If there’s one dessert that never fails to impress at gatherings or cozy evenings at home, it’s Maple Pecan Pie. Rich, gooey filling meets crunchy pecans and a kiss of pure maple sweetness, all nestled in a flaky crust. This homestyle classic combines the comforting flavors of the American South with a hint of wintry Northern charm, making it a showstopper whether you’re celebrating the holidays or simply treating yourself to a slice of something unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making this Maple Pecan Pie truly irresistible. Each component plays a crucial role: some bring flavor, others offer texture, and a few magically tie everything together to create pie perfection.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: The foundation of your pie, creating a tender and crisp base for all that luscious filling.
- Pure maple syrup (1 cup): Delivers a natural, earthy sweetness and classic maple undertones that make this pie stand out from all others.
- Packed brown sugar (1/2 cup): Brings a caramel depth and enhances the gooey, toffee-like filling.
- Large eggs (3): The magic binders, giving the filling its signature smooth and custardy texture.
- Unsalted butter, melted (4 tablespoons): Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel—don’t skip the melting step!
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Helps to slightly thicken the filling, ensuring that perfect sliceable consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash boosts all the other flavors (yes, even the pecans) for a fuller, rounder taste.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to sharpen the sweetness and balance every bite.
- Pecan halves (1 1/2 cups): The star players—provide crunch, flavor, and a gorgeous topping for that classic Maple Pecan Pie look.
How to Make Maple Pecan Pie
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pie Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven works its magic, set your unbaked 9-inch pie crust into a standard pie pan and crimp the edges if you’re feeling decorative. Place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet (this makes moving it in and out of the oven much easier and catches any bubbling filling).
Step 2: Mix the Maple Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your pure maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Aim for a smooth, cohesive mixture—it should look luxuriously glossy and smell like your kitchen is about to become a confectioner’s workshop.
Step 3: Add the Pecans
Stir in the pecan halves, making sure every nut gets a generous coating of that maple-infused filling. If you have the time and want a deeper, richer flavor, lightly toast your pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes beforehand—trust me, it’s worth it.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the filling into your prepared pie crust, spreading those beautiful pecans for even coverage. Pop the pie into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The filling should be set in the center and slightly puffed, with the pecans glistening on top. If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, protect them with strips of foil so your Maple Pecan Pie bakes up perfectly golden, not burnt.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow your pie to cool completely at room temperature. This may be the hardest part, but it’s vital—waiting gives the filling time to set, so every slice holds together beautifully. Now you’re ready to dig into your masterpiece!
How to Serve Maple Pecan Pie
Garnishes
Pile on the decadence with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or, if you’re in the mood for something extra, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of maple syrup over the top is the ultimate finishing touch for die-hard fans.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with robust coffee or spiced chai, which complement its sweet-and-nutty complexities. For a refreshing contrast, try serving with a crisp fruit salad—citrus or berries cut through the richness and keep things light.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform tradition into art by baking your Maple Pecan Pie in mini tart pans for charming individual desserts. Or, slice and serve in parfait glasses layered with whipped cream and crushed buttery crackers for a fun alternative to the classic wedge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Maple Pecan Pie keeps beautifully! Cover any remaining slices with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay fresh for three to four days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.
Freezing
If you want to savor the sweetness later, wrap your baked and cooled pie (or individual slices) tightly in foil and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To recapture that freshly baked goodness, warm slices gently in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. This brings back the irresistible aroma and softens the filling just enough without making the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust for Maple Pecan Pie?
Absolutely! Store-bought crusts are a fantastic shortcut and still deliver delicious results. If you have time to make your own, go for it, but don’t let homemade crust stand between you and this amazing dessert.
What’s the best way to toast pecans?
Spread pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat and toast, stirring often, for about 3 to 5 minutes until fragrant and slightly darkened. Alternatively, bake them on a sheet tray at 350°F for 6 to 8 minutes, watching closely.
How do I know when my Maple Pecan Pie is done?
The edges should be puffed and the center just set (it’ll jiggle slightly but not slosh). If you’re unsure, insert a knife about an inch from the edge—the filling should come out clean.
Can I substitute something for maple syrup?
Maple syrup is what makes this pie unique, but in a pinch, you can use a combination of light corn syrup and a little extra brown sugar. However, for true Maple Pecan Pie flavor, real maple syrup is a must.
Why did my pie filling turn out runny?
If the pie is underbaked, the center can stay liquid, so make sure you bake until just set and cool completely before slicing. Using the exact ingredient measurements also helps the filling set properly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that delivers on both wow-factor and homestyle nostalgia, Maple Pecan Pie is calling your name. It’s a simple recipe that brings big rewards, and each slice is packed with irresistible flavor. Don’t wait for a special occasion—make this pie soon and savor every sweet, nutty bite!
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Maple Pecan Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, sweet flavors of this Maple Pecan Pie. A classic dessert perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy fall treat.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling:
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, flour, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in pecans.
- Fill the crust: Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes until set. Cover edges with foil if crust browns too quickly.
- Cool and serve: Let cool at room temperature before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, lightly toast the pecans before adding to the filling.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
