Homemade Pecan Pie | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (2024)

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Looking for a delicious and crowd-pleasing dessert to serve at your Thanksgiving dinner? Look no further than this homemade pecan pie recipe!

With its flaky crust, sweet and nutty filling, and hint of warm spices, pecan pie is the perfect way to end any holiday meal. Best of all, this recipe is easy to make from scratch using pantry ingredients that you probably already have on hand.

Check out some other Thanksgiving dessert ideas for even more delicious recipes!

Homemade Pecan Pie | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (1)

For some people the Thanksgiving meal is not complete without a slice of pecan pie. However, growing up my family never had pecan pie as part of our Thanksgiving desserts.

I guess this is what happens when you grow up in a German/Italian household from Queens, NY. We always had traditional apple pie and pumpkin pie.

Looking for more Thanksgiving Pies to serve? Check out my favorite Mini Pumpkin Pie Flowers, Mini Pecan Pie Tarts or Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Table of Contents
  • 👩‍🍳Recipe Notes
  • 🛒Helpful Kitchen Tools
  • Indulge in Flavor, Not Ads - Get Your Ad-Free Digital Cookbook Today!
  • 📋Ingredients
  • 💡 Substitutions and Variations
  • 🥣Step-by-Step Instructions
  • 1️⃣ Prepare the Pie Crust
  • 2️⃣ Prepare the Filling
  • 3️⃣ Baking Instructions
  • Before You Begin!
  • ⏲Prep Ahead Tips
  • 🍶 Storage Tips
  • ❄️Freezing Tips
  • 🔁 Thaw and Reheat
  • 💡Recipe FAQ
  • 🌟Try these recipes next...
  • 📇Recipe Card
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • 💬 Comments

👩‍🍳Recipe Notes

  • This recipe uses homemade pie dough. Check out my post onPie Crust Basicsfor full step-by-step photos. You can also check out my post onPie Crust Basics Part Part Twofor ideas on decorating pies using homemade pie dough.
  • I like to pre-bake the pie shell. This will ensure a flakier bottom crust once baked and keep the pie crust from getting soggy.
  • This recipe does not use molasses. If you prefer a darker, richer filling, try this pecan pie recipe from Simple Recipes.

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Homemade Pecan Pie | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (8)

📋Ingredients

Homemade Pecan Pie | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (9)

💡 Substitutions and Variations

  • This pie recipe does not use molasses!
  • Use dark corn syrup instead of light corn syrup if that's all you have on hand in your pantry.
  • You can also use maple syrup as a good substitute for corn syrup as it has a similar consistency and sweetness. It will also add a subtle maple flavor to the pie.

🥣Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Pie Crust

  • Mix together the flour and the salt.
  • Add the shortening to the bowl and using a pastry blender, work the shortening into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Slowly add the cold water, a little at a time, stirring until the dough forms a ball and begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
  • Pressing the dough onto the bottom and sides of pie pan.
  • Chill the pie dough in the pan for at least 30 minutes.
  • Bake for only 10 minutes in a 375°F preheated oven.
  • The crust will not be fully baked as it will go back into the oven with the pie filling.
Homemade Pecan Pie | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (10)
Homemade Pecan Pie | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (11)

2️⃣ Prepare the Filling

  • Combine the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, vanilla extract and eggs using an electric mixer.
  • Add the chopped pecans and stir to combine.
Homemade Pecan Pie | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (12)
Homemade Pecan Pie | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (13)

3️⃣ Baking Instructions

  • Add the mixture to the pre-baked pie crust.
  • Return the pie back to the oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the center is set.
  • Halfway through the baking, add the pecan halves in a circle design on top of the pie. Be careful not to press too heavily.
  • If the pie crust edge is getting too brown, cover the edges with aluminum foil. Pie crust shields work great too!
  • As soon as you remove the pie from the oven.
  • Cool for 30 minutes or refrigerate for 2 hours until chilled before serving.

📌Quick Tip: Check the internal temperature of the pie using a meat thermometer to ensure that it reaches at least 200°F.

Homemade Pecan Pie | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (14)
Homemade Pecan Pie | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (15)

    Before You Begin!

    If you make this recipe, please leave a review and star rating. This helps my business thrive and continue providing FREE recipes.

    Homemade Pecan Pie | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (16)

    ⏲Prep Ahead Tips

    • Make the pie crust in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before using.
    • Prebake the pie crust and allow it to cool completely before adding the filling. This will ensure a flakier bottom crust once baked.
    • Prepare the filling ingredients in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
    • Bake the pecan pie one day in advance and store it at room temperature over night or refrigerate it for up to 3 days before serving.

