Description
Creamy pioneer pecan pie offers a nostalgic journey through Southern culinary traditions. Nutty pecans and rich custard create a delectable dessert that celebrates heritage and home-style baking craftsmanship you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups pecans
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (browned)
- 1 pie crust
- 1 1/2 tbsps all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tbsps heavy cream
- 2 tsps pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375º F and gently stretch the pie dough into a circular shape roughly 12-13 inches wide, fitting it into a springform, tart, or traditional pie pan.
- Press the dough evenly against the pan’s bottom and sides, trimming any overhanging edges with precision. Optional: create decorative dough cutouts for later embellishment.
- Refrigerate the prepared crust while preparing the filling to maintain its structural integrity.
- Whip eggs until they transform into a light, frothy texture.
- Stream the browned or melted butter into the eggs, whisking continuously to create a smooth emulsion.
- Blend both brown and white sugars into the mixture, ensuring complete dissolution.
- Introduce flour, ground cinnamon, and salt, then incorporate heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing until uniformly combined.
- Gently fold pecans throughout the filling, distributing them evenly.
- Transfer the filling into the chilled crust, arranging any prepared decorative dough shapes on top if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, checking for a set center that no longer wobbles when gently nudged.
- Remove from oven and allow the pie to cool completely to room temperature before serving, enabling the filling to stabilize and set properly.
Notes
- Enhance the pie’s texture by toasting pecans beforehand, releasing deeper nutty flavors and creating a more complex taste profile.
- Prevent soggy crust bottoms by brushing a thin layer of egg white before adding filling, creating a protective barrier that maintains crispness.
- Manage potential over-browning by covering pie edges with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking, ensuring even golden-brown coloration.
- Accommodate gluten-sensitive diets by substituting regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the pie’s rich, traditional essence.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 445 kcal
- Sugar: 37 g
- Sodium: 155 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg