There's nothing quite like a slice of homemade pecan pie with its buttery crust and sweet, gooey filling packed with toasted pecans. This Pecan Pie Recipe has been passed down in my family for generations, and it's the one dessert everyone begs me to make for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The filling is perfectly balanced-not too sweet, with just the right amount of rich caramel flavor-and the pecans on top get beautifully caramelized. My grandmother taught me how to make pecan pie when I was twelve, and I've been making it the exact same way ever since.
Why You'll Love This Pecan Pie Recipe
This classic Pecan Pie Recipe is incredibly easy to make and delivers that perfect Southern-style texture and flavor every time. The filling is gooey and rich without being overly sweet, and the buttery flaky crust complements it perfectly. This best pecan pie uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together in about 15 minutes of prep time.
My husband says this is the best pecan pie he's ever had, including the fancy bakery versions. It's a show-stopping dessert that looks impressive but is actually foolproof.
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What You'll Need
This homemade pecan pie recipe uses straightforward ingredients to create that classic flavor everyone loves. The measurements are in the recipe card below.
Main Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 cup light corn syrup (or maple syrup for variation)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups pecan halves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Optional Extras
You can add a tablespoon of bourbon for a bourbon pecan pie twist, swap corn syrup for maple syrup to make maple pecan pie, or add chocolate chips for chocolate chip pecan pie.
Some people love adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
How to Make Pecan Pie Recipe
Prep the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Roll out your pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan, crimping the edges decoratively. Place it in the fridge while you make the filling.
Toast the Pecans
Spread the pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast them in the preheated oven for 5 to 7 minutes until fragrant. This step is optional but really enhances the nutty flavor. Let them cool slightly.
Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be glossy and thick.
Assemble the Pie
Arrange the toasted pecans in the bottom of the unbaked pie crust in a single layer, creating a beautiful pattern if desired. Slowly pour the filling mixture over the pecans, making sure they're evenly distributed.
Q: How do you make pecan pie from scratch?
Start with a homemade or store-bought pie crust, make the simple filling by whisking together corn syrup, eggs, sugar, butter, and vanilla, then pour it over pecans in the crust. Bake at 350°F for 50 to 60 minutes until the center is just set. This easy pecan pie recipe is truly that simple.
Bake Until Set
Bake the pie for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the filling is set around the edges but still has a slight jiggle in the very center. The pecans on top should be golden and caramelized.
Cool Completely
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack, at least 2 to 3 hours. This cooling time is crucial for the filling to set properly. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Aliana's Top Tip
Don't overbake your pecan pie or the filling will become grainy instead of smooth and gooey.
The center should still have a slight wobble when you remove it from the oven , it will continue to set as it cools.
Also, toasting the pecans beforehand makes such a huge difference in flavor.
That extra five minutes is totally worth it for the depth of nutty, caramelized taste it adds.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
You can make pecan pie without corn syrup by using pure maple syrup or a combination of honey and brown sugar. For a bourbon pecan pie, add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling. Try chocolate chip pecan pie by sprinkling ½ cup of chocolate chips over the pecans before adding the filling. For pumpkin pecan pie, layer pumpkin pie filling on the bottom and pecan pie filling on top. You can also make easy pecan pie bars by using this filling in a 9x13 pan with a shortbread crust.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store leftover pecan pie covered with plastic wrap or foil at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze baked pecan pie for up to 3 months, just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. This homemade pecan pie from scratch actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded together.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →What to Serve With Pecan Pie Recipe
This classic pecan pie is perfect with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. We love serving it as the star of our Thanksgiving desserts table alongside pumpkin pie. It's also incredible with a cup of strong coffee or hot tea. My family requests this southern pecan pie for every holiday gathering, birthday, and special occasion.
FAQs About Pecan Pie Recipe
What's the best pecan pie recipe?
This classic Southern-style recipe with corn syrup, eggs, sugar, butter, and vanilla creates the perfect gooey texture and balanced sweetness. It's been tested for generations and never fails.
Can I make easy homemade pecan pie ahead of time?
Yes! Bake the pie up to 2 days ahead and store it covered at room temperature. You can also freeze it baked for up to 3 months. This makes it perfect for holiday meal prep.
How do you know when pecan pie is done baking?
The edges should be set and puffed slightly, while the center still has a slight jiggle. It will continue to set as it cools. An instant-read thermometer should read 200°F in the center.
Can I use a different sweetener instead of corn syrup?
Yes! Try maple syrup for maple pecan pie, or use a combination of honey and brown sugar. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're into classic desserts like this best pecan pie, you'll love my Classic Pumpkin Pie that's just as crowd-pleasing. My Sweet Potato Pie is another Southern favorite with similar warm spices. For more easy pie recipes, try my Dutch Apple Pie or my Chocolate Cream Pie. And if you want more pecan recipes, my Pecan Pie Bars are addictive and easier to serve for a crowd. All of these fall under my THANKSGIVING DESSERTS and HOLIDAY BAKING collections where I share the recipes that bring everyone together.
Put your own flair on this dish? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes and show off your delicious version!
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Pairing
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