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Southern Pecan Pie

Southern Pecan Pie Recipe - featured image

This classic Southern Pecan Pie features a buttery, flaky crust filled with a rich, gooey, and crunchy pecan filling. It’s the perfect nostalgic dessert for holidays and family gatherings, coming together easily with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup light or dark corn syrup
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 cups pecan halves, toasted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon bourbon or whiskey
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Optional: Flaky sea salt, for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out and fit pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate. Prick the bottom with a fork.
  2. Toast pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, and melted butter. Add eggs one at a time, whisking gently after each.
  4. Stir in vanilla extract and salt. Add optional bourbon and cinnamon if desired.
  5. Fold in toasted pecans until evenly coated.
  6. Pour pecan mixture into prepared crust. Place pie on a baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the center is set but still jiggles slightly.
  8. If crust edges brown too quickly, cover with foil or a pie shield.
  9. Cool pie on a rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.
  10. Slice with a sharp knife, wiping blade between cuts. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.

Notes

For best flavor, toast pecans before adding to filling. Prebake the crust for 10 minutes for a crispier base. Let pie cool completely before slicing for clean cuts. Pie can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer. For gluten-free, use an almond flour or GF crust. For vegan, substitute butter and eggs with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan pie, southern dessert, holiday pie, Thanksgiving, Christmas, classic pie, easy pecan pie, nut pie, comfort food