The best easy homemade pecan pie recipe - This traditional Southern recipe is homemade from scratch except for the crust which is premade and packaged. Classic simple recipe for Thanksgiving dinner like Grandma used to make. Original gooey no fail instructions.
There is nothing like a pecan pie with its crunchy nuts, gooey sweet filling, and flaky crust. This is the world's best pecan pie recipe because it comes out perfectly every time!
I love pecan pie. I'm a real pecan pie aficionado, and I've never eaten one as tasty as this.
Many Novembers ago, I gained about fifteen pounds perfecting my very own pecan pie recipe. My gain is your gain because I'm going to share it with you, in the spirit of the coming holidays.
Also, this recipe works equally well in a deep dish pie plate or a normal shallow one. I've tried both, and I prefer the deep dish because there's more gooey filling in each bite, but that's just my personal preference. If you use a shallower plate, you may need to adjust your cooking time. A shallow pie will cook more quickly and may burn if you're not careful.
Looking for a gluten-free pecan pie? Hop over to this post for the best one you'll ever bake!
What you'll need to make the world's best pecan pie
Equipment
Of course, you will need a pie plate, and I also recommend a pie shield. They are very inexpensive, and they can save your pie crust from burning if the pie takes a little longer than expected to bake.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust - A package of pie crusts in the dairy case contains 2 crusts. You will only need 1 of these crusts to make a pecan pie. You can use the second one to make a beautiful pumpkin pie with pecan streusel topping and have two very impressive desserts to serve this year.
- Eggs - These bind the filling together. The pie won't work without them.
- Light corn syrup - I use light corn syrup, and I have never used dark corn syrup. I know you can buy both, and I honestly don't know what the difference is, so I can't really help you decide which is better for your pie. If you want the same delicious pie that I make, use light.
- Light brown sugar - I do know the difference between light and dark brown sugar. Dark brown sugar contains more molasses which is slightly sweet but also slightly bitter. I highly recommend getting the light brown sugar as that is most likely the base for the pecan pie flavor you're used to.
- Vanilla bean paste - I am in love with vanilla bean paste. It's basically a sweeter and more concentrated form of vanilla extract, and it is made from crushed up vanilla beans rather than just alcohol steeped in vanilla beans. If you don't want to invest in vanilla bean paste (you really should!), you can use the same amount of vanilla extract with decent results.
- Melted butter - This recipe doesn't call for a lot of butter (only 3 tablespoons which is slightly less than half of a stick), but the better is essential to the taste and consistency of the filling.
- 1 pinch of salt - Even though it's a tiny amount, don't skip this. It helps to balance the extreme sweetness of the corn syrup and brown sugar.
- Pecans - Some people take the time to cut each nut individually and to line the top of their pies with pecan halves. I do not do this. I am lazy, and I think that a pecan pie made from chopped pecans tastes just as good as one topped with pecan halves (and maybe even better for the reason I will explain below). So I chop the pecans with my Food Chopper into nice big pieces OR mash them a bit in the bag they come in OR buy already chopped pecans.
About the pies you see topped with whole pecans - I tried topping my pecan pie with pecan halves twice. The first time, I made the pie as the instructions below indicate, and then I laid pecan halves in a pretty pattern over the entire top of the pie. This was a disaster because the pecan halves had no sugary coating and burned in the oven.
The second time I tried tossing the pecan halves in the sugary filling and then arranging them on top of the pie. This worked well enough because the pecans didn't burn, but I thought the pie was hard to cut because the halves were big. It was extra work for no benefit at all, save the fact that the pie looked nice on the table.
I don't know about you, but I'd rather have a pie that is easy to cut and serve (and eat!) than one that is breathtakingly beautiful on the table. I have opted for chopped pecans ever since.
How to make the best pecan pie recipe
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
- Press the pie crust into the pie plate and proof (see note below about how to proof a pie). Pre-bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes, until it is just barely golden and not at all brown.
- Meanwhile, in a 2 quart bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla bean paste, and melted butter. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- When the crust comes out of the oven, pour the syrup and pecan mixture into it.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven about 1 hour or until firm. Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before serving (if you don't, it will be very runny when you try to cut it).
Why this is the very best pecan pie recipe there is
Simple recipe - This recipe is super simple with only 7 easy to find ingredients.
Easy preparation - Buying a pre-made pie crust makes preparation of this pie a 5-minute affair. It could not be easier to chop the pecans, whisk together the filling, and pour them into the pie crust.
To die for texture - The pecans on top of this pie get crisp and toasty while the nuts underneath stay a little on the chewy side. The sweet filling is creamy and rich. There is something about a southern pecan pie that you simply can't beat, and this recipe comes out perfect every single time.
Tips baking a better pecan pie
Proofing - In the recipe below, I state that you should press the unbaked pie shell into the pie pan and proof. Proofing means to stick it all over with a fork. Don't do it so much that you make the crust into Swiss cheese, just enough that any air bubbles that form underneath the crust will be able to escape without causing a big lump in your cooked pie crust.
