The Best and Easy Pecan Pie Recipe! (2024)

Shelly 390 Comments

★★★★★5 from 114 reviews

Jump to RecipePrint Recipe

Save

My Favorites

Thiseasy pecan pie is a classic for a reason! It’s so easy to make that the kids can help with every step of this recipe. Give it a try and you’ll see why it’s our family’s favorite pecan pie recipe!

The Best and Easy Pecan Pie Recipe! (1)

Table of Contents

  • Homemade Pecan Pie
  • Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Recipe
  • What is Pecan Pie?
  • What You’ll Need
  • How to Make Pecan Pie
  • Tips for the Best Pecan Pie
  • FAQs
  • How To Prevent a Soggy Crust
  • How To Store Pecan Pie
  • Can You Freeze Pecan Pie?
  • Looking for More Pecan Recipes?
  • Get the Recipe

Homemade Pecan Pie

I don’t typically bake pies all year round. I’m not really sure why that is, because they really aren’t difficult to make, especially the recipe that I am going to share with you today, this classic pecan pie recipe! This pie is so EASY and QUICK, I should really make it a year-round dessert. Let’s make it happen!

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Recipe

  • Easy. The beauty of this easy Pecan Pie recipe is that theprep timeis less than 10 minutes!
  • Make it ahead! This pie can and should be made in advance, so you’re not struggling with desserts the day of your family gathering. The extra time ahead gives it a chance to set, so it slices up perfectly!
  • The flavor!The filling for this traditional pecan pie is sweet (but not too sweet) and rich. Perfectly buttery
  • It’s a tried and true pie recipe. This pecan pie originates back to the folks at Karo syrup with a few minor tweaks to ensure success. It’s a classic for a reason.
The Best and Easy Pecan Pie Recipe! (2)

What is Pecan Pie?

Pecan Pie is Southern baking at its finest. It’s made from pecans, with a filling that includes butter, sugar, eggs, and corn syrup. The subtle sweetness of the corn syrup is what really sets this recipe apart from the rest. This is the perfect pie recipe for beginners, or for kids to get involved in the holiday meal prep.

What You’ll Need

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to make this pecan pie recipe. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for ingredient amounts.

  • Corn syrup. You can use either light or dark corn syrup for this recipe. If you would prefer an alternate to corn syrup you can sub in light molasses, honey, or maple syrup.
  • Large eggs
  • Sugar. I use granulated sugar in my recipe, as it produces the most classic version of pecan pie with a subtle sweetness, but you can also use light brown sugar as well for a slightly deeper flavor.
  • Melted butter
  • Vanilla extract
  • A pinch of kosher salt.I really like the addition of a little salt in my pecan pie recipe. It enhances the flavor of the nuts, as well as pairs with the sweet filling.
  • Chopped pecans. I don’t worry about decorating the top of my pecan pie with whole pecans or pecan halves. While it looks pretty, I prefer all the pecans in a uniform size for each bite!
  • Pie crust. You can use a frozen pie crust, a store bought rolled pie dough, or my homemade all butter pie crust.

Do I Have to Make My Own Pie Crust?

You can certainly make your ownpie crust, and I have a really greatpie crust recipe. But for a time saver, which is great when you’re trying to prepare for a big meal, you can also use a frozen deep dish pie crust, or even the rolled up crusts. I love taking any short cuts I can around the holidays, when I have a lot of different dishes to prepare. Trust me, the filling of this pie is the start of the show, so it doesn’t matter too much what kind of crust you use!

The Best and Easy Pecan Pie Recipe! (3)

How to Make Pecan Pie

The steps for this recipe are so easy! Here’s how to do it:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Mix together your corn Syrup (you can use light or dark), eggs, granulated sugar, butter, vanilla, and pecans.
  3. Pour the mixture into pie crust.
  4. Bake on center rack of oven for 60 to 70 minutes.
  5. Cool for at least 2 hours on wire rack before serving.

You can enjoy your pie with ice cream on top, whipped cream, or on it’s own. The crunchy pecans, paired with the sweet filling, is guaranteed to bit a hit.

Tips for the Best Pecan Pie

  • Place your pie on a baking sheet. You can place your pie pan on a rimmed baking sheet in the oven if you are concerned about the pie bubbling over. You shouldn’t have that problem if you’ve use a deep dish pie pan, but it’s always nice to have a little insurance just in case!
  • Toast your pecans. You can toast your pecans to enhance the flavor if you would like to go the extra step!
  • Add some booze. Add in a splash of bourbon or a teaspoon of rum extract if you’re feeling crazy!

FAQs

Why does my pie fall apart?

If you don’t bake your pie long enough the center will not set up, creating a loose filling which will ooze when sliced. Make sure to bake your pie until the center is set and no longer jiggles.