    🍶 Storage Tips

    • Baked pecan pie should be stored in an air-tight container or covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
    • Place the container in the refrigerator.
    • Baked pecan pie will last up to 3 days when stored properly.

    ❄️Freezing Tips

    • To freeze the pie, make sure to cool it completely first.
    • Then wrap the pie with a few layers of aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
    • Store the wrapped pie in an air-tight container or freezer bag and place it in the freezer for 3 months.

    🔁 Thaw and Reheat

    • Be sure to thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator before eating.

    💡Recipe FAQ

    • Simply click the plus sign to read more about the questions you see below.
    • If YOU have a question regarding this recipe, please let me know in the comment section!

    How do you fix a runny pecan pie after baking?

    If your pecan pie turns out runny after baking, put it back in the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Cover the top with aluminum foil if it's already browned to prevent over-browning. You can also refrigerate it which will help set the filling.

    Can you re-bake undercooked pecan pie?

    Yes, you can re-bake an undercooked pecan pie to ensure that it is cooked through properly. Simply cover the top of the pie with foil to prevent it from over-browning and bake it in the oven at a low temperature (around 325-350°F) for an additional 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the pie while it's baking to make sure it doesn't burn or overcook.

    🌟Try these recipes next...

    • Strawberry Poke Cake Recipe
    • Walking Strawberry Shortcake Recipe - A Walking Taco Twist
    • Patriotic Poke Cake - A Star-Spangled Showstopper
    • Easy 4th of July Trifle Recipes

    📇Recipe Card

    📖 Recipe Card

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    Homemade Pecan Pie | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (23)

    Homemade Pecan Pie

    Homemade Pecan Pie Recipe will be the star of your Thanksgiving dessert table this holiday season.

    No ratings yet

    Print Pin Rate Save Recipe

    Course: Desserts

    Cuisine: American

    Keyword: Homemade Pecan Pie

    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

    Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

    Total Time: 1 hour hour

    Servings: 8 slices

    Calories: 482kcal

    Author: Lois

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup brown sugar
    • cup butter melted
    • ¾ cup light corn syrup
    • 3 eggs
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
    • 24 halved pecans; optional. See note below.
    • 1 recipe basic pie dough

    Instructions

    • Prepare the pie crust by pressing the dough onto the bottom and sides of pie pan. Bake for 10 minutes in a 375° preheated oven. The crust will not be fully baked as it will go back into the oven with the pie filling.

    • In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, vanilla extract and eggs using an electric mixer.

    • Once the mixture is combined, stir in the pecans.

    • Pour the mixture into the par baked pie shell.

    • Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the center is set.

    • If the pie crust edge is getting too brown,cover the edges with aluminum foil.

    • Cool for 30 minutes or refrigerate for 2 hours until chilled before serving.

    Notes

  • Halfway through baking, rotate the pan to ensure that the pie cooks evenly on all sides.
  • If you are choosing to use pecan halves, arrange them on the surface of the pie in a decorative pattern. You can do this halfway through the baking of the pie or before you place the pie in the oven. Don't worry about the pecan halves sinking, they will rise to the top as the pie bakes.
  • Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 482kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 145mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 50g

    Nutritional estimates are provided using an online calculator and is an estimate per serving. Calorie accuracy isn't guaranteed.

    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and star rating!

    This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2017 with new photos, information and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Shirley Wood says

      We cannot have Fall without Pecan pie! Mmmmm! Congratulations! This post is being Featured at the new Merry Monday Party starting Sunday evening! Sharing on social media!

      Reply

      • Lois says

        Thank you! That's one of my favorite parties!

        Reply

    2. Philip Christensen says

      Something else to look forward to on Thanksgiving!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply

    Homemade Pecan Pie | Walking on Sunshine Recipes (2024)

    FAQs

    Is light or dark Karo syrup better for pecan pie? ›

    Light and dark corn syrup can be used interchangeably in almost every instance, with slight flavor variances. In a pecan pie, for example, light corn syrup will contribute sweetness and a hint of vanilla, but that's about it. Dark corn syrup, in addition to sweetness, will add color and a more robust, toasty flavor.

    How do you keep pecan pie crust from getting soggy? ›

    One way to prevent a soggy crust is to essentially seal the surface, creating a barrier between the crust and the filling. Brush the surface of the unbaked crust with a beaten egg or egg white mixed with water before adding the filling.

