The timeless appeal of a classic dessert is undeniable, and few confections rival the enduring charm of a Classic Pecan Pie. With its perfectly sweet, rich filling and the delightful crunch of toasted pecans, this traditional recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a culinary hug, perfect for holiday gatherings or any moment you crave a taste of comforting nostalgia. Get ready to bake the best easy pecan pie that will become a cherished family favorite!
If you have a passion for classic pies, be sure to explore other beloved recipes like our delightful Pumpkin Pie or the tangy and sweet Lemon Meringue Pie. Each offers a unique flavor experience, yet all share the comforting essence of homemade goodness.
This post, originally shared on March 8, 2017, is being brought back to the forefront today because it truly is the quintessential recipe for the upcoming holiday season. A classic pecan pie is an absolute must-have on any festive table, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures that everyone adores. This easy pecan pie recipe simplifies the baking process, ensuring a perfect, stress-free dessert every time. You’ll quickly discover why this holiday pie recipe earns rave reviews!
I am proud to be a Bake a Little Extra Blog Ambassador, and this post is sponsored by Karo® Syrup. Collaborating with brands and organizations I genuinely believe in is a joy, and I deeply appreciate your continued support for them, too.
Holiday Pecan Pie: A Staple for Festive Tables
There’s something truly special about celebrating holidays through food. Whether it’s the vibrant greens of St. Patrick’s Day, the romantic reds and rich chocolates of Valentine’s Day, or the comforting spreads of Thanksgiving and Christmas, food plays an indispensable role in our festive traditions. And when it comes to desserts, certain dishes evoke a sense of warmth and familiarity that is simply irreplaceable.
Among these cherished recipes, the Classic Pecan Pie stands out as a true icon of holiday baking, particularly in American culture. It’s a dessert that transcends simple sweetness, offering a complex interplay of flavors and textures that makes it a beloved addition to any celebratory meal. For many, a holiday feast simply isn’t complete without a generous slice of this gooey, crunchy masterpiece.
Beyond the major holidays, there’s another, more whimsical occasion that’s become synonymous with pie: Pi Day. Celebrated on March 14th (3.14), it’s a playful nod to the mathematical constant. While math buffs might revel in equations, I, as a self-professed pie enthusiast, am entirely dedicated to the edible kind! My affection for pies runs deep; I adore all desserts, but pie holds a uniquely special place in my heart. Last year, I challenged myself to create at least one new pie recipe each month for this blog, a testament to my unwavering love for this versatile dessert.
The Easiest Way to Bake a Classic Pecan Pie
While I’ve explored various delightful twists on this southern favorite, such as a rich Coconut Pecan Pie and charming Mini Chocolate Pecan Pies in a Jar, I realized a gaping hole in my collection: a truly traditional, straightforward classic pecan pie recipe. As I’ve committed this year to bringing things back to basics and celebrating foundational recipes, Pi Day felt like the perfect occasion to finally share what I consider the perfect, easy pecan pie. This recipe isn’t just about simplicity; it’s about achieving that iconic, irresistible flavor with minimal fuss. And for those feeling a bit festive, I’ll also share a fun way to “decorate” your pie for Pi Day!
Essential Pecan Pie Ingredients for a Flawless Result
If you’re new to the wonderful world of pie baking, the classic pecan pie is an excellent starting point. Its simplicity is truly a gift, making pie making much less intimidating. For this recipe, I’ve used a version inspired by the tried-and-true recipe found on the Karo® Syrup website, confident that it would deliver nothing short of a winning dessert.
The foundation of a perfect pecan pie begins with Karo® Syrup. It’s the secret to achieving that signature balance of sweetness and irresistible gooey texture that defines a classic pecan pie. You have the flexibility to use either light or dark corn syrup, depending on your flavor preference. Dark corn syrup will impart a more robust, molasses-like flavor to your pie, adding depth and a slightly darker hue. In contrast, light corn syrup offers a more delicate, subtle vanilla flavor, allowing the natural sweetness of the pecans to shine through. I often opt for the light variety, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with either – both yield a spectacularly delicious result.
Beyond the star ingredient, Karo® Syrup, the remaining components are equally straightforward: fresh eggs for binding and structure, granulated sugar to enhance sweetness, a touch of melted butter for richness, pure vanilla extract for aromatic depth, and, of course, a generous helping of pecans for that essential crunch. No complicated equipment is required; simply mix everything together in a bowl and pour the delectable filling into an unbaked pie crust. It’s truly that simple to create a homemade pecan pie that tastes gourmet.
Simple Steps to Make the Best Pecan Pie
Making a classic pecan pie is remarkably straightforward, earning it a spot as one of the easiest and most rewarding pies to bake. The process is genuinely uncomplicated: simply combine all the ingredients in a bowl, stir until well mixed, pour the luscious filling into your chosen pie crust, and bake until golden and set. It truly doesn’t get much simpler than that! For the crust, you have options: a homemade crust will add a personal touch, but a good quality store-bought deep-dish crust works perfectly and saves time. Regardless of your choice, ensure it’s a deep-dish variety to comfortably hold all that delicious filling without overflowing during baking.