Proofing is an important step any time you pre-bake a pie crust because the crust gets crispy in the pre-baking stage, and you don't want the crispy crust to be raised up with a big air bubble underneath. Don't skip it.
Using a pie shield - Keep an eye on the pecans and crust edge of your pie during baking. If you notice that they are starting to move past golden brown into deep brown or almost black, cover the pie with aluminum foil. Nobody likes burnt pecans or burnt crust on the edge of their pie.
If the crust is the only issue, use a ring of aluminum foil so that the pecans continue to brown while the crust is protected. Better yet, invest in a couple of pie shields before the holidays so that you'll be prepared for that and don't end up trying to make an aluminum foil ring while your pie crust is turning black.
Allow the pie to cool - Pecan pie must be served at room temperature or (even better) chilled in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. The filling will be very liquid and runny if served even a little bit warm.
Stay away from artificial sweeteners - Don't try to lighten this recipe by using Splenda or another artificial sweetener. They don't work. Trust me; I know. Pecan pie filling won't set up without both sugar and corn syrup, and you'll end up with a gooey liquid mess instead of a nice firm pecan pie.
How to store pecan pie
As I mentioned above, this pie is best served chilled. So it stands to reason that you would want to refrigerate the leftovers, although I have let my pecan pie sit on the counter for a day or two without having it spoil. I wouldn't let one sit out for more than that though.
You can actually freeze a pecan pie (the whole thing or a piece of it) and come out with beautiful results. Bake the pie as the instructions recommend, cool it completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Slide the wrapped pie into a zippered freezer bag or an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to serve the pie, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and allow it to warm up to room temperature before slicing. No one will ever know it wasn't freshly baked.
THE REST OF OUR THANKSGIVING MENU
We don't get creative with our Thanksgiving menu. We like routines. We like the comfort of the same old food.
- Roast Turkey
- Creamy Crockpot Mashed Potatoes
- Candied Sweet Potatoes
- Roasted Vegetable & Cornbread Stuffing
- Old-Fashioned Chestnut Stuffing Recipe
- Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole
- Traditional Green Bean Casserole
- Fluffy Cranberry Fruit Salad with Pineapple
- Homemade Orange Cranberry Sauce
- Praline Pumpkin Pecan Pie
- The Worlds' Best Pecan Pie
- Couldn't Be Easier Cherry Pie
- No Church Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream
And for the leftovers, try one of these delights:
You can read more about my easy and traditional Thanksgiving menu.
The Worlds' Best Pecan Pie Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 packaged pie crust
- 3 eggs beaten
- ¾ cups light corn syrup + 2 tablespoons
- ¾ cups light brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 cups pecans quartered (I chop them with my Food Chopper into nice big pieces OR mash them a bit in the bag. I don't spend the time to quarter each nut.)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Press the pie crust into the pie plate and proof. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, until the crust is just barely golden.
- Meanwhile, in a 2 quart bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla bean paste, and melted butter. Stir in the chopped pecans.
- When crust comes out of the oven, pour syrup and pecan mixture into it.
- Bake pie in preheated oven about 1 hour, or until firm. Let cool at least 1 hour before serving (if you don't, it will be very runny when you try to cut it).
Sharon @ UnfinishedMom says
Oh yes. Pecan pie is wonderful. Definitely a finer thing.
lizhoosierhomemade says
That looks like a great recipe! Thanks for sharing!
~Liz
Robyn's Online World says
Wow - for some reason I thought it would be a lot harder to make a pecan pie. This is one of my mom's favorite pies, maybe I will give it a shot.
Sherry says
Yum! I love pecan pie. I have a friend that used to have me make one just for her every holiday, but unfortunately she moved. 🙁
rachel says
pecan pie is a treasure but, only when done right! This recipe sounds great and I am one who believes that splenda should NEVER be used in baking.
Lori says
Splenda works great in a lot of recipes, plus they have mixed brown sugar Splenda now. I have managed to fool many people using it, I can even lace baked goods sugar free and with protein.
Cole says
That looks great! I know someone who is going to beg me to make them this recipe. 🙂
[email protected] says
One of my holiday favorites is pecan pie. I think everyone should have a GREAT!!! pecan pie recipe.
THANKS!!! for sharing your recipe.
Geri
amyfinerthings says
I love the flavor of pecan pie, but I can only eat a tiny piece at a time. Perhaps because there are always other "must try" desserts on the table, too!
Jerri says
Your pie looks delicous!
Jerri says
Your pie looks delicous!
Confused says
In step 3, it says...Meanwhile, in a 2 quart bowl, mix together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, and remaining pecans.
remaining pecans? in steps 2 and 1 there is no mention of using pecans , so how would i use remaining pecans when i haven’t used them in the first place?
Tara Ziegmont says
In the original recipe, I said to reserve a cup of pecans whole instead of chopping them all, so that you could arrange them on the top of the pie right before putting it into the oven. I have since changed my mind on that and now recommend just chopping them all. In that case, you would use the unreserved pecans in the filling.
