The Classic Southern Pecan Pie Recipe Everyone Adores

Southern pecan pie has been my ultimate comfort dessert since childhood memories first sparked my sweet tooth.

Generations of bakers in georgia have perfected this delectable treat with remarkable skill.

Buttery, rich flavors mingle beautifully in each golden slice of pure indulgence.

Crisp pastry shells cradle caramelized pecans nestled in a silky smooth custard base.

Warm hints of vanilla and dark brown sugar create an irresistible aroma that fills kitchens with nostalgic charm.

Crackling pecan pieces provide delightful texture against the luscious filling, making every bite a celebration of southern culinary tradition.

Come savor this classic dessert that promises to delight and transport you straight to a cozy southern kitchen.

Why Southern Pecan Pie Is a Classic Favorite

• Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Southern pecan pie delivers an irresistible sweet treat that brings everyone together with its rich, gooey filling and crunchy pecan topping.
• Master a Classic Southern Recipe: Perfect for home bakers looking to nail a traditional dessert that showcases incredible culinary skills without requiring professional training.
• Create a Versatile Showstopper: This pie shines at holiday gatherings, potlucks, family dinners, and special celebrations, making it a go-to dessert for multiple occasions.
• Enjoy Simple Ingredient Magic: With basic pantry staples and minimal prep work, you can transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that looks and tastes impressive.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Southern Pecan Pie

• Pie Crust: A classic foundation that holds the rich pecan filling and provides a crisp, buttery texture.

• Eggs: The primary binding agent that helps create a smooth, custard-like consistency in the pie.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: These sweeteners provide depth and caramel-like sweetness to the pie.
• Corn Syrup: Ensures a glossy, gooey texture and prevents sugar crystallization.

• Pecans: The star ingredient that adds a rich, nutty crunch and signature Southern flavor.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, luxurious filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors in the pie.

How to Bake Southern Pecan Pie with Care

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F and give your 9-inch pie pan a quick spray of cooking grease to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create the Silky Filling

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and whip those eggs into a fluffy cloud.

• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Corn syrup
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Stir everything together until they become best friends and form a smooth, glossy mixture.

Step 3: Invite the Pecans to the Party

Gently fold in your toasted pecans, letting them dance delicately through the filling without getting too rough.

Step 4: Fill the Pie Crust

Pour your luscious pecan mixture into the waiting pie crust, making sure it spreads evenly like a warm blanket.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pie into the preheated oven and let it bake for 60-70 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the center looks set but still has a tiny wiggle – like a pie doing a little dance.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow your masterpiece to cool completely.

This patience ensures clean, beautiful slices that will make everyone swoon.

Tips for Southern Pecan Pie Every Time

• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their rich, nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile for the pie.
• Use dark corn syrup for a deeper, more robust sweetness that complements the pecans perfectly.
• Prevent over-browning by covering the pie edges with aluminum foil halfway through baking if they start to darken too quickly.
• Check pie doneness by gently shaking the pan – the center should wobble slightly but not be liquid, indicating a perfectly set filling.
• Serve at room temperature or slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent Southern dessert experience.

Delicious Twists on Traditional Southern Pecan Pie

• Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie: Replace corn syrup with pure maple syrup and add 2 tablespoons of bourbon for a rich, sophisticated flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Pecan Pie: Use a gluten-free pie crust made from almond flour or pre-made gluten-free pastry to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Chocolate Pecan Pie: Mix in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a decadent chocolate-enhanced version.
• Vegan Pecan Pie: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and choose a plant-based syrup like agave to create a dairy-free and egg-free alternative.

Pairings That Go Well with Southern Pecan Pie

• Serve a small glass of smooth bourbon like Maker's Mark, which complements the pie's caramel notes and cuts through its richness with warm, oak-aged undertones.
• Pair with a bold, dark roast coffee or espresso that balances the pie's sweetness and provides a robust contrast to its sugary profile.
• Top a warm slice with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, creating a temperature and texture contrast that elevates the dessert's classic Southern charm.
• Enjoy a small pour of Irish cream liqueur like Baileys, which adds a silky, indulgent layer that harmonizes with the pie's nutty and caramel flavors.

How to Keep Southern Pecan Pie Fresh Longer

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pecan pie in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The cool temperature prevents bacterial growth and maintains the pie's texture.
• Freeze: Wrap the entire pie or individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place a date label on the package to track freshness.
• Countertop: Keep the pie at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel to prevent dust and insects from touching the surface.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For a crispy crust, use the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes, which helps restore the pie's original texture and warmth.

FAQs

• Are pecans essential to the recipe?

Yes, pecans are the star ingredient that gives the pie its signature nutty flavor and crunchy texture. Toasting them beforehand enhances their richness and deepens their taste.

• Can I make this pie without corn syrup?

While corn syrup is traditional, you can substitute it with maple syrup or honey for a similar consistency and sweetness. Each alternative will slightly change the pie’s classic flavor profile.

• How do I know when the pie is perfectly baked?

The pie is done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle, similar to a custard. The top should be golden brown and slightly puffed. A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.

Southern Pecan Pie Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent Southern pecan pie merges classic Southern baking traditions with rich, caramelized nutty sweetness. Pecans from Georgia’s orchards create a luxurious dessert that delights bakers and guests alike.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (9-inch) pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup toasted pecans
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 light corn syrup (473 ml / 16 fl oz)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and lightly coating a 9-inch pie dish with a thin layer of grease.
2. Whisk eggs vigorously in a spacious mixing bowl until they transform into a light, airy foam.
3. Incorporate brown sugar, granulated sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt into the egg mixture, stirring until thoroughly blended and smooth.
4. Gently introduce toasted pecans into the filling, folding them in with delicate movements to distribute evenly.
5. Transfer the luxurious pecan mixture into the prepared pie crust, ensuring an even spread.
6. Position the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, watching for a set center that retains a subtle jiggle when gently nudged.
7. Remove from oven and allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling solidify and develop a rich, cohesive texture.
8. Once fully cooled, slice and serve this classic Southern dessert, revealing the glossy, nutty interior.

Notes

• Toasting pecans beforehand enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the pie’s texture.
• Prevent over-browning by covering the pie’s edges with aluminum foil halfway through baking if the crust starts to darken too quickly.
• Create a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free pie crust or substituting the traditional crust with a nut-based alternative like almond flour crust.
• Stabilize the filling by letting the pie rest at room temperature for at least 2-3 hours, which helps the filling set perfectly and makes slicing easier.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 475
• Sugar: 52 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg