Description
Indulgent Southern pecan pie combines sweet, buttery filling with crunchy pecans in a flaky crust. Nutty flavors and caramel-like texture will transport you to classic Southern comfort, making each slice a delightful culinary experience.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) pecan halves
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) light corn syrup
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cups (156 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (113 g) cold unsalted butter (cubed)
- ½ tsp salt
- 4 tbsps (60 ml) ice water
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Pastry Preparation: Combine flour and salt, then cut cold butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse sand with pea-sized crumbs. Gradually add ice water, gently mixing until the dough coheres. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Crust Shaping: Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface, draping it smoothly into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim edges and create an elegant crimped border using fingertips.
- Prebaking Foundation: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with ceramic pie weights. Bake for 10 minutes to establish a crisp, stable base. Remove weights and parchment, allowing the crust to cool completely.
- Pecan Filling Assembly: Whisk together corn syrup, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt until thoroughly combined. Fold in pecans, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Pie Composition: Pour the pecan filling into the cooled prebaked crust, spreading it evenly to reach all edges. Arrange additional whole pecans on top for a decorative finish.
- Final Baking: Return the pie to the 375F (190C) oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. The filling should be slightly jiggly in the center but set around the edges, creating a classic Southern-style texture.
- Cooling and Serving: Remove pie from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This resting period helps the filling set perfectly, ensuring clean, beautiful slices when served.
Notes
Select High-Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh, whole pecans with a rich, buttery aroma for maximum flavor depth and crunch in your pie.
Prevent Soggy Crust Technique: Brush the prebaked crust with beaten egg white to create a moisture barrier, keeping the bottom layer crisp and preventing filling absorption.
Master Precise Temperature Control: Allow the pie to bake at a consistent 375F, using an oven thermometer to verify accurate heat distribution and prevent uneven browning or undercooking.
Adjust for Dietary Modifications: Swap traditional corn syrup with maple syrup or agave for a natural sweetener alternative, and use gluten-free flour blend to accommodate wheat-sensitive diners while maintaining the pie’s classic texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 483
- Sugar: 42 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg