Perfect Pecan Pie - a real deal, old fashioned recipe! (2024)

Perfect Pecan Pie. Trust a true pecan pie lover who has been using this recipe for over 30 years. I’ve never had better.

Perfect Pecan Pie - a real deal, old fashioned recipe! (1)

Perfect Pecan Pie

Pecan Pie is my favourite pie. I’ve been making it for 30 years or more.

It is always on my table on Christmas Day as a treat for after every Christmas dinner. It’s been served up as dessert for quite a number ofThanksgiving dinners too.

Perfect Pecan Pie - a real deal, old fashioned recipe! (2)

Ready for the oven

Although my love for this pie is well established, we have a very intermittent relationship. Because I simply cannot resist this one, I don’t make it all that often.

Perfect Pecan Pie - a real deal, old fashioned recipe! (3)

Pecans for Chocolate Pecan Pie.

It is one of those desserts that I covet and uncharacteristically do not willingly share.

If it is in the fridge, it calls to me. I find myself making several trips, knife in hand, to cut small slivers which I eat throughout the day.

I would probably polish an entire pie off in two days in tiny slices if left to my own devices. Little slices don’t count anyway….right?

Perfect Pecan Pie - a real deal, old fashioned recipe! (5)

Just out of the oven.

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Check out our collection of Rock Recipes Top Ten Most Popular Pies.

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Perfect Pecan Pie - a real deal, old fashioned recipe! (7)

Perfect Pecan Pie

Perfect Pecan Pie - a real deal, old fashioned recipe! (8)Many people have asked about the large fluted pie pan I use for this recipe. It is a great size and depth for this recipe. It was a gift from a friend but you can find it on Amazon by clicking the link below the recipe.

If you like this recipe you may also want to try learn my secret to the Best Apple Pie. Hint: it’s about the filling!

The Best Apple Pie

Perfect Pecan Pie - a real deal, old fashioned recipe! (10)

Yield: 16 servings

Perfect Pecan Pie

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Making the perfect pecan pie is easier than many people think. This is the same easy recipe that I've used for decades. Make sure you are using a large enough pie plate as well or the filling will be too thick, a shallower pie is better for setting. I bake it in a 10 inch pie plate or even an 11 inch tart pan.

Ingredients

For the butter pastry

  • 1 cup butter , very cold & cut in small cubes
  • 2 ½ cups flour
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup ice water + 2 tbsp white vinegar added, Only enough liquid to make a dough form.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the filling

  • 4 large or extra large eggs, or 5 medium, or 6 small
  • 1 ½ cups lightly packed brown sugar
  • 1 ½ cups dark corn syrup
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Instructions

For the butter pastry

  1. Using a food processor or a pastry blender cut cold butter into flour, brown sugar and salt until mixture resembles a coarse meal. Small pieces of butter should still be visible.
  2. Pour vanilla into cold water then pour over the mixture and work in by tossing with a fork until dough begins to form. Use your hands as little as possible and work the dough as little as possible.
  3. Divide dough into 2 balls, flatten into 2 rounds, wrap in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to rest for a minimum of 20 minutes.You can make your dough the previous day but make sure you take it out of the fridge for 10 minutes to warm slightly before rolling out. (This pastry recipe makes sufficient for two pie crusts, so wrap one of the pastry rounds tightly in aluminum foil and freeze it for later.)
  4. Roll the dough into a 12 - 14 inch round and place in the bottom of a 10 inch pie plate.
  5. Push the dough into the corners and ensure that it is not stretched at all or it will shrink from the edge.
  6. Trim dough to a half inch past the edge of plate.
  7. Fold the ends under and finch with fingers or fork to shape the edges into whatever design you like best.
  8. Place in freezer while you prepare the filling.

To make the filling

  1. Whisk the eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla and melted butter together until the brown sugar is dissolved.
  2. Stir in the pecans.
  3. Bake for 50-60 minutes at 375 degrees F (350 F for glass bake-ware) or until the center is set and jiggles like jelly. Cool completely before serving.

Notes

The amount of eggs is important in this recipe. I generally use extra large eggs in this recipe. If not using the largest size eggs available, it shouldn't hurt to add an additional egg.
In reading some comments from readers I suspect all corn syrup is not the same in all places. Here it is very thick. Thicker than molasses at room temperature. If your corn syrup isn't that thick be sure to add that extra egg as insurance that the pie will set.
Make sure you are using a large enough pie plate as well or the filling will be too thick, a shallower pie is better for setting. I bake it in a 10 inch pie plate or even an 11 inch tart pan.
As long as the crust doesn't burn, an extra few minutes in the oven should not be a problem if needed as well.

