southern pecan pie recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best southern pecan pie recipe

Southern pecan pie is a classic dessert that originated in the Southern United States, where pecans are abundant. The dish is made with a flaky crust, a gooey filling of sugar, eggs, and melted butter, and of course, a generous amount of pecans.

The combination of textures and flavors is simply divine, with the crunch of the nuts contrasting beautifully with the smoothness of the filling. I love making this pie for my family and friends because it’s easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and always impresses.

My kids adore helping me mix the filling and arrange the pecans on top, making it a fun and engaging activity for them. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or just a regular Tuesday night dinner, this pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Plus, the benefits of pecans make this pie a relatively healthy option – they’re rich in antioxidants, fiber, and even have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties! So go ahead and indulge in this sweet treat without feeling too guilty.

As I mentioned earlier, my family loves this pie so much that I’ve even started making mini versions for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. It’s truly a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed at any time of year.

Southern Pecan Pie

Southern Pecan Pie

4.7 from 1603 votes

A classic Southern pecan pie with a gooey, sweet filling and a buttery crust. Perfect for holidays and special occasions.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time50 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 10 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 400 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Crust

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the Filling

1 1/2 cups pecan halves
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
3 large eggs

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Combine flour and salt in a mixing bowl, add the cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3Add 3-4 tablespoons of ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together.
4Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick.
6Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the sides and bottom.
7Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges.
8Spread the pecan halves evenly over the bottom of the pie crust.
9In a separate bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
10Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
11Pour the mixture over the pecans in the pie crust.
12Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
13The filling should be bubbling around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center.
14Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
15This will take about 2-3 hours.
16Serve the pie at room temperature or chilled, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Pie dish
Oven
Rolling pin

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 400 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 250mg🌾Total Carbs: 48g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 35g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoother filling, you can chop the pecans before adding them to the pie. Ensure the pie is completely cooled before slicing to prevent a runny filling.

Watch Video Of How Southern Pecan Pie Works

This southern pecan pie recipe is truly a staple in our household – we love serving it at family gatherings and special occasions alike!

Not only does it look stunning on any table setting due to its beautiful golden brown color but also tastes heavenly with its gooey filling filled with crunchy pecans that add such great texture contrast which everyone seems to appreciate so much so I always get compliments whenever I serve this dessert so if you haven’t tried making one yet then now might be perfect time especially considering all health benefits associated with eating nuts like those found inside every bite

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Pecan Pie

Q1: What type of pecans should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use either native or Chinese pecans – both will work beautifully. Native pecans have a more delicate flavor and texture, while Chinese pecans are slightly sweeter and more robust. Either way, make sure they’re fresh and stored properly to ensure maximum flavor.

Q2: Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour called for in the recipe. Be sure to adjust the liquid content accordingly to avoid a dense or crumbly crust.

Q3: How do I prevent the crust from becoming too dark during baking?

To prevent over-browning of the crust, you can try covering it with foil during the last 20 minutes of baking. This will help retain some moisture and keep it looking its best.

Q4: Can I make individual mini pies using this recipe?

Absolutely! Simply divide the dough into smaller portions (about 1/8 cup each) before rolling out each piece into a ball. Then fill each ball with about 1 tablespoon of filling mixture and seal with a fork or pastry brush before baking as usual.

Q5: What’s the ideal storage method for leftover pie?

Once cooled completely, store your pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for longer storage (up to two weeks). When reheating individual slices or leftovers directly from storage containers isn’t necessary – simply let them sit out at room temperature until softened.

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