Buttery Southern Pecan Pie Recipe

Sweet Southern Pecan Delight Pie Recipe: A Heavenly Treat

Indulge in a sweet southern pecan delight pie that whispers tales of homestead charm and southern hospitality.

Rich, buttery pecans dance across a golden, flaky crust, creating a dessert that melts hearts with every bite.

The classic recipe captures generations of culinary tradition, blending simplicity with pure comfort.

Layers of caramel-like filling intermingle with crunchy, toasted pecans, promising a symphony of textures and flavors.

Baked to golden perfection, this pie delivers a warm embrace of southern warmth and culinary craftsmanship.

Each slice tells a story of love, tradition, and delectable satisfaction.

Grab your apron and let’s dive into this irresistible southern treasure that’s sure to become a cherished favorite.

Equipment to Make the Perfect Pecan Pie

  • Oven: Essential for baking the pie crust and filling to golden perfection.
  • Pie Plate: Provides the classic shape and structure for your Southern pecan pie.
  • 2-Quart Bowl: Spacious mixing vessel for combining filling ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending eggs, corn syrup, and other filling components until silky.
  • Fork: Used to gently pierce the pie crust before pre-baking.
  • Wire Rack: Helps cool the pie evenly and allows air circulation underneath.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient measurements.

Baking the Southern Pecan Pie Just Right

  • Oven Warmup

Set the oven to a cozy 350 degrees. Gently nestle your pie crust into a waiting pie plate, letting the edges drape softly over the sides. Give the crust a few playful fork pokes and send it into the oven for a quick 8-10 minute golden tan.

  • Silky Filling Magic

Grab a mixing bowl and dance together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, and melted butter. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and inviting. Sprinkle in fresh pecans, stirring so each nutty piece gets a sweet coating.

  • Baking Transformation

Pour the luscious pecan mixture into the pre-baked crust. Slide the pie back into the oven and let it bake for about an hour. The filling will transform into a beautiful, set custard with a golden-brown surface that promises deliciousness.

  • Patient Cooling

After removing from the oven, let the pie rest on a wire rack. This crucial waiting period allows the filling to settle and become perfectly sliceable. Patience rewards you with clean, beautiful pie wedges that will make everyone swoon.

Flavor Tips for That Signature Southern Sweetness

  • Insider Baking Secrets
  • Brush the pre-baked crust with beaten egg white to create a protective barrier that keeps the bottom crispy and prevents filling absorption.
  • Gently toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before adding to the filling, which intensifies their nutty, rich flavor and adds delightful depth.
  • Cover pie edges with aluminum foil during the last 20 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning and maintain a beautiful golden color.
  • Refrigerate the pie for 30 minutes before cutting to help the filling set completely, ensuring clean, picture-perfect slices every time.
  • Swap corn syrup with maple syrup for a more complex sweetness, or add a splash of bourbon for an adult-friendly Southern kick that elevates the traditional recipe.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Warm or Cold

  • Garnish with Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a cloud-like dollop of freshly whipped cream, adding a creamy contrast to the rich, nutty pie.
  • Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of cold, smooth vanilla ice cream alongside the warm pie for a delightful temperature and flavor combination.
  • Sprinkle with Extra Pecans: Scatter some toasted, chopped pecans over the top for an extra crunch and enhanced nutty flavor that complements the pie's sweet filling.
  • Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: Add a luxurious touch by drizzling warm caramel sauce over each slice, creating a decadent dessert experience that elevates the pie's natural sweetness.

Best Ways to Keep Southern Pecan Pie Fresh

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store your Southern Pecan Delight Pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, for up to 4 days. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to maintain its delicate flavor.
  • Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its texture and taste.
  • Serve at Room Temperature: Remove the pie from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to bloom and the filling to soften slightly, enhancing its rich, nutty profile.
  • Portion and Protect: Use a sharp knife wiped clean between each slice to ensure neat cuts. Store individual slices in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent them from absorbing other refrigerator odors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 356 kcal

Servings: 9

Southern Pecan Pie: Ingredients at a Glance

For Pie Crust:
  • Refrigerated Pie Crust: Ensures a flaky, tender base that provides the perfect foundation for the rich pecan filling; look for all-butter varieties for enhanced flavor.
For Filling Base:
  • Eggs, Corn Syrup, Brown Sugar: Create a luscious, silky custard that binds the pie together; choose farm-fresh eggs and dark brown sugar for deeper caramel notes.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth; opt for pure vanilla extract over artificial versions for a more complex flavor profile.
  • Unsalted Butter: Brings richness and helps smooth out the filling; select high-quality butter for a more luxurious taste.
For Nutty Crunch:
  • Pecans: Provide signature Southern crunch and earthy sweetness; choose fresh, plump pecans without any bitter or rancid smell; toast lightly before adding for enhanced nutty flavor.
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Buttery Southern Pecan Pie Recipe

Buttery Southern Pecan Pie Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Grandmother’s southern pecan delight pie combines classic Southern baking traditions with rich, nutty flavors. Pecans from Georgia’s orchards create a luxurious dessert that promises sweet memories for generations to savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml / 16 oz) pecans, quartered
  • 3 eggs, whisked
  • ¾ cup (180 ml / 6 fl oz) light brown sugar
  • ¾ cup (180 ml / 6 fl oz) light corn syrup
  • 1 pie crust (Pillsbury, refrigerated)
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) butter, melted
  • 1 ½ tsps (7.5 ml / 0.25 fl oz) vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp (0.6 ml) salt

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Carefully place pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate, creating a gentle overhang. Puncture the crust surface with a fork and lightly toast for 8-10 minutes until achieving a pale golden color, avoiding excessive browning.
  2. Filling Creation: Whisk whole eggs, dark corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter in a large mixing bowl until achieving a smooth, silky texture. Fold in chopped pecans, ensuring complete coating with the sweet mixture.
  3. Baking Process: Pour the pecan-infused filling into the pre-baked pie shell, distributing evenly. Bake for 55-65 minutes until the filling sets with a slight center wobble and the crust turns a warm golden-brown. The pie should appear slightly firm but not completely rigid.
  4. Cooling and Serving: Transfer the pie to a wire cooling rack and allow it to rest for 60-90 minutes. This crucial stabilization period ensures the filling sets completely, enabling clean, precise slices when serving the Southern pecan delight.

Notes

  • Prebake Crust Carefully: Lightly toast pie crust for 8-10 minutes to create a sturdy base that prevents soggy bottoms and enhances overall texture.
  • Whisk Filling Thoroughly: Blend ingredients until completely smooth to ensure even distribution of flavors and prevent lumpy inconsistencies.
  • Monitor Baking Time Precisely: Watch for subtle center wobble and golden-brown edges, which indicate perfect doneness without overbaking.
  • Rest Pie Patiently: Allow 60-90 minutes cooling time to help filling set completely, resulting in clean, picture-perfect slices that hold their shape beautifully.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 356
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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