I changed my mind on this because, in my experience, those pecans that sat on top more often than not ended up burning, and the ones coated in the filling mixture did not. So I changed it but forgot to change step 3. Just make that edit. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
James Kinlaw says
Your pecan pie recipe look delicious.
Should I lightly toast my pecans before adding them to the recipe? I really like the crunch!
How do I post my picture?
Thanks
James Kinlaw
[email protected]
Tara Ziegmont says
I don't toast them, but you could if you wanted to. You can share a photo to my Facebook page.
Rose kitchen says
lovely and delicious pie
Helen says
Mmmmm the smiles an tulle tast says it all
Thank you
Teresa says
Can you make it and store it in the fridge then bake it a couple of days later or would it be better to store it cooked? I want to make as much before Thanksgiving to cook that day. I know this is probably a dumb question. Thank you
Tara Ziegmont says
Not a dumb question at all! I bake my pies on Tuesday and let them sit out on the counter until Thanksgiving. I wouldn't store it unbaked because I think the crust would get soggy and weird, but it's totally fine to bake it early. If you have the fridge space, it would probably be best to store it in the refrigerator, but mine is always too full so the pies sit out. Still taste fine and no one has ever gotten sick. Of course, they don't last long enough to get moldy. LOL
Stephen Harrell says
Chop the pecans, mix the ingredients together, but leave out the eggs and the nuts, put in a jar or bowl and store in the fridge. Add eggs and nuts when ready to bake, pour into crust and bake.
Anna says
Hi, can you please specify if for the light brown sugar the measurement is cups??
Tara Ziegmont says
Yes, it is in cups. 3/4 cup
Linda says
Tried to get your Insta - Pot Cookbook, wouldn't work for me. Oh and I can't wait to make your pecan pie tomorrow.
Tara Ziegmont says
No trouble. I can send the cookbook by email. I hope you love the pie! It's so good!
Sandra Lewis says
I am a southerner who LOVES good pecan pie. My recipe varies a little from yours. I use 1 cup REGULAR SUGAR, 1 cup LIGHT KARO, 1 tsp. REAL VANILLA, 1/2 stick BUTTER, 3 EGGS, and enough PECANS to lay whole next to each other on top. I cook the butter, sugar and Karo on the stovetop just until the sugar is dissolved, beat the eggs and vanilla, then pour them together and beat a minute. I pour this into my unbaked pie shell and “arrange” pecans individually on top, covering entire top with pecans. I bake it same as yours and watch for small cracks in the top because when it cracks, it’s ready.
I have never tried using brown sugar, but plan to try it
April Hinklin says
I am a southerner also and I make mine almost the same way. I just don't heat it up. I put it in a bowel and mix it all together and put it in a pie crust and bake it. I use all the same ingredients as you do. Of course I melt the butter. I have never tried making it with brown sugar either can't wait to see how it taste.
Lisa Cantu says
Can you use store bought frozen pie crust?
Tara Ziegmont says
I've never used a frozen pie crust, but it should work. Just thaw as instructed on the package, and then pre-bake as in the recipe. Let me know how it goes!
April Hinklin says
Yes you can use a store bought frozen pie shell. I have used one Everytime I make pecan pie I use a frozen store bought pie shell and I don't pre-bake it either. Sometimes it's thawed and sometimes it isn't. Just cover the edges of your pie crust so they don't burn. You can use aluminum foil to cover them with. Just remove the foil so the edges brown right before it's done.
Sharon Pinkston says
I have always preferred pecan pie with dark Karo, so I figure the brown sugar in this one is what makes it shine. The large amount of pecans is a real us too.
Jane Neal says
I used both brown sugar and dark Karol. It's absolutely delicious and I love its richness.
Lorna says
Forgive my lack of baking knowledge, but what does it mean to "proof" the crust? What will that do for the pie?
Tara Ziegmont says
I’m so sorry. I usually explain terms like that. Proofing means to poke the unbaked crust a few times with a fork, putting a bunch of tiny holes in the crust so that air bubbles can’t form under the crust when you pre bake it. If you don’t proof it, more than likely, it will puff up in some places. If will flatten back down when you put the filling in, but the texture changes a bit when it puffs up.
Ricky says
Hello, Love your recipe. I saw you used the word "Proof" in the recipe and I saw your reply to a question about "Proofing". However your answer wasn't correct. Proofing allows the dough to rest and rise before baking. Your explanation was pertaining to "Dock and Blind Bake" As a person that loves to bake I understood what you were saying, but for someone new to baking and see your recipe, it can be a little confusing. I apologize if I am out of line, I wanted to bring this to you attention. I meant no disrespect. Thank you so very much for the amazing recipe.
Tara Ziegmont says
Thanks for the clarification!
Sandy says
Can I use a pecan pie crust instead of a regular pie crust.
Tara Ziegmont says
I'm not familiar with a pecan pie crust. What is that?