Pecan Pie Recipe

Pecan pie is a classic Southern dessert that combines a buttery, flaky crust with a rich, sweet, and nutty filling. Perfect for holidays or any special occasion, this recipe will guide you through making a delicious pecan pie from scratch. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
• 1/4 cup ice water (more if needed)

For the Pecan Filling

• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Cut in butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Do not overwork the dough.
4. Form the dough: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess dough, leaving about a 1-inch overhang. Fold the overhang under and crimp the edges.

Step 2: Prepare the Pecan Filling

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix filling ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the corn syrup, granulated sugar, melted butter, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Add pecans: Stir in the pecan halves until they are evenly coated with the filling mixture.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pie

1. Fill the pie crust: Pour the pecan filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading the pecans evenly.
2. Bake: Place the pie on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. To prevent the crust from over-browning, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
3. Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This allows the filling to set properly.

Step 4: Serve

1. Slice and serve: Once the pie has cooled, slice it into wedges and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Pecan Pie

• Chill the crust: Keeping the pie crust ingredients and dough cold helps create a flaky, tender crust.
• Prevent burning: If the edges of the pie crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with a pie crust shield or aluminum foil.
• Check for doneness: The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center when you remove the pie from the oven. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
• Store properly: Pecan pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.

Conclusion

This classic pecan pie recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends with its rich, nutty flavor and perfect texture. With a buttery crust and a sweet, gooey filling packed with pecans, this dessert is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy baking and indulging in this delightful treat!