There’s a reason why Southern Pecan Pie holds such a cherished place at holiday tables and family gatherings across the South, and indeed, around the world. With its rich, gooey filling packed with toasted pecans, all nestled in a flaky, buttery crust, it’s more than just a dessert—it’s a tradition, a taste of home, and pure comfort. This old-fashioned recipe stays true to the beloved classic, delivering that perfect balance of sweetness and nutty flavor that makes every bite utterly irresistible. Get ready to bake a pie that will instantly become a family favorite!
Why I Love This Recipe
Pecan pie embodies everything I love about classic Southern baking: simple ingredients coming together to create something truly magical and deeply satisfying. What I particularly adore about this recipe is its straightforward approach. You don’t need fancy techniques to achieve that perfect set filling and golden, caramelized pecans. It’s a recipe that’s forgiving and consistently delivers a spectacular result. The combination of textures—the crisp outer crust, the tender yet firm custardy filling, and the crunchy pecans—is pure perfection. This pie isn’t just dessert; it’s a slice of culinary heritage that always brings smiles to faces.
List of Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create your unforgettable Southern Pecan Pie:
- 1 cup organic corn syrup (light or dark, depending on preferred depth of flavor)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 ½ Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ teaspoons natural vanilla flavoring
- 2 cups pecans (1 ½ cups chopped and ½ cup halves)
- 1 9-inch deep dish pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Swaps and Notes
- Corn Syrup: Organic corn syrup is specified, but regular light or dark corn syrup will work just as well. Light corn syrup will give a slightly brighter, clearer filling, while dark corn syrup will yield a richer, deeper molasses-like flavor and darker color. Do not substitute with maple syrup or honey, as they will alter the texture and sweetness.
- Pecans: Using a mix of chopped and halved pecans provides both texture throughout the filling and a beautiful presentation on top. You can adjust the ratio to your preference. Toasting your pecans lightly before adding them can enhance their flavor, but it’s optional.
- Vanilla Flavoring: Natural vanilla flavoring or pure vanilla extract will give the best flavor.
- Pie Crust: A 9-inch deep dish pie crust is essential for accommodating all the delicious filling. A good quality store-bought crust makes this recipe incredibly easy, but feel free to use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe for an extra touch.
- Sweetness: If you prefer a slightly less sweet pie, you can marginally reduce the sugar, but be careful not to reduce it too much as it affects the setting of the pie.
List of Steps for the Recipe
Follow these steps to bake your perfect Southern Pecan Pie:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the organic corn syrup, granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter, and natural vanilla flavoring. Mix these ingredients thoroughly using either a wooden spoon or an electric mixer on low speed until everything is well combined and the sugar has dissolved.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the mixture, incorporating each egg fully before adding the next. Continue mixing until the egg is completely blended into the syrup mixture.
- Fold in Pecans: Stir in the 1 ½ cups of chopped pecans into the filling mixture until they are evenly distributed.
- Pour into Crust: Pour the pecan pie filling into your prepared 9-inch deep dish pie crust. Arrange the ½ cup of pecan halves on top of the filling in a decorative pattern, if desired.
- Bake: Carefully place the pie on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 60 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: After 60 minutes, check for doneness by gently inserting a fork or a knife into the middle of the pie. If it comes out clean, the pie is done. If the center still appears runny or jiggles excessively, continue to cook for 5-minute increments, checking after each 5 minutes, until it is set. The center should be set but may have a slight wobble.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Cooling allows the filling to fully set.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps them incorporate more smoothly into the filling, leading to a more uniform texture.
- Don’t Overbake: While you want the pie to be set, overbaking can lead to a dry, crumbly filling. A slight wobble in the very center is okay; it will continue to set as it cools.
- Protect the Crust: If your pie crust edges start to brown too quickly during baking, you can loosely cover them with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield to prevent burning.
- Cooling Time is Crucial: Resist the temptation to slice into the pie immediately! The 15 minutes of cooling time (or more, ideally) allows the filling to fully firm up, preventing a runny mess when sliced.
- Chopped vs. Halves: Using chopped pecans in the filling ensures every bite has nutty flavor, while the halves on top provide a beautiful, classic presentation.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Southern Pecan Pie is a rich and decadent dessert that shines on its own. However, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate it even further. It pairs wonderfully with a strong cup of coffee, a warm mug of spiced apple cider, or a glass of bourbon for a truly Southern experience.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Store leftover Southern Pecan Pie loosely covered with plastic wrap or foil at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you prefer, or if your kitchen is very warm, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, let it come closer to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Pecan pie also freezes quite well: wrap individual slices or the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you cherished the sweet, nutty goodness of this Southern Pecan Pie, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic dessert recipes, many perfect for fall and holidays:
- For a convenient and equally delicious take on pecan pie, try my recipe for These Pecan Pie Bars Are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert. They’re perfect for crowds!
- If you’re a fan of no-bake seasonal treats, my This Pumpkin Delight Dessert Is My Favorite No-Bake Fall Treat is a must-try.
- For a fun, bite-sized twist on classic fall flavors, you’ll adore These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Are My Favorite Fall Treat In Bite-Sized Form.
- If you’re in the mood for an intensely rich and satisfying chocolate and peanut butter combination, don’t miss The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made And I’ve Made A Lot.
- And for the ultimate chocolate indulgence that combines two favorite desserts, these These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession are simply divine.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Pecan Pie isn’t just a recipe; it’s a piece of culinary heritage, a symbol of warmth and togetherness. Its humble ingredients come together to create a profoundly satisfying dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, especially when you want to share a true taste of Southern charm. It’s rich, sweet, nutty, and utterly irresistible.
What are your favorite holiday pie traditions? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious recipes that bring comfort and joy to your kitchen.
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