If you’re looking for a truly comforting and irresistibly sweet treat, this Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe will warm your heart and delight your taste buds with every bite. Pecan pie is a beloved classic in Southern kitchens, and this recipe keeps things straightforward without sacrificing that rich, buttery flavor and satisfying crunch. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into pie-making, this Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little Southern charm to your table with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe plays a crucial role in creating its perfect balance of texture and flavor. The magic lies in the simplicity—every element complements the others to give that signature gooey filling and crisp nutty topping.
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Provides a flaky, buttery base that holds all the deliciousness together.
- 1 cup light corn syrup: Adds sweetness and that classic sticky texture essential to pecan pie.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances the flavor with pure sweetness and helps the filling set.
- 3 large eggs: Acts as a binder to create a smooth, custard-like filling.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Infuses rich creaminess and depth to the pie.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds subtle warmth and aroma for a more complex flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves: The star ingredient that gives a satisfying crunch and nutty richness.
How to Make Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out your pie crust and gently press it into a 9-inch pie dish. If you want to add a little flair, flute the edges by pinching the dough between your fingers to create a pretty border. This crust will support the luscious filling and crisp perfectly during baking.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the light corn syrup, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk these ingredients until everything is smooth and fully incorporated. This mixture forms the sweet, syrupy base that makes pecan pie so irresistible.
Step 3: Add the Pecan Halves
Gently stir in the pecan halves, making sure each nut is evenly coated with the sugary filling. This step ensures every bite will have that perfect blend of crunchy pecans and silky filling.
Step 4: Pour Filling Into Crust
Pour your pecan and filling mixture carefully into the prepared pie crust. Spread the pecans evenly across the surface so they distribute beautifully throughout the pie, creating an inviting, uniform look once baked.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pie for 50 to 55 minutes, watching carefully toward the end. The filling should be set but still have a little wiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan. If the edges of your crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning while the rest finishes baking.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely at room temperature. Cooling allows the filling to firm up nicely, making it much easier to slice and enjoy later.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it just as it is for a classic experience or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate every bite into something truly special.
How to Serve Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
Garnishes
While this pie shines on its own, garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add a beautiful finishing touch. Fresh whipped cream sprinkled with a few toasted pecan pieces gives an extra layer of texture and creaminess that pairs perfectly with the pie’s sweetness.
Side Dishes
Traditionally served as a dessert after a hearty meal, pecan pie pairs wonderfully with light side dishes such as fresh fruit or a crisp green salad during the main course. If serving at a holiday or special occasion, balance the richness by offering something slightly tart like a cranberry sauce or citrus-based side.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual mini pecan pies baked in muffin tins for a fun twist on this classic. Another idea is to create pecan pie bars by baking the filling in a rectangular pan and cutting into squares. For a party, garnish small slices with a festive edible flower or sprinkle of cinnamon to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pecan pie tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate to keep the filling fresh and the crust crisp for about 4 to 5 days.
Freezing
This Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe freezes well. Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to two months. To thaw, place the pie in the fridge overnight and allow it to come to temperature for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices gently in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes to bring back that just-baked aroma and soften the filling. If you are reheating from frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator first to ensure even warming without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Using a homemade pie crust can add a personal touch and extra flakiness, though store-bought crusts are a convenient time-saver that still yield great results.
What if I don’t have light corn syrup?
You can substitute with golden syrup, maple syrup, or a homemade simple syrup blend, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will slightly vary from the classic pecan pie taste.
How do I prevent the pecans from sinking to the bottom?
Coating the pecans well with the syrup mixture before pouring into the crust helps keep them suspended evenly throughout the filling during baking.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the traditional pie crust with a gluten-free alternative and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free certified for a safe and delicious pie.
Is there a way to make pecan pie less sweet?
Reducing the sugar slightly or mixing half corn syrup and half dark syrup can tone down the sweetness while maintaining the signature sticky texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about enjoying a slice of homemade pecan pie, and this Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe makes that experience wonderfully accessible. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and timeless flavor, it’s a dessert that invites you to slow down and savor every moment. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to pie for celebrations or cozy nights in.
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Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Easy Southern Pecan Pie recipe offers a classic, sweet, and nutty dessert perfect for any occasion. Featuring a buttery pie crust filled with a rich mixture of corn syrup, sugar, eggs, and pecan halves, it bakes to a golden perfection with a luscious, gooey center. Ready in just over an hour, it’s a beloved Southern staple that’s delicious served warm or at room temperature, alone or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, shaping the edges with flutes if you like for a decorative finish.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, granulated sugar, eggs, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add Pecans: Stir in the pecan halves, making sure they are thoroughly coated with the syrup mixture for even flavor distribution.
- Fill Pie Shell: Pour this pecan filling evenly into the prepared pie crust, spreading the pecans out to cover the surface in a uniform layer.
- Bake the Pie: Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the filling is mostly set but still jiggles slightly in the center when gently shaken. To prevent over-browning, cover the pie edges with foil halfway through the baking time if they become too dark.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature to enable the filling to set fully before slicing.
- Serve: Slice the pie into 8 pieces and serve as is or enhance the dessert by adding whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Cover edges of the pie with foil during baking to prevent crust from burning.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing for cleaner slices.
- Leftover pie should be refrigerated and consumed within 3-4 days.
- For a richer flavor, consider toasting the pecans lightly before adding to the filling.
