If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm Southern hug, this Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe is your new best friend. With its buttery crust, rich caramel-like filling, and the satisfying crunch of pecan halves, every bite delivers that classic Southern charm. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family gathering, or just because, this pie’s simplicity and incredible flavor make it an absolute showstopper you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a critical role: from the sweetness and texture of the filling to the nutty richness and flaky crust, these components come together to craft a timeless dessert.
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Use store-bought for convenience or homemade for a personal touch, providing a buttery, flaky base.
- 1 cup light corn syrup: Adds the classic gooey sweetness that holds the pie filling together perfectly.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances the syrup with added sweetness and gives structure to the filling.
- 3 large eggs: Help the filling set while lending a rich creaminess.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Brings a smooth richness and depth of flavor to the pie.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Lifts the flavor profile with a warm, aromatic note.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves: Provide the iconic crunch and toasty nutty flavor essential in every perfect pecan pie.
How to Make Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out your pie crust and carefully fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Fluting the edges is optional but adds a lovely decorative touch that sets the stage for the star of the show.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform. This step ensures the filling will have that luscious, silky texture everyone loves.
Step 3: Incorporate the Pecans
Gently fold in the pecan halves, making sure each nut is coated with the sweet filling. This lets every bite be bursting with nutty flavor while keeping the beautiful texture of the pecans intact.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour the pecan mixture into your prepared pie crust, spreading the pecans evenly. An evenly spread filling ensures the pie bakes uniformly and presents beautifully when sliced.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the pie in the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is set and only slightly jiggles in the center. To prevent the edges of your crust from browning too quickly, cover them with foil partway through baking if necessary.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool all the way through at room temperature. Cooling allows the filling to firm up perfectly for those clean, luscious slices.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe just as it is, or elevate it by pairing with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream for that ultimate indulgence.
How to Serve Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Classic whipped cream is a no-brainer here, adding lightness that perfectly balances the pie’s richness. Freshly whipped cream sweetened lightly with vanilla gives a cloud-like complement. Alternatively, a sprinkle of crunchy toasted pecans on top offers added texture and appeal.
Side Dishes
While pecan pie is often the star on the dessert table, pairing it with fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears brings a refreshing contrast to its deep sweetness. A cup of strong coffee or a comforting glass of cold milk also makes a wonderful companion to this pie’s rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the pie into small squares and serve them on mini dessert plates with a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also turn leftover pie into decadent ice cream sandwiches by placing pieces between two scoops of ice cream. These ideas make the Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe even more memorable and irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days, letting you enjoy its rich flavor one slice at a time without any sacrifice.
Freezing
Pecan pie freezes beautifully if you want to make it ahead. Wrap the cooled pie tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat slices gently in a low oven at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it may make the crust soggy rather than crisp and inviting as freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I make the pie crust from scratch?
Absolutely! While store-bought crust is a time-saver, a homemade pie crust made with cold butter and flour will add an extra layer of flaky, buttery goodness that pairs perfectly with this Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe.
What kind of pecans should I use?
Pecan halves are best for both texture and presentation, but chopped pecans work too if you prefer a denser nut distribution. Just toast them lightly before using to enhance their nutty flavor.
Is it okay to use dark corn syrup instead of light?
Yes, dark corn syrup can be used and will add a deeper, richer molasses flavor to the pie. It slightly changes the taste but still keeps the filling thick and luscious.
How can I tell when the pie is done baking?
The best indicator is that the filling should be set and only jiggle slightly in the center when you gently shake the pie. If it’s still liquidy, give it a few more minutes in the oven while watching the crust edges.
Can I prep this pie in advance for a party?
Definitely! You can assemble the pie a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Just bake it fresh before serving to maintain that wonderful freshly baked aroma and crisp crust that everyone will admire.
Final Thoughts
There is something utterly heartwarming about sinking your teeth into a slice of this Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe. Its blend of buttery crust, gooey filling, and toasted pecans makes it a classic for a reason. Don’t hesitate to make it your go-to dessert for sharing with friends and family — I promise it will become a beloved favorite in your culinary repertoire.
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Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Southern Pecan Pie is a classic American dessert featuring a rich, gooey filling made from corn syrup, sugar, eggs, and butter, generously packed with crunchy pecan halves. Perfectly baked in a flaky 9-inch pie crust, this pie combines sweet and nutty flavors for a delightful treat that’s ideal for holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, making sure to flute the edges if you like for a decorative touch.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together light corn syrup, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add Pecans: Stir the pecan halves into the filling mixture, ensuring that all the pecans are evenly coated with the syrupy filling.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the pecan mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading the pecans out evenly so they cover the surface uniformly.
- Bake the Pie: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggle in the center when gently shaken. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool the Pie: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. This cooling lets the filling thicken and set properly before slicing.
- Serve: Serve the pecan pie as is, or add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Cover pie edges with foil halfway through baking if they brown too fast.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing to ensure clean slices.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate.
- This pie pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
