If you have a soft spot for classic Southern desserts that bring warmth and a touch of nostalgia to any table, then this Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe is your new best friend. This pie combines a buttery, flaky crust with a luscious, gooey filling packed full of rich pecan halves, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. What makes this recipe truly special is how straightforward it is without sacrificing any of that beloved Southern charm—ideal for both holiday gatherings and simple weekend treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy in making this Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe. The list is simple yet essential, with each component playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance of your pie.
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Whether store-bought or homemade, this forms the buttery base that holds all the magic together.
- 1 cup light corn syrup: Provides that signature sugary richness and sticky texture that makes the filling so irresistible.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the deep flavors of the pecans.
- 3 large eggs: These bind the filling while creating a smooth, custard-like consistency.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Infuses the filling with a creamy, rich flavor that enhances the pie’s decadence.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Offers a fragrant, comforting note that complements the nuts perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to elevate all the sweet elements and deepen the overall taste.
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves: The star ingredient that provides a toasty crunch and earthy flavor.
How to Make Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s at the perfect temperature once your pie is ready to go in. Roll out your 9-inch pie crust into your pie dish, taking a moment to flute the edges if you want that classic, decorative touch. A well-fitted crust is key to holding the luscious filling without leaks.
Step 2: Mix the Filling Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is silky smooth. Getting this step right ensures your filling will have that signature sweet, custardy texture that pecan pie lovers crave.
Step 3: Add Pecans
Stir in the pecan halves carefully, making sure each nut is coated evenly in the sugary filling. This will help the pecans toast beautifully in the oven and distribute their crunch in every bite.
Step 4: Pour and Spread the Filling
Pour the pecan and syrup mixture into the prepared crust, spreading the pecans out in an even layer. An even spread ensures consistent baking and that perfect combination of nutty and gooey in every slice.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pie for about 50 to 55 minutes. You can tell it’s ready when the filling is mostly set but still jiggles slightly in the center. If the crust edges start browning too fast, shield them with a strip of foil to prevent burning while the filling finishes cooking.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Once baked, pull the pie from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. This cooling time allows the filling to firm up so you’ll get neat, perfect slices every time without it being too runny.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
This pie is delicious just as it is, but feel free to take it up a notch by serving with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a creamy contrast to the nutty, sweet filling.
How to Serve Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Add a simple touch with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth. Toasted pecan halves on top enhance the pie’s visual appeal and add a bit more crunch.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a refreshing balance, try serving it alongside fresh fruit or a crisp salad if you want to keep things light.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the pie pan by turning slices into hand pies using puff pastry or topping mini tartlets with pecan pie filling for individual servings. You can even turn the filling into a pecan pie parfait layered with whipped cream and crushed pie crust crumbs for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pecan pie keeps beautifully covered at room temperature for up to two days, or you can store it refrigerated for up to a week. Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly to prevent drying out and to keep that perfect texture intact.
Freezing
This pie freezes wonderfully if you want to prepare in advance. Wrap the entire pie tightly with plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving to maintain that fresh-baked feel and flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy your pecan pie warm, reheat slices gently in a low oven (around 325°F or 160°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this can make the filling too soft and impact the texture.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! A homemade pie crust can add extra flavor and flakiness, but store-bought crusts work perfectly well if you’re short on time or prefer convenience.
What kind of pecans should I use?
Use fresh pecan halves for the best texture and taste. Avoid pre-chopped or pecan pieces as they may affect the pie’s traditional nutty crunch.
How do I prevent the pie crust edges from burning?
If the edges brown too quickly during baking, simply cover them with a pie crust shield or strips of aluminum foil halfway through baking to protect them.
Is it ok if my filling jiggles when I take it out of the oven?
Yes! A slight jiggle in the center means the pie is perfectly set and will firm up as it cools. Overbaking can cause the filling to become too hard.
Can I make this pie vegan or gluten-free?
With a few swaps, yes. Use a vegan pie crust and substitute eggs with a flax or chia egg, and opt for a gluten-free crust if necessary. Keep in mind that texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a memorable dessert that’s both traditional and simple, this Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe should be your go-to. Its rich flavor, satisfying crunch, and welcoming aroma will make it a staple in your baking repertoire. Give it a try—you’ll be delighted at how effortlessly it brings a classic Southern sweetness to your table.
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Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Easy Southern Pecan Pie recipe offers a classic, sweet dessert featuring a rich filling of pecans, corn syrup, and a buttery crust. Perfect for holidays or any special occasion, it’s a simple yet decadent treat that showcases the traditional flavors of Southern baking.
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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the pie crust and carefully fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. If you like, flute the edges to create a decorative border.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Pecans: Stir in the pecan halves, making sure they are evenly coated with the syrup mixture for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the pecan filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading the pecans out evenly across the surface to ensure an attractive presentation and even baking.
- Bake the Pie: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes. The filling should be set but still jiggle slightly in the center when you gently shake the pie. If the crust edges brown too fast, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool the Pie: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. This helps the filling to fully set and makes slicing easier.
- Serve: Serve the pecan pie as is or garnish with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Notes
- To prevent the crust edges from burning, cover them with foil after 30 minutes of baking if they brown too quickly.
- For best results, allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean, neat slices.
- This pie can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Use fresh pecans for optimal flavor and texture.
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pie crust.