Expert Tips for Baking a Perfect Pecan Pie
- Protect Your Crust: Pecan pie requires a relatively long baking time. To prevent the edges of your pie crust from browning too quickly or even burning, it’s a wise idea to shield them from the start. A reusable pie shield is perfect if you bake pies frequently. Otherwise, strips of aluminum foil can be easily molded around the crust’s perimeter to provide effective protection.
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Check for Doneness: Knowing exactly when your pecan pie is perfectly baked is key to achieving that ideal gooey-yet-set texture.
- With a Thermometer: The most accurate way to check is with an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the center of the pie; when it reaches 200ºF (approximately 93ºC), your pie is done.
- Without a Thermometer: If you don’t have a thermometer, don’t worry! Gently tap or press the center of the pie. If it springs back lightly and the edges are set, it’s ready. The very center might have a slight jiggle, which is normal and will firm up as the pie cools.
- Cooling is Crucial: Patience is a virtue, especially with pecan pie. Allow your pie to cool completely for at least 2 hours, or even longer, before slicing and serving. This cooling period is essential for the filling to fully set, ensuring clean, beautiful slices and the best possible texture.
- Storage: Store any leftover pecan pie loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
For a fun, celebratory touch, especially if you’re baking for Pi Day, adding a “Pi” symbol to your pie is incredibly easy. Simply find a Pi symbol template online, roughly 3.5 inches tall, print and cut it out. Use this as a stencil on some extra pie dough, carefully cutting out the symbol with a paring knife. To prevent it from getting too dark during baking, place the dough symbol onto the center of the pie after it has baked for about 40 minutes. This little detail is the perfect way to playfully dress up your homemade pecan pie!
This Classic Pecan Pie Recipe consistently receives glowing reviews, earning two enthusiastic thumbs up from everyone who tries it. If you’re seeking the quintessential, time-honored recipe that captures the essence of this beloved dessert, look no further – you absolutely cannot go wrong with this one. Whether you’re celebrating Pi Day with your math-loving friends or simply indulging a craving, consider baking not one, but two of these magnificent pies. After all, even those who claim not to love math are guaranteed to fall head over heels for this incredible pie!
Discover More Irresistible Pie Recipes for Any Occasion
Expand your baking repertoire with these other fantastic pie recipes, perfect for holidays, special gatherings, or simply treating yourself:
- White Chocolate Macadamia Pie: A luxurious blend of sweet chocolate and nutty macadamias.
- Lemon Cream Pie: Bright, zesty, and refreshingly creamy.
- Chocolate Dream Pie: A rich, decadent delight for chocolate lovers.
- Peanut Butter Fudge Pie with Salted Peanut Butter Caramel: An indulgent symphony of flavors.
- Sour Cream Apple Pie: A tangy twist on a classic fruit pie.
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Classic Pecan Pie Recipe
Deborah Harroun
5 minutes
1 hour
10 minutes
1 hour
15 minutes
8
servings
Dessert
American
Pin
You can’t beat a classic, and it doesn’t get more classic than this Classic Pecan Pie recipe. Perfectly sweet with a wonderful crunch from the pecans, this is the best traditional pecan pie recipe!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the corn syrup, eggs, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Gently stir in the pecans. Pour this delicious filling into your unbaked or frozen deep-dish pie crust.Ingredients: 1 cup Karo® Light OR Dark Corn Syrup, 3 eggs, 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon Spice Islands® Pure Vanilla Extract, 1-1/2 cups 6 ounces pecans, 1 9-inch unbaked or frozen deep-dish pie crust
- Bake on the center rack of the oven for 60-70 minutes. The pie is done when the internal temperature reaches 200ºF (93ºC) and springs back lightly when the center is gently touched. If the pie crust edges begin to brown too quickly, cover them with a pie shield or aluminum foil.
- **Optional Pi Symbol Decoration: To add the Pi symbol, use a stencil and a paring knife to cut the symbol out of extra pie dough. Place this symbol in the middle of the pie after it has been in the oven for approximately 40 minutes to prevent over-browning.Ingredients: extra pie crust
- Allow the pie to cool completely for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving. This ensures the filling sets properly.
Recipe Notes:
Recipe adapted from karosyrup.com
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.
Nutrition Information
Serving:
1
slice
,
Calories:
422
kcal
(21%)
,
Carbohydrates:
67
g
(22%)
,
Protein:
4
g
(8%)
,
Fat:
17
g
(26%)
,
Saturated Fat:
5
g
(31%)
,
Polyunsaturated Fat:
5
g
,
Trans Fat:
2
g
,
Cholesterol:
77
mg
(26%)
,
Sodium:
164
mg
(7%)
,
Fiber:
1
g
(4%)
,
Sugar:
35
g
(39%)
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