Pecan pie has long been a cherished dessert in my family, especially during the fall months when the air gets crisp and the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold. This recipe for Southern Pecan Pie brings back fond memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations. Growing up, my grandmother would bake this pie for our Thanksgiving dinner, and the sweet, nutty aroma would fill the house, signaling the start of the holiday season. I remember eagerly watching her in the kitchen, fascinated by the simplicity and magic of combining just a few ingredients to create such a delightful treat.
The beauty of this Southern Pecan Pie lies in its simplicity and the rich, caramel-like flavor that comes from the combination of sugar, corn syrup, and butter. The recipe calls for a mix of chopped pecans, which provide a wonderful texture, and pecan halves that can be arranged on top for a decorative finish. This is one of those recipes where the ingredients really shine, and there’s little need for modification. However, there are a few variations you might consider if you’re feeling adventurous.
For instance, adding a splash of bourbon to the filling can give the pie a deeper, more complex flavor that’s perfect for adult gatherings. Alternatively, if you prefer a less sweet version, you might try substituting dark corn syrup for half of the light corn syrup, which adds a subtle molasses note to the pie. And for a twist on the traditional, consider incorporating a handful of chocolate chips into the filling before baking. The melted chocolate pairs beautifully with the pecans, creating an irresistible combination.
This pie is also incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. While it’s fantastic on its own, topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream elevates it to another level of indulgence. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this Southern Pecan Pie is sure to become a favorite in your home, just as it has been in mine.
How to Make Southern Pecan Pie
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Ingredients
- 1 cup Light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- ¼ cup Butter, melted
- 1 Unbaked deep dish pie crust
- 1 cup Sugar
- 3 large Eggs
- 1 cup Chopped pecans
- 1 cup Pecan halves (optional)
Directions
- Position your oven rack in the center and preheat the oven to 350°F. Place a baking sheet inside to heat up.
- In a medium bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly with a fork until well blended.
- Add the sugar and corn syrup to the beaten eggs, stirring until fully mixed.
- Incorporate the melted butter, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans into the mixture until everything is well combined.
- Carefully pour the prepared filling into the unbaked pie crust.
- Optional: For a decorative touch, arrange pecan halves on top of the filling in concentric circles, pressing them gently into the filling.
- Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes. After 20 minutes, check the edges and top of the pie. If they are browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil or use a pie shield and tent the center with a foil circle to prevent burning.
- The pie is ready when the center slightly jiggles but the edges are set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before serving.
Storing Suggestions:
Store any leftover pecan pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To enjoy warm, reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. You can also freeze the pie for up to 2 months by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
FAQs:
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light corn syrup?
Yes, you can substitute dark corn syrup for light corn syrup in pecan pie. The dark corn syrup will add a richer, more robust flavor and a slightly darker color to your pie.
How can I tell if my pecan pie is done?
Your pecan pie is done when the center has a slight jiggle, but the edges are set. It should not be liquid in the middle. If in doubt, you can insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Is it necessary to pre-bake the pie crust?
No, you do not need to pre-bake the pie crust for this pecan pie recipe. The filling will bake and set nicely in the unbaked pie crust as the pie bakes.
Can I make pecan pie ahead of time?
Yes, pecan pie can be made a day or two in advance. Once the pie has cooled completely, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and can make for an even better-tasting pie.
Why is my pecan pie runny?
If your pecan pie is runny, it may not have been baked long enough. Make sure to bake the pie until the center is slightly jiggly but the edges are set. Additionally, allow the pie to cool completely, as it will continue to set as it cools.
Can I use a different type of nuts in place of pecans?
While pecans are traditional for this pie, you can experiment with other nuts like walnuts or almonds. However, keep in mind that this will change the flavor and texture of the pie.
Southern Pecan Pie
Ingredients
- 3 large Eggs
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 cup Light corn syrup
- ¼ cup Melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla essence
- 1 cup Chopped pecans
- 1 cup Pecan halves optional
- 1 Unbaked deep dish pie crust
Instructions
- Adjust your oven rack to the center position and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place a baking sheet in the oven while preheating.
- In a medium bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly using a fork until well mixed.
- Add the sugar and light corn syrup to the eggs, stirring until fully combined.
- Mix in the melted butter, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans until everything is well blended.
- Carefully pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust.
- Optional: Arrange pecan halves on top of the filling in concentric circles for a decorative touch, gently pressing them into the filling.
- Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes. After the first 20 minutes, check the edges and the top of the pie if using pecan halves. If browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil or a pie shield and tent the center with a foil circle to prevent burning.
- The pie is done when the center has a slight jiggle but the edges are set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before serving.
- Enjoy with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
