Southern Pecan Pie Recipe (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This Southern Pecan Pie Recipe is knock your socks off delicious! Filled with tons of crunchy pecans baked with a sweet filling, this beautiful pie will steal the show on your holiday dessert table.

Southern Pecan Pie Recipe (1)

A classic Southern Pecan Pie has the perfect combination of salty and sweet. It’s easy to make and looks impressive. Consider having a few desserts to round out your meal, like Classic Apple Pie and No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake.

As a kid, I was never too thrilled about pie mostly because it was usually fruit filled and not slathered in chocolate, but this pecan pie recipe changed the game for me. The brown sugar based filling was as good as candy!

Table of Contents

  1. Pecan Pie Ingredients
  2. How To Make A Southern Pecan Pie
  3. FAQs
  4. How To Serve
  5. Storage
  6. More Holiday Desserts to Try
  7. Southern Pecan Pie Recipe

Pecan Pie Ingredients

  • Prepared pie crust – Keep it simple and use a premade, refrigerated pie crust. You could also make one from scratch if you want. This can be one that’s already pressed into a pie pan like this one, or one that comes prepared as a flat sheet that you roll out and form to your own pie plate.
  • Butter – 4 tablespoons of butter add richness to the filling.
  • Brown sugar – Brown sugar is one of my favorite ingredients to bake with just because of the great sweet, molasses flavors that it brings. The same holds true for this pecan pie! It goes great with the nutty pecans with a touch of vanilla and salt in the filling.
  • Corn syrup – Dark is preferred, but light would work as well.
  • Vanilla extract – To balance the flavor.
  • Eggs – Creates a custard-like base with the brown sugar.
  • Pecans – Use whole or chopped. Whole pecans look prettier, but chopped will fill up more space, giving you more pecan in each bite.
Southern Pecan Pie Recipe (2)

How To Make A Southern Pecan Pie

This pie recipe is really easy to whip up and bakes in just one hour. The second step may feel a little like candy making, which can be a daunting task, but I assure you it’s just a simple melting step that creates the base of the pie.

  • You’ll start your pie base by melting butter and brown sugar on the stove. This doesn’t take long and should be done at a medium to medium-low heat so as not to burn the sugar. Add some corn syrup, then eggs. Be careful not to add the eggs too quickly or you will cook them before they can be incorporated into the mixture.
  • Get your pie crust ready and sprinkle pecans to fill the bottom of the plate before pouring the brown sugar mixture in. You can move the pecans around until you are satisfied that it’s pretty enough for your dessert table.
  • Cover the pie with foil before baking, but you will want to remove the foil during the last 20 minutes. This is to ensure that the inside has plenty of time to bake through without burning the top.
Southern Pecan Pie Recipe (3)

FAQs

Can you freeze Pecan pie?

This pie is a great make ahead dessert that freezes beautifully. Bake as directed, then let the pie cool completely. Wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature before serving.

What is the filling made of in pecan pie?

The filling is butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla and a pinch of salt. And of course, pecans!

Southern Pecan Pie Recipe (4)

How To Serve

Pecan pie recipe can be served chilled, at room temperature, or warmed with ice cream or whipped cream or just on its own. If refrigerated, let it come to room temperature on the counter for 30 minutes before serving.

My favorite way to serve pecan pie is warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Just heat each slice in the microwave for a few seconds.

101+ Thanksgiving
Side Dishes

Find all the sides you could possibly want for the perfect Thanksgiving menu!

Read More →

Southern Pecan Pie Recipe (5)

Storage

Unless you are planning on serving the pie within a couple hours of baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pie until you are ready to serve. It will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Southern Pecan Pie Recipe (6)

More Holiday Desserts to Try

  • Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Dip (No Bake)
  • Pumpkin Dump Cake
  • Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip
  • Cranberry Bliss Bars
  • Sweet Potato Pie

Recipe

Southern Pecan Pie Recipe (7)

Southern Pecan Pie

5 from 3 votes

This Southern Pecan Pie Recipe is filled with tons of crunchy pecans baked with a sweet filling, for the perfect holiday dessert.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings 8 slices

Print RecipeReview Recipe

Ingredients

  • Prepared pie crust
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup dark corn syrup light works, too
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups pecans

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

  • In a medium pan over medium heat, melt butter. Add in brown sugar and stir until melted. Stir in corn syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.

  • Beat eggs in a medium bowl. Slowly stir in brown sugar mixture until incorporated.

  • Place prepared pie crust into a pie dish. Sprinkle in pecans evenly around the bottom of the dish. Pour the brown sugar mixture over the pecans. Move pecans around if any spots look empty.

  • Place aluminum foil over the pie and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 20 minutes. Watch the pie the last 10 minutes to ensure that the edges and top doesn’t burn.