How to tell when pecan pie is done?

When the center of the pie if set and no longer jiggles. A knife inserted into the center of the pie should come out clean. If it’s not set up add a few more minutes in the oven and check again.

Why does my pecan pie crack?

If you over-bake your pecan pie it will crack at the top, or if you cool your pie too quickly. ALlow the pie to cool at room temperature before refrigerating.

The Best and Easy Pecan Pie Recipe! (4)

How To Prevent a Soggy Crust

  • Proper baking time is crucialwhen baking pecan pie to set to filling as well as ensure the crust is baked. Follow the recipe instructions closely, but note home oven temperatures can vary so check your pie a few minutes before the timer goes off and assess the progress. The pie should be set in the center and no longer jiggly.
  • Bake in the center or lower rack. Placing the pie plate on the center or lower rack closer to the heating elementis another tip to prevent a soggy crust.
  • Create a barrier in between the filling and the pie crust.Before filling the pie simply brush the uncooked crust with a thin layer of egg white. This prevents the pie crust from absorbing the filling liquid creating a soggy dough.I don’t have that issue with this recipe, but it’s a step you can take as a preventative measure if you are concerned.
The Best and Easy Pecan Pie Recipe! (5)

How To Store Pecan Pie

You should store your pecan pie airtight in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh for the longest as well as keep it firm enough for sharp slices. Simply cover your pie plate with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Out of the refrigerator at room temperature your pie will be fine for up to a few hours.

Can You Freeze Pecan Pie?

Pecan pie is a great pie to freeze and thaw out when ready to use. Cover your pie in plastic wrap, and then again with aluminum foil for best freshness. Allow the pie to thaw in the refrigertaor before serving.

Looking for More Pecan Recipes?

  • Chocolate Pecan Pie
  • Pecan Pie Bars
  • Candied Pecans
  • Pecan Pie Cheesecake
  • Caramel Pecan Coffee Cake

I partnered with Karo® Syrup for this delicious recipe in 2018. The post has since been updated with more tricks and tips to be a more useful resource to my readers. Enjoy!

Print

The Best and Easy Pecan Pie Recipe! (6)

Easy Pecan Pie Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 114 reviews

  • Author: Shelly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: serves 10 1x
  • Category: Pie
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Dessert

Rate

Print

Description

This pecan pie is a classic old-fashioned dessert that’s perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It has the best combination of sweet and salty!

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 cup light or dark corn syrup
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 11/2 cups (6 ounces) coarsely chopped pecans
  • 1 (9-inch) unbaked OR frozen deep-dish pie crust

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Mix Karo light corn syrup, eggs, sugar, salt, butter and vanilla using a spoon or a rubber spatula.
  3. Stir in pecans.
  4. Pour the mixture into pie crust.
  5. Bake on center rack of oven for 60 to 70 minutes.
  6. Cool for at least 2 hours on wire rack before serving.

Notes

If you are using a prepared frozen pie crust, place cookie sheet in oven and preheat oven as directed. Pour filling into frozen crust and bake on preheated cookie sheet.

The pie is done when center reaches 200°F. Tap center surface of pie lightly – it should spring back when done. If pie crust is over-browning, cover edges with foil.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 304
  • Sugar: 46.7 g
  • Sodium: 54.6 mg
  • Fat: 12.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48.9 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 61.9 mg

Want To Save This Recipe?

Save Recipe

My Favorites

Find more recipes like this:

  • Dessert
  • Fall Baking
  • Pie
  • Recipes
  • Thanksgiving

PIN for later:

The Best and Easy Pecan Pie Recipe! (7)
The Best and Easy Pecan Pie Recipe! (2024)

FAQs

What is the filling made of in pecan pie? ›

Pecan pie is a delightful concoction of pecan nuts mixed with a rich, caramelly filling made from eggs, butter, corn syrup, and sugar. The earliest pecan pie can be traced all the way back to the late 1800s, but it really peaked in the early 20th century when Karo™ syrup printed a pecan pie recipe on its bottles.

How do you keep pecan pie from getting hard? ›

A hard pecan pie means it was cooked too long. Again, bake the pie just until the filling is set and registers 200 degrees on an instant read thermometer. You can also try covering the top of the pie with a piece of aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of the baking time and/or baking the pie on a lower rack.

Can I use light corn syrup instead of dark for pecan pie? ›

Light and dark corn syrup can be used interchangeably in almost every instance, with slight flavor variances. In a pecan pie, for example, light corn syrup will contribute sweetness and a hint of vanilla, but that's about it. Dark corn syrup, in addition to sweetness, will add color and a more robust, toasty flavor.

