Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until fully combined.
Add Pecans: Fold in pecans, making sure they are evenly distributed.
Pour into Crust: Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust, spreading the pecans as evenly as possible.
Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set but still has a slight jiggle.
Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to let the filling set properly.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving: Pecan pie is best served slightly warm or at room temperature. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra richness.
Storage: Cover and store leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To enjoy it warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Tips for Success
Prevent Overbaking: Check the pie at around 50 minutes. The filling should be mostly set with a slight jiggle in the center; it will firm up as it cools.
Crust Protection: To avoid an over-browned crust, cover the edges with foil during the last 20 minutes of baking.
Enhanced Flavor: Adding a splash of bourbon, rum, or a teaspoon of espresso powder can elevate the pie’s depth of flavor.
Health Benefits
While pecan pie is a dessert and should be enjoyed in moderation, pecans do provide some health benefits:
Rich in Antioxidants: Pecans contain antioxidants that help fight free radicals.
Heart Health: Pecans have healthy fats that may support heart health.
Fiber and Minerals: They’re also a good source of fiber, magnesium, and zinc.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 1 slice)
Calories: 500
Carbohydrates: 65g
Fat: 25g
Protein: 5g
Sugars: 45g
Variations and Substitutions
Chocolate Pecan Pie: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the filling for a richer taste.
Maple Pecan Pie: Substitute maple syrup for corn syrup to give the pie a natural, earthy sweetness.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust to make this dessert gluten-free.
Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar by using a sugar substitute or by decreasing the corn syrup and sugar by ¼ cup each.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make pecan pie ahead of time?
Yes! Pecan pie can be made 1-2 days in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat slices before serving.
2. What’s the best way to prevent a soggy crust?
Pre-baking or “blind baking” the crust can help, but pecan pie filling is dense and shouldn’t cause too much sogginess.
3. Why is my pecan pie runny?
It’s likely underbaked. Bake until the center is almost set with just a slight jiggle.
Conclusion
Pecan pie is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s relatively simple to make, with a rich, nutty filling that pairs well with a variety of flavors. Whether you enjoy it traditionally, with chocolate or bourbon, pecan pie is a must-try treat that’s sure to become a family favorite.