    Can you leave a homemade pecan pie out overnight? ›

    Do I need to refrigerate pecan pie? According to the USDA, homemade egg-rich pies, including pecan pie, must be refrigerated after cooking and cooling to prevent the growth of bacteria. They recommend chilling pies promptly, and as a general rule, not leaving food at room temperature for more than two hours.

    Why is my pecan pie so runny? ›

    If your pecan pie is runny, simply bake it a bit longer, even up to 20 minutes. When the pie has been thoroughly baked, you'll be able to give it a gentle shake, and the middle will appear firm — if you've ever baked a pumpkin pie, it's the same concept.

    What is the primary thickening agent in pecan pie? ›

    Corn Syrup: Dark corn syrup adds texture, volume, and deep flavor. For a lighter flavor, use light corn syrup. Butter: Butter gives this pie richness and a delicious depth of flavor. Cornstarch and water: Two teaspoons of cornstarch and a tablespoon of cold water work together to help thicken the filling.

    How do I make my bottom pie crust crispy? ›

    Getting a brown, flaky/crispy bottom crust on your pie is all about quick and effective heat transfer. That's why aluminum or aluminum/steel pans — rather than glass or stoneware — are your best choice for baking pie. Metal, especially aluminum, transfers heat quickly and efficiently from oven to pie crust.

    Should I egg wash the bottom pie crust? ›

    You've spent time and effort putting the pastry together, so don't sell yourself short by skipping the final step—the egg wash for the pie crust. The truth is that cream and egg washes are a simple but vital step to improving the appearance and flavor of pies and other baked goods.

    Should I Prebake my pie crust? ›

    You do not need to pre-bake a pie crust for an apple pie or any baked fruit pie really, but we do freeze the dough to help it stay put. Pre-baking the pie crust is only required when making a custard pie OR when making a fresh fruit pie. you should probably get: Pie weights are super helpful to have for pre-baking.

    Why is store-bought pecan pie not refrigerated? ›

    According to the USDA, any pie that is egg-rich (such as pecan, pumpkin, lemon meringue, and any custard pie) must be kept in the fridge after baking and cooling. The exception here is some store-bought pies, which may contain preservatives that will allow the pies to be left unrefrigerated.

    Can you freeze homemade pecan pie? ›

    If you made a pecan pie in advance and want to freeze it for later, you're in luck. Pecan pie freezes well and can be heated up when you're ready to eat it. Here's how: Once you've given the pie a chance to cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then foil, and store it flat in the freezer.

    Can you make pecan pie the day before? ›

    To Make Ahead: Homemade Pecan Pie can be made 1-3 days in advance. Bake the pie, allow it to completely cool, then cover and store it in the refrigerator. I like to remove it from the fridge one hour before serving.

    What makes a pecan pie not set up? ›

    It may be running too cool and not be sufficiently hot for the custard magic to take place. Employ the pie-shield solution to save whatever dessert is already in there, and then get yourself a reliable oven thermometer to ensure proper preheating in the future. After all, consistency is everything in baking.

    Can you overcook pecan pie? ›

    Pecan pie has a somewhat similar set of issues—the filling can crack, the bottom can be under-baked, the filling can seep under the crust, and the nuts can be soggy. Like the pumpkin pie, the filling will crack if the pie is over-baked or cools too quickly.

    Which is better light or dark Karo syrup? ›

    Go with your own taste preferences for when to substitute. Karo® Light Corn Syrup is used when a delicately sweet flavor and color are desired, such as in fruit sauces, jams and baked goods. Karo® Dark Corn Syrup, with its rich brown color and more robust flavor color, is ideal for many baked goods.

    Is dark or light Karo syrup better for constipation? ›

    In many cases, today's dark corn syrup has a different chemical structure. The current chemical structure doesn't draw fluids into the intestine to soften stool. Because of this, dark corn syrup may not be effective in relieving constipation. It isn't known whether light corn syrup may be helpful.

    What can I substitute for dark Karo in pecan pie? ›

    Maple Syrup

    Swap in equal parts maple syrup for light or dark corn syrup in pies, cakes, or any recipe where its subtle maple flavor would be welcome.

    How do I substitute light Karo syrup for dark? ›

    All you need to do is add 1/4 cup of molasses to 3/4 cup of your light syrup. This helps the syrup keep the same consistency and gives it that robust flavor of dark syrup. No molasses? You could also dissolve brown sugar in water on the stovetop until it forms a syrup.

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