The nutritional information provided is automatically calculated by third party software and is meant as a guideline only. Exact accuracy is not guaranteed. For recipes where all ingredients may not be used entirely, such as those with coatings on meats, or with sauces or dressings for example, calorie & nutritional values per serving will likely be somewhat lower than indicated.

Recommended Products

Rock Recipes a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Our product recommendations are almost exclusively for those we currently use or have used in the past.

Nutrition Information

Yield

16

Serving Size

16 servings

Amount Per ServingCalories 452Saturated Fat 11gCholesterol 86mgSodium 296mgCarbohydrates 56gFiber 1gSugar 46gProtein 3g

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Perfect Pecan Pie - a real deal, old fashioned recipe! (2024)

FAQs

Is light or dark Karo syrup better for pecan pie? ›

Light and dark corn syrup can be used interchangeably in almost every instance, with slight flavor variances. In a pecan pie, for example, light corn syrup will contribute sweetness and a hint of vanilla, but that's about it. Dark corn syrup, in addition to sweetness, will add color and a more robust, toasty flavor.

How long will a pecan pie last in the refrigerator? ›

The USDA says that pecan pies will stay fresh for about three to four days in the refrigerator. Some store-bought pies may have preservatives that extend how long they last, so you can ask your local bakery for their recommendation. But three to four days in the fridge is a good general rule to follow.

Why does my pecan pie get hard? ›

A hard pecan pie means it was cooked too long.

What is the primary thickening agent in pecan pie? ›

Butter: Butter gives this pie richness and a delicious depth of flavor. Cornstarch and water: Two teaspoons of cornstarch and a tablespoon of cold water work together to help thicken the filling. Eggs: Whole eggs help bind the filling together and add welcome moisture.

How do you keep pecan pie crust from getting soggy? ›

One way to prevent a soggy crust is to essentially seal the surface, creating a barrier between the crust and the filling. Brush the surface of the unbaked crust with a beaten egg or egg white mixed with water before adding the filling.

Can I eat 2 week old pecan pie? ›

Information. Homemade egg-rich pies such as pecan, pumpkin, lemon meringue and custard must be kept refrigerated after cooking and cooling. Cream and chiffon pies must be stored in the refrigerator. These pies can be kept three to four days.

Can you leave a cooked pecan pie out overnight? ›

Keeping your pies in the fridge will help you increase their shelf life up to 4 days. But if you want to leave it overnight at room temperature after taking it out from the fridge, it will get spoiled. You can only keep it at room temperature for two hours.

Why is store-bought pecan pie not refrigerated? ›

According to the USDA, any pie that is egg-rich (such as pecan, pumpkin, lemon meringue, and any custard pie) must be kept in the fridge after baking and cooling. The exception here is some store-bought pies, which may contain preservatives that will allow the pies to be left unrefrigerated.

Can you overcook a pecan pie? ›

Yes, you can overcook a pecan pie.

A pecan pie is likely overcooked or has been in the oven too long if the top turns black or the filling starts to crack. Overbaking your pie can make it sticky or crunchy, causing the filling to become tough, hard, and difficult to eat.

What makes a pecan pie not set up? ›

If runny pecan pie fillings are a chronic problem, check your oven temperature. It may be running too cool and not be sufficiently hot for the custard magic to take place.

Which is better light or dark Karo syrup? ›

Typically, light corn syrup is used when a delicately sweet flavor is desired, such as in fruit sauces and jams. Karo light corn syrup is made with real vanilla. Dark corn syrup is made with refiners' syrup, a type of molasses. With its more robust flavor and color, it is ideal for many baked goods.

Which Karo syrup is sweeter? ›

Dark corn syrup is made by combining corn syrup with molasses and caramel colouring and is sweeter than light corn syrup.

Is dark or light Karo syrup better for constipation? ›

In many cases, today's dark corn syrup has a different chemical structure. The current chemical structure doesn't draw fluids into the intestine to soften stool. Because of this, dark corn syrup may not be effective in relieving constipation. It isn't known whether light corn syrup may be helpful.

References

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