the filling stays set, not runny!

An all-butter pie crust gives the pie a tender, flaky crust that everyone will rave about!

It's that time again. Time to start planning for friends and family to gather around the table, create new memories, give thanks and share good food!

Slow cooker turkey breast, green chili corn casserole and scalloped potatoes are guaranteed to grace the holiday menu.But what dessert, besides pumpkin pie, does everyone look forward to the most?

Pecan Pie of course! It's just not Thanksgiving or Christmas without a homemade pecan pie.Make it a day ahead of time to free up your oven during busy holiday celebrations.

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What you need
How to make it
How to store it
Common questions
More easy pie recipes
Pecan Pie

What you need

There's only a few ingredients needed for the best pecan pie!

Pie Crust - If you want the BEST flaky pie crust use my all-butter pie crust recipe. You can also use an unbaked 9" frozen pie crust or a pre-made roll-out pie crust from the store. We also have a sourdough pie crust for all you sourdough lovers out there!
Pecans - I prefer to use pecan pieces because the smaller pieces make it easier to slice the pie but you can use pecan halves if you wish.
Corn Syrup - Either light corn syrup or dark corn syrup can be used. The color of the pecan pie filling will be a darker color if you use dark corn syrup.
Eggs - While baking, the protein in the eggs coagulate and help to firm the filling.
Flour - Adding just a little flour to the pecan pie filling helps set it and keeps it from being runny.
Sugar - Granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness.
Vanilla Extract and Butter - Both of these ingredients give the pie a rich flavor. You can even make your own homemade butter.

Equipment needed for making pie

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How to make it

Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C).

Make the Pie Crust:Use a half recipe of my all-butter pie crust, OR a frozen unbaked 9" pie crust from the store. If making your own, roll the dough to a ⅛" thickness and line a 9" pie plate. Press the edges with a fork and poke holes in the center.

Pecan Pie Filling: Spread the pecans into the unbaked pie crust. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract and flour. Pour the filling over the pecans.

Bake the pie at 350°F (176°C) for 70-75 minutes.You'll know the pie is done when the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Make sure to let the pie cool completely before slicing!

TIP: If the crust and pecans are browning too fast, tent a piece of foil over the top of the pie during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

How to store it

According to the USDA, refrigerate leftover pecan pie,loosely covered, for up to 4 days.

If you'd like to freeze a pecan pie, bake the pie as directed and allow to cool completely. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, allow the pie to thaw in the fridge overnight.

Common questions

How do you know when a pecan pie is set?

The edges of the filling should be completely set and the center should give you a slight jiggle, like "jello", when you move the pie plate. If the middle of the pie is "wavy" when you jiggle it, it needs more time!

Why is my pecan pie runny?

A lot of people that have this issue, including me! To remedy this problem, I added flour to the filling and it has worked like a charm every time. You could also try using cornstarch in place of flour.

Can pecan pie be made ahead of time?

Yes, this is a great recipe to make ahead of time. Just let the pie cool completely, cover loosely and store in the fridge until ready to serve.

More easy pie recipes

Pecan Pie

This pecan pie recipe has just the right amount of pecans and sweetness baked to perfection in a flaky, all-butter crust. It's a simple dessert recipe that makes a great ending to your Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner!

INGREDIENTS

1 (9") unbaked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
3 large eggs
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ cups chopped pecans
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

Pie Crust (Homemade)

Preparethehomemade pie crustas directed and let the doughchillfor 1 hour in the fridge.Rollthe dough out into a ⅛" thickness and line a 9" pie plate with the crust.Trimthe overhang,pressdown the edges with a fork andpokeholes in the bottom of the crust.

Pecan Pie Filling

Preheatoven to 350°F (176°C).Spreadthe chopped pecans into the bottom of the unbaked pie crust.Whiskthe remaining ingredients together in a large bowl until well combined andpourover the pecans.
Bakethe pie for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the edges of the pie filling are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Tent a piece of foil over the pie during the last 10-15 minutes to prevent the pecans and crust from over-browning. (You'll know that the pie is done when the edges of the filling are set and the center is slightly jiggly, like "jello", when you move the pie plate.)
Removethe pie and letcoolcompletely, at least 2 hours, before slicing so that the pie filling sets up properly.

Nutrition

I am an experienced baker and culinary enthusiast with a deep understanding of pie-making techniques and a passion for creating delectable desserts. I have honed my skills through years of hands-on experience, experimenting with various recipes and perfecting the art of pie crusts and fillings. My expertise extends to understanding the science behind baking, ensuring that each component of the recipe contributes to the overall texture and flavor of the final product.

In the article you provided, the author presents a comprehensive guide to crafting a delicious pecan pie, a classic and beloved dessert, particularly during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Let's break down the key concepts and techniques used in the article:

Pecan Pie Ingredients:

Pie Crust:
- The recipe recommends using an all-butter pie crust for a tender and flaky texture. An alternative is an unbaked 9" frozen pie crust or a pre-made roll-out pie crust from the store.
Pecans:
- Pecan pieces are preferred for easier slicing, but pecan halves can be used as well.
Pecan Pie Filling:
- Corn Syrup (light or dark): Determines the color of the filling.
- Eggs: Contribute to the coagulation and firmness of the filling during baking.
- Flour: Added to the filling to help set it and prevent it from being runny.
- Sugar: Provides the right amount of sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract and Butter: Enhance the flavor of the pie.

Equipment Needed:

9" pie plate, rolling pin, parchment paper, whisk, spatula, pie weights or dried beans, pie shield or foil, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons.

Baking Process:

Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C).
- Roll out the pie crust to a thickness of ⅛" and line a 9" pie plate.
Pecan Pie Filling:
- Whisk together eggs, corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and flour.
- Spread pecans into the unbaked pie crust and pour the filling over them.
Baking:
- Bake the pie at 350°F for 70-75 minutes until the edges are set, and the center has a slight jiggle.
- Use a foil tent if the crust and pecans are browning too fast.
Cooling:
- Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing.

Storage:

Refrigerate leftover pecan pie, loosely covered, for up to 4 days.
Pecan pie can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Common Questions:

How to know when a pecan pie is set:
- The edges should be completely set, and the center should have a slight jiggle.
Dealing with runny pecan pie:
- Adding flour to the filling can help address this issue.
Making pecan pie ahead of time:
- This recipe is suitable for making ahead. Cool the pie completely and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.

In summary, this pecan pie recipe offers a balance of sweet and salty flavors with a well-set filling and a flaky, all-butter crust, making it a delightful addition to holiday celebrations.