  • Let sit for an hour to set. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 570kcalCarbohydrates: 74gProtein: 6gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 76mgSodium: 379mgPotassium: 203mgFiber: 3gSugar: 61gVitamin A: 278IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 63mgIron: 2mg

Keyword pecan pie, southern pecan pie

Have you tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was by leaving a review or sharing on Instagram with the tag #yellowblissroad

Southern Pecan Pie Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between southern pecans and regular pecans? ›

Northern varieties have been selected or bred to ripen their nuts by or before the first hard freeze each year. Southern varieties have been selected or bred to fit the conditions of a longer season with more heat and humidity.

How do you keep pecan pie from being runny? ›

Additional tips for preventing a pecan pie that is too runny include: toasting the pecans, properly folding the pecans into the filling, and baking a cold pie.

What is a good substitute for corn syrup in pecan pie? ›

For every one cup of corn syrup that the recipe calls for, use one cup of maple syrup instead. The great thing about maple syrup is it has some nutritional benefits. Maple syrup contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, such as Vitamin B6, calcium, niacin, potassium, and riboflavin.

Which state is known for pecan pie? ›

Why is pecan pie famous in Texas? Texas pecan pie has been a tradition for more than 100 years, and the pie was officially named the state dessert in 2013.

What do Southerners call pecans? ›

Here is a list based on popularity: pee-KAHN — most dominant phrasing nationwide. PEE-can — most dominant on the east coast. pick-AHN — popular in areas like Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Mississippi.

How do Southerners pronounce pecan? ›

Common Pronunciations

Here are the most common ways pecan is pronounced: pee-KAHN: This seems to be the most popular pecan pronunciation nationwide. puh-CON (or puh-KAHN): A variation on the above pronunciation that's used in southern areas of the U.S. like Alabama and the Carolinas.

Why did my pecan pie come out hard? ›

Pecan pie can become hard if it is left in the oven for too long or at a higher temperature than necessary. This could happen due to an inaccurate cooking time, temperature or failing to cover with aluminum foil for part of the baking time.

Should pecan pie jiggle when done? ›

If the filling is flowing in a wavy movement from the center to the edge, your pie isn't set quite yet. Wait for the moment when the center of your pecan pie gives you just a little jiggle, like the stable but slightly wiggly movement of Jell-O when you give it a gentle shake.

Can I leave pecan pie out overnight to cool? ›

How Long Can Pecan Pie Be Left at Room Temperature? Pecan pies can stay on the counter for up to two hours before they need to be refrigerated, according to the FDA. After two hours at room temperature, your food is at risk for harmful bacteria growth.

Is Karo syrup the same as corn syrup? ›

Karo syrup is a popular brand of corn syrup, which is obtained from corn starch that is derived from maize. It is a concentrated solution of several sugars, such as glucose (dextrose), derived from corn starch. Because of various sugars, corn syrup has a naturally mild sweet taste.

Is Aunt Jemima syrup the same as corn syrup? ›

Aunt Jemima is a fenugreek-flavored corn syrup.

Why is my pecan pie foamy? ›

To correct a runny filling, cover the pie with foil and place it back in the oven until at 425 to 450 F for about 12-15 minutes. Why is my filling foamy? Over-mixing the filling creates air bubbles which creates the foam. Take care to just whisk the filling until combined.

What is Louisiana State pie? ›

The official state meat pie shall be the Natchitoches Meat Pie. Its use on official documents of the state and with the insignia of the state is hereby authorized.

What pie is Texas known for? ›

While pumpkin pie gives pecan pie a run for its money at Thanksgiving, and apple pie, blueberry pie, key lime pie, and other flavors all have their fans in Texas, pecan pie is the No. 1 pie in the state.

What is the signature pie of Texas? ›

Texas: Pecan Pie

Well, Texans really love pecans.

What is the best tasting variety of pecan? ›

The Elliot variety is one of the most flavorful pecans and a favorite with Georgia Pecan Growers. Elliot pecans produce an oilier meat than other varieties which give it the rich flavor.

What are the two types of pecans? ›

A native pecan often has thicker shells and smaller nuts, while improved varieties tend to have more delicate shells and larger nuts. Another clue in identifying different pecan varieties is the nut shape and kernel appearance.

Is pecan or pecan Southern? ›

A lot of people say that southerners pronounce it as “Pa-kawn,” while northerners pronounce it as “PEE-can.” But in a survey which the National Pecan Shellers Association carried out, it was discovered that 70% of northerners and 45% of southerners pronounced it as “PEE-can.”

Which state produces the best pecans? ›

Beyond that, Georgia is the home of the National Nut Growers Association, which was established in Albany in 1901. Georgia pecans are the best you'll find anywhere.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Gov. Deandrea McKenzie

Last Updated:

Views: 5916

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Gov. Deandrea McKenzie

Birthday: 2001-01-17

Address: Suite 769 2454 Marsha Coves, Debbieton, MS 95002

Phone: +813077629322

Job: Real-Estate Executive

Hobby: Archery, Metal detecting, Kitesurfing, Genealogy, Kitesurfing, Calligraphy, Roller skating

Introduction: My name is Gov. Deandrea McKenzie, I am a spotless, clean, glamorous, sparkling, adventurous, nice, brainy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.