How do you keep pecans from sinking in a pie? ›

Pour the filling mixture over the pecans, then gently place the whole pecans in concentric circles on the top, taking care not to press too hard, which will cause the nuts to sink into the filling.

What causes pecan pie filling to be runny? ›

A pecan pie is essentially a custard pie, and a liquid center is almost always the result of underbaking. The Karo Classic Pecan Pie recipe calls for baking the pie for 60 to 70 minutes at 350 degrees. In some ovens, however, the pie can take 75 minutes or more.

What is a substitute for Karo syrup in pecan pie? ›

For every one cup of corn syrup that the recipe calls for, use one cup of maple syrup instead. The great thing about maple syrup is it has some nutritional benefits. Maple syrup contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, such as Vitamin B6, calcium, niacin, potassium, and riboflavin.

What can go wrong with pecan pie? ›

Pecan pie has a somewhat similar set of issues—the filling can crack, the bottom can be under-baked, the filling can seep under the crust, and the nuts can be soggy. Like the pumpkin pie, the filling will crack if the pie is over-baked or cools too quickly.

Can you leave a homemade pecan pie out overnight? ›

You can leave a pecan pie out of the fridge for up to four hours—just be sure to refrigerate it after that. If you've just baked your pie, be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating—this is also an important step for food safety, as you don't want to put a piping hot pie in the fridge.

Why is my pecan pie fluffy? ›

Pecan pie filling is extremely liquidy when it first goes into the oven, as it's primarily just sugar, corn syrup, and eggs (though you can use maple syrup as an ingredient swap if you're not keen on corn syrup). As such, you have to cook the pecan pie long enough for this liquid to develop a custard-like consistency.

Is it better to bake with light or dark corn syrup? ›

Typically, light corn syrup is used when a delicately sweet flavor is desired, such as in fruit sauces and jams. Karo light corn syrup is made with real vanilla. Dark corn syrup is made with refiners' syrup, a type of molasses. With its more robust flavor and color, it is ideal for many baked goods.

Why does pecan pie need corn syrup? ›

It is quite possible to make pecan pie with brown sugar, white sugar, maple syrup or a combination. Corn syrup sweetens pecan pie and gives it a smooth texture by preventing the crystallization of the sugar when baking. It also acts with the eggs to thicken. It can be replaced with maple syrup and flour.

Does Karo syrup go bad? ›

According to Karo, which makes corn syrup and pancake syrup, its high sugar content means it doesn't spoil and doesn't need to be refrigerated. It is also not typically susceptible to mold.

Should I make the pecan pie the night before? ›

Although it can be served warm, pecan pie is best when it's completely set. Very often, I'll make my pecan pie the night before Thanksgiving; by the next day, it's perfect.

Why won t my pecan pie set? ›

Here's the thing to remember: If you're filling hasn't set, it means the bottom of the pie crust isn't fully cooked, either. You can prevent the outer crust from further darkening (or even burning) by covering it with aluminum foil or -- more attractively -- with what's known as a pie ring or shield.

What is a good substitute for corn syrup? ›

The best corn syrup substitutes for baking are brown rice syrup, maple syrup, agave, tapioca syrup, honey, golden syrup, and black treacle. Whether you're avoiding using corn syrup, are allergic to corn, or don't have it on hand, there are a ton of substitutes for corn syrup to try instead.

What is in pie filling enhancer? ›

Pie Filling Enhancer thickens fruit pie fillings the same way Instant ClearJel does. Its advantage is added ascorbic acid (which adds a bright, tart note), and superfine sugar, which prevents it from clumping. Pie Filling Enhancer is about half sugar, so you'll want to reduce the sugar in your recipe accordingly.

What is pie filling enhancer made of? ›

It can only be heated once without breaking down. It needs to be mixed with sugar to help it distribute evenly. Pie filling enhancer is is instant Clear Jel mixed with ascorbic acid and superfine sugar. It is about 50 percent sugar so you have to cut back on the amount of sugar called for in your recipe.

Why does pecan pie have so much fat? ›

Pecan pie is considered a high-calorie and high-fat food. A single slice of pecan pie typically contains around 400-500 calories and 20-30 grams of fat. The majority of the calories come from the crust and the filling. The crust is made of butter and flour, which are high in calories and fat.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Greg O'Connell

Last Updated:

Views: 6665

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg O'Connell

Birthday: 1992-01-10

Address: Suite 517 2436 Jefferey Pass, Shanitaside, UT 27519

Phone: +2614651609714

Job: Education Developer

Hobby: Cooking, Gambling, Pottery, Shooting, Baseball, Singing, Snowboarding

Introduction: My name is Greg O'Connell, I am a delightful, colorful, talented, kind, lively, modern, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.