Pecan Pie (2024)

There are few things quite as comforting as a sweet, rich, nutty pecan pie. Looking for the best pecan pie recipe ever? The Allrecipes community can't get enough of this top-rated recipe — it's simple, delicious, and it comes together in under an hour with basic ingredients.

Pecan Pie Ingredients

If you have pecans and a few kitchen staples, you likely have everything you need to make this pecan pie. Here's what you'll need:

  • Sugar: This recipe calls for nearly two cups of granulated sugar. Some reviewers say they like to use a mixture of white and brown sugars.
  • 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.
  • Eggs: Whole eggs help bind the filling together and add welcome moisture.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt goes a long way to enhance the other flavors in the filling.
  • Vanilla: Vanilla extract amps up the flavor in a sweet, crowd-pleasing way. You definitely don't want to skip this ingredient.
  • Pecans: What would pecan pie be without pecans? Halved or chopped pecans will work well for this recipe.
  • Pie shell: Use our top-rated Butter Flaky Pie Crust for guaranteed delicious results. Of course, a frozen or refrigerated crust will work in a pinch.

How to Make Pecan Pie

It couldn't be easier to make this homemade pecan pie. You'll find the full recipe below, but here's a quick preview: Boil sugar, corn syrup, butter, cornstarch, and water in a small saucepan. In a separate bowl, mix beaten eggs with salt and vanilla. Stir in the pecans. Add the cooked sugar mixture to the pecan mixture, then stir to combine. Pour the filling into the pie shell and bake.

How to Tell When Pecan Pie Is Done

This pecan pie should be fully baked after 45 to 50 minutes in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F. If you're not sure if the filling is set, stick a knife or toothpick into the center — if it comes out clean, the pie is done.

Do Pecan Pies Need to Be Refrigerated?

Yes. Since this pecan pie filling calls for three eggs, you'll need to refrigerate it within two hours of baking.

How Long Does Pecan Pie Last?

Stored properly (loosely wrapped in the fridge), pecan pie will last about five days.

Can You Freeze Pecan Pie?

Yes! You can absolutely freeze pecan pie. Just wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic or aluminum foil (use both for added protection) and store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"This was SO delicious," according to Raquel Ross. "I didn't have dark corn syrup and had to use light. Other than that I made no other changes. My husband and I think it's the best pecan pie we've ever had."

"So far, this is my favorite pecan pie recipe because it's so delicious and very easy," raves aneonvortex. "I use brown sugar and white corn syrup, but otherwise follow the recipe. Once I used a mix of walnuts and pecans because I didn't have enough pecans, and that was great too!"

"I love this pecan pie recipe," says Dgrandma. "The only addition I made was a light drizzle of bittersweet chocolate to dress it up after it was finished cooling. Will definitely make this recipe again!"

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Pecan Pie (2024)

FAQs

What is pecan pie filling made of? ›

Pecan pie is a delightful concoction of pecan nuts mixed with a rich, caramelly filling made from eggs, butter, corn syrup, and sugar. The earliest pecan pie can be traced all the way back to the late 1800s, but it really peaked in the early 20th century when Karo™ syrup printed a pecan pie recipe on its bottles.

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.

Should pecan pie be eaten hot or cold? ›

In terms of serving, you have options. You can eat pecan pie cold, let it come to room temperature (for no more than two hours, of course), or warm it the oven until heated through. And, obviously, don't forget the ice cream or whipped cream!

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.

What is the primary thickening agent in pecan pie? ›

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. Eggs: Whole eggs help bind the filling together and add welcome moisture.

Why is the inside of my pecan pie runny? ›

A pecan pie is essentially a custard pie, and a liquid center is almost always the result of underbaking. The Karo Classic Pecan Pie recipe calls for baking the pie for 60 to 70 minutes at 350 degrees. In some ovens, however, the pie can take 75 minutes or more.

Should I poke holes in my pecan pie crust? ›

And on that note…by pricking the crust all over with a fork, not only do you prevent it from puffing up into unsightly deformities, you also allow tiny holes for some of the filling to seep underneath which — hear me out! — transforms the crust into this buttery toffee-like deliciousness. Third, the toasted pecans.

Should I bake the bottom pie crust first? ›

But the one surefire way to make certain your pie's crust will be golden brown, crisp, and delicious — just as appealing as its filling — is to prebake it. That's right: bake the bottom crust first, before adding the filling.

How do I make my bottom pie crust crispy? ›

Choose the Right Rack in the Oven

Which rack you use in the oven can help ensure a crisp crust. Baking the pie on a lower rack will concentrate heat on the bottom of the pie and help the crust crisp.

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 I leave my pecan pie out overnight? ›

Pecan pies can stay on the counter for up to two hours before they need to be refrigerated, according to the FDA. After two hours at room temperature, your food is at risk for harmful bacteria growth. The FDA recommends you store foods at or below 40 degrees F (4 degrees C).

Can you overcook a 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.

How do you make store bought pecan pie better? ›

Spread store-bought or homemade whipped cream over pumpkin pie, pecan pie or chocolate pudding pie. Sprinkle with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies.

How do you keep pecan pie filling from seeping through the crust? ›

If you have bought par-baked crust, it may have cracks or holes. In this case, you can simply brush its bottom with egg white. Then, bake it for around 5 to 8 minutes before adding your filling. This will help you create a barrier to prevent the filling from seeping or leaking out of the bottom.

Can I use molasses instead of dark corn syrup in pecan pie? ›

Maple syrup and a hint of molasses are the perfect corn syrup substitute to make an ultra-smooth filling that's not too sweet and ready to bake in just 15 minutes. Bake in your favorite flaky crust with chopped pecans for a pie that slices beautifully for every holiday gathering!

What is pie filling made of? ›

Fruit, sugar, cornstarch, acid, extras. These are the only things you need to remember to turn out a perfect pie filling.

What is pecan pie crust made of? ›

This pecan crust is not an all nut crust. It is a nutty variation of an all-butter pie crust that includes pecans, flour, butter, sugar and salt. This crust is not gluten free. If you want to make this gluten free, you can try using all purpose gluten free flour.

What is the healthiest pie to eat? ›

When in doubt, choose pumpkin pie. In competition with those mentioned above, it offers the fewest calories, and least fat and added sugar.

What are the 4 types of pie fillings? ›

There are four types of pies: cream, fruit, custard, and savory.

References

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