When I think about the holidays, one dessert instantly comes to mind: a traditional pecan pie. Growing up in the South, pecan pie wasn’t just a dessert; it was a centerpiece, a warm slice of comfort wrapped in buttery pastry and sweet, nutty filling. I still remember helping my grandma in the kitchen, carefully arranging pecans on top of the glossy filling, waiting for that magical moment when the pie would emerge golden and fragrant from the oven. Whether you’re new to pie-making or searching for the best pecan pie recipe to impress your family, this guide will walk you through every step.
This homemade pecan pie is everything you want: rich, buttery, perfectly sweet, and simple enough for beginners. With a flaky crust and a gooey filling topped with crunchy pecans, it’s a pie that never fails to win hearts.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Traditional Pecan Pie
- Classic flavor – Nothing beats the nostalgic taste of buttery pecans with sweet filling.
- Beginner-friendly – Even if you’ve never baked a pie, this recipe is simple to follow.
- Perfect for gatherings – It’s always a showstopper at Thanksgiving or any holiday dinner.
- Versatile – Works as a stand-alone dessert or with a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Customizable – Add chocolate, bourbon, or maple syrup for fun variations.
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pecan halves
Optional for flavor twists:
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
This ingredient list is the foundation for a classic pecan pie recipe that has been passed down for generations.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare crust – Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges.
- Mix filling – In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Add pecans – Stir in 1 ½ cups of the pecans, reserving ½ cup for decoration.
- Assemble pie – Pour the filling into the pie crust. Arrange the remaining pecans on top in a circular pattern for a beautiful finish.
- Bake – Place the pie on the center rack and bake for 55–60 minutes. The pie is done when the center is set but still slightly wobbly.
- Cool – Allow the traditional pecan pie to cool completely before slicing. This ensures the filling sets properly.
How to Serve Traditional Pecan Pie
Traditional pecan pie is one of those desserts that can be enjoyed straight from the pan with a fork or dressed up to look like something you’d find in a bakery window. Here are my favorite ways to serve it:
- Classic with Ice Cream – The warm filling and flaky crust paired with a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a contrast that’s irresistible. I still remember the first Thanksgiving I tried it this way—it felt like the pie had been waiting all along for that creamy companion.
- Whipped Cream Topping – Lightly sweetened whipped cream with just a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg brings out the warm, toasty flavor of the pecans. If you want to make it extra special, try adding a splash of bourbon or maple syrup to the cream.
- Caramel Drizzle – For extra indulgence, drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice. The caramel adds a buttery sweetness that makes every bite taste like pure decadence.
- Coffee Pairing – In my house, pecan pie isn’t complete without a cup of strong black coffee. The bitterness of the coffee balances the pie’s sweetness, making it the perfect after-dinner treat.
- Holiday Touch – For festive gatherings, garnish slices with sugared cranberries, candied pecans, or even a drizzle of chocolate. It’s not just dessert—it’s a centerpiece.
Serving tip: Always let your traditional pecan pie recipe cool completely before slicing. This gives you clean slices that hold together beautifully when plated.
How to Store Traditional Pecan Pie
One of the best things about traditional pecan pie is how well it stores. In fact, I often make mine a day or two ahead of the holidays to free up oven space. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Room Temperature – Cover the pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap and keep it on the counter for up to 2 days. This is a great option if you’re serving it shortly after baking.
- Refrigerator – Pecan pie keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days. I find that the flavors actually deepen after a night in the refrigerator, making it taste even richer. Just be sure to cover it tightly so it doesn’t absorb fridge odors.
- Freezer – Want to get ahead of the holidays? Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge. To bring back that fresh-baked flavor, warm slices in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Pro tip: If you plan on freezing, bake the pie in a disposable aluminum pie pan. This prevents your glass or ceramic dish from cracking when going from freezer to oven.
Tips to Make the Best Traditional Pecan Pie
Over the years, I’ve picked up little tricks that make the difference between a good pecan pie and a truly unforgettable one:
- Don’t overbake – It’s tempting to wait until the center looks fully set, but by then, it’s often overdone. The filling should jiggle slightly in the middle when you take it out. It will continue to firm as it cools.
- Use fresh pecans – Pecans have a high oil content, and they can go rancid if stored too long. Fresh pecans make a huge difference in flavor.
- Blind bake the crust – If you love a crisp, flaky crust, blind bake it for 10 minutes before adding the filling. This prevents the dreaded soggy bottom.
- Add depth – A splash of bourbon, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a pinch of cinnamon can add layers of flavor without straying too far from tradition.
- Cool completely – This might be the hardest step because the smell is intoxicating, but patience pays off. If you cut too soon, the filling will ooze instead of holding together.
- Check doneness with a thermometer – For extra precision, the center should reach about 200°F. This guarantees a set filling every time.
Variations
One of the reasons traditional pecan pie is so beloved is its versatility. While the classic recipe is timeless, here are some delicious twists I’ve tried over the years:
- Chocolate Pecan Pie – Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling for a fudgy, brownie-like texture. It’s especially popular with kids.
- Maple Pecan Pie – Replace some of the corn syrup with maple syrup for a deeper, more complex sweetness. It adds a subtle woodsy note that’s perfect for fall.
- Mini Pecan Pies – Use a muffin tin to bake individual pies. These are great for potlucks and holiday parties because they’re easy to serve and portion.
- Pecan Pie Bars – Spread the filling over a shortbread crust in a 9×13 pan. Cut into squares for a more casual dessert that’s perfect for sharing.
- Salted Caramel Pecan Pie – Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the top after baking. The salty-sweet balance takes this dessert to the next level.
FAQs
Can I make pecan pie without corn syrup?
Yes! Substitute with pure maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness in your traditional pecan pie recipe.
Why is my pecan pie runny?
It may have been underbaked. Make sure the filling of your homemade pecan pie reaches 200°F in the center.
Can I make pecan pie ahead of time?
Yes, bake it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. In fact, many bakers say traditional pecan pie tastes even better the next day.
Should pecan pie be served warm or cold?
It’s delicious both ways, but most people prefer this easy pecan pie recipe slightly warm with ice cream.
Final Thoughts
Traditional pecan pie is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and joy to any table. With its buttery crust, sweet nutty filling, and endless variations, it’s no wonder this pie is a classic. Whether it’s your first time baking or you’re carrying on a family tradition, this easy pecan pie recipe will help you create something truly special.
Don’t miss our other cozy dessert ideas like the best pumpkin pie recipe, or discover great inspiration in our fudgy brownie cake. Looking for another fall favorite? Try our pumpkin pie bars for an easy twist on a holiday classic.
Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest where I share cozy, easy-to-make baking recipes just like this one.
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Traditional Pecan Pie
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This traditional pecan pie is a classic Southern dessert with a buttery crust, rich sweet filling, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for holidays!
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges.
3. Whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
4. Stir in 1 ½ cups pecans, reserving ½ cup for decoration.
5. Pour filling into crust and arrange pecans on top.
6. Bake for 55–60 minutes until set but slightly wobbly.
7. Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
For a twist, add 1 tablespoon bourbon or ½ cup chocolate chips.
Always cool before slicing to let the filling set.
Use fresh pecans for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg