Heavenly Pecan Pie Recipe

Divine Pecan Pie Recipe: Homemade Sweetness in Every Bite

Pecan pie weaves a delectable magic of Southern comfort through its rich caramel-like pecan pie filling that dances between sweet and nutty.

Generations of bakers have perfected this classic dessert with love and precision.

Buttery, flaky crusts cradle a golden-brown filling studded with toasted pecans that crunch with each delightful bite.

The recipe captures the essence of warm gatherings and cherished moments around the dinner table.

Perfectly balanced flavors meld together to create a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

These pecans transform simple ingredients into a sublime treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

One forkful promises to transport you to a world of pure culinary bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 8

Pecan Pie Ingredients You’ll Want on Hand

For Pie Crust Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates a sturdy foundation for the delicate pie, choose unbleached for better texture.
  • Unsalted Butter: Delivers rich, flaky layers with clean butter flavor, cold butter works best for perfect crust.
  • Salt: Enhances overall pastry flavor and balances sweetness.
For Filling Sweeteners:
  • Light Corn Syrup: Provides smooth, silky texture and classic pecan pie glossiness.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel undertones and moisture to the filling.
  • Granulated Sugar: Brings balanced sweetness and helps create smooth filling consistency.
For Flavor and Texture Enhancers:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and create custard-like base.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, aromatic depth to complement nutty pecans.
  • Pecans: Star ingredient offering rich, buttery crunch and signature nutty flavor, select fresh, crisp nuts without any rancid smell.
  • Unsalted Butter: Enriches filling with creamy decadence.
  • Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies overall flavor profile.
  • Bourbon (Optional): Adds sophisticated warmth and complexity to traditional recipe, can substitute with dark rum or skip entirely.

Baking Tools for Pecan Pie That’s Golden and Gooey

  • 9-inch pie dish: Essential for holding and baking the pie perfectly.
  • Rolling pin: Helps flatten and shape the pie crust with smooth, even pressure.
  • Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining filling ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending eggs, corn syrup, and sugar until well incorporated.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for delicious results.
  • Spatula: Great for scraping batter and spreading filling evenly in the pie crust.
  • Baking sheet: Provides extra stability and catches any potential drips during baking.

Making Pecan Pie That’s Rich and Nutty

  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F, getting it ready for the delicious pie journey ahead.

  • Shape the Crust

Gently roll out the pie dough, transforming it into a perfect base for your pecan masterpiece. Tuck the dough snugly into a 9-inch pie dish, creating beautiful crimped edges that’ll make your pie look like a professional baker crafted it.

  • Whip Up the Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend together the sweet ingredients until they’re silky smooth and perfectly combined. The rich mixture will create a luscious, gooey center that’ll make everyone’s taste buds dance.

  • Scatter the Pecans

Sprinkle a generous layer of pecans across the bottom of your prepared crust. These nutty gems will provide a delightful crunch and incredible flavor to every single bite.

  • Pour and Spread

Carefully pour the sweet filling over the pecans, making sure to cover them completely. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, ensuring a consistent texture throughout.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide your pie into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.

  • Cool and Serve

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely. This allows the filling to set and makes slicing a breeze. Serve at room temperature and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure joy.

Flavor Boosts That Work in a Classic Pecan Pie

  • Freeze your pie crust for 15 minutes before filling to prevent soggy bottoms and maintain a crisp texture.
  • Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to the filling to enhance their rich, nutty flavor and add extra depth.
  • Replace traditional corn syrup with maple syrup or honey for a more natural sweetness and unique flavor profile.
  • Use a gluten-free pie crust or almond flour crust to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Bake the pie a day in advance and store at room temperature, allowing flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste.

Serving Pecan Pie with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream

  • Rustic Dessert Companion: Serve this warm pecan pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic sweet contrast.
  • Holiday Chic Plating: Dust the pie with powdered sugar and garnish with whole pecan halves around the edges for an elegant presentation.
  • Cozy Comfort Pairing: Enjoy a slice alongside a hot cup of dark roast coffee or a rich bourbon to enhance the nutty, caramel-like flavors of the pie.
  • Decadent Brunch Twist: Create individual mini pies or cut smaller wedges to include as part of a larger dessert spread during weekend brunches or holiday gatherings.

Best Ways to Store Pecan Pie After the Party

  • Store your pecan pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring the crust stays crisp and flavors remain deliciously intact.
  • Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature for about 2-3 hours before storing, preventing condensation that could make the bottom crust soggy.
  • Wrap the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best texture and taste.
  • Enjoy the pecan pie slightly warm or at room temperature, which enhances the nutty caramel flavors and creates a more luxurious dessert experience.
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Heavenly Pecan Pie Recipe

Heavenly Pecan Pie Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Southern comfort meets sweet indulgence in this classic Pecan Pie, where buttery, caramelized pecans nestle into a flaky, golden crust. Homemade goodness delivers a rich, nutty experience that beckons you to savor each delectable slice.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 9-inch pie crust (unbaked, store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup pecans halves
  • 1 cup light corn syrup (or dark corn syrup)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Carefully unfurl the pie dough into a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing the pastry against the bottom and sides. Artfully crimp the edges to create a decorative border, ensuring a snug fit.
  2. Filling Fusion: Whisk together the corn syrup, eggs, sugar, butter, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and thoroughly integrated, with no streaks of unincorporated ingredients visible.
  3. Pecan Distribution: Scatter the pecans evenly across the prepared pie crust, creating a uniform layer that will provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor throughout the pie.
  4. Liquid Integration: Delicately pour the syrup mixture over the pecans, allowing it to settle naturally between the nuts and fill any gaps, ensuring complete coverage without disturbing the nut arrangement.
  5. Baking Process: Slide the pie into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes, rotating halfway through to promote even browning. The pie is ready when the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the center, and the crust turns a golden-brown hue.
  6. Cooling and Setting: Remove the pie from the oven and place on a wire rack. Allow to cool completely for at least 2 hours, which enables the filling to firm up and makes slicing easier.

Notes

  • Blind bake the pie crust for 10-15 minutes before adding filling to create a crisp, golden base that won’t become mushy.
  • Gently mix corn syrup and eggs to avoid over-beating, which can create air bubbles and lead to a less smooth texture.
  • Cover the pie crust edges with aluminum foil or a pie shield during baking to prevent excessive browning or burning.
  • Insert a knife near the center – it should come out clean with a slight wobble, indicating the pie is perfectly set but not overcooked.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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