Satisfy Your Cravings with this Delicious Pecan Pie Recipe
Welcome, y’all! I am excited to share with you an authentic Southern recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation in my family. Are you ready for the most delectable and scrumptious dessert your taste buds have ever experienced? I present to you, Southern Grandma’s Pecan Pie!
This classic pecan pie recipe is a deep dish of old fashioned Southern pecan goodness. Imagine a perfectly flaky crust, rich and gooey interior with a delightful crunch of pecans that makes every bite heavenly. You will fall in love with this pie the moment you sink into the first bite.
In the South, we take our desserts seriously, especially when it comes to our pecan pies. And let me tell you, no one knows how to make them better than Southern grandmas. I have vivid memories of watching as my grandma would gather ingredients in preparation for making her famous pecan pie. The heavenly aroma of caramelized sugar and roasted pecans wafting from the kitchen was like a siren call – impossible to resist.
After years of practice and perfecting my own recipe, I am convinced that this is the best pecan pie recipe out there. It is simple yet incredibly delicious; it never fails to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. Trust me, once you try it, it will become your go-to dessert for all occasions.
So get your aprons on and let’s dive into the world of Southern desserts with this fantastic Southern Grandma’s Pecan Pie recipe that will leave your guests yearning for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll find yourself falling in love with my Southern Grandma’s Pecan Pie Recipe from the very first bite! This classic Southern dessert has everything you could hope for in a pie – it’s sweet, nutty, buttery, and downright heavenly. What makes this recipe so special is that it has been passed down through generations of Southern grandmas, each one adding their own special touch to the mix.
The combination of crunchy pecans, sweet sugar, vanilla, and butter mixed together with light corn syrup makes this pie irresistible. You’ll be able to taste the old-fashioned magic in every bite. The dessert has a perfect balance of sweetness from the sugar and corn syrup with just the right amount of crunchiness from the pecans.
This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With just 10 simple ingredients, you can create a masterpiece that will impress your family and guests at any gathering. Even better, you can easily make substitutions and variations to suit your personal preferences.
Whether you’re celebrating a festive holiday or just want something rich and indulgent for dessert, my Southern Grandma’s Pecan Pie Recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. Trust me when I say that once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredient List
Here is a list of ingredients you will need for this classic Southern pecan pie recipe:
For the pie crust:
- 1 unbaked pie crust (9 inch)
For the filling:
- 3 cups pecan halves
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white corn syrup
- 1/2 cup dark corn syrup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For serving:
- Whipped cream or Vanilla ice cream
Make sure to get high-quality fresh ingredients for the best results!
The Recipe How-To
Now we get to the heart of the matter. In this section, I’ll walk you through the steps of making my Southern Grandma’s Pecan Pie Recipe.
Preheat Your Oven
To begin, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat. This will ensure that your pie crust doesn’t get soggy underneath your pecan filling.
Whip Up The Filling
Next, combine 1 cup of light corn syrup, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/3 cup of unsalted butter, melted, and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl. Beat everything together until combined. Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons of all-purpose flour, and a pinch of cinnamon. Finally, fold in 2 cups of chopped pecans.
Prepare the Crust
Take your pie crust out of the refrigerator and let it come up to room temperature while you make the filling.
You can use any crust recipe you like, but if you don’t have one, here’s my recipe for a classic southern pie crust:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in 6 tablespoons of chilled unsalted butter until fine crumbs form.
- Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until dough holds together without being sticky or crumbly.
- Form dough into a ball then flatten it into disk shape. Wrap with plastic wrap then chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling out into pie dish.
Assemble The Pie
Pour the pecan mixture into the prepared pie crust. Arrange pecan halves over the top however you like.
Bake Your Pie
Place the pie on a baking sheet then put it in the preheated oven. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
When done, remove your pie from the oven and let it cool completely before serving. If you cut into the pie while it’s still hot, it will be runny and won’t set properly. Once cool, slice and serve with whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream on top.
That’s it! A delicious, homemade pecan pie using my grandma’s recipe. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Southern pecan pie is a classic dessert that can be modified to suit individual tastes. Here are some substitutions and variations you can make to tailor the recipe to your liking:
– Butter Pecan Pie: Instead of using regular pecans, use butter pecans. They have a richer buttery flavor, which pairs well with brown sugar and old-fashioned southern pecan flavor.
– Homemade Pecan Pie: Instead of using refrigerated pie crust, try making your own from scratch with an all-purpose flour, salt, and unsalted butter mixture. This gives the pie crust a flakier texture and a more wholesome taste.
– Classic Pecan Pie: If you want to keep the recipe simple and classic, stick to the basic ingredients such as eggs, corn syrup, granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, vanilla extract, salt and of course pecans.
– Chopped Pecans Pie: A different approach is to chop the pecans into tiny pieces before mixing them with the other ingredients as it offers a different texture profile to the pie’s filling.
– The Best Pecan Pie: Add in some cinnamon or nutmeg for a more aromatic flavor. However, take care with these spices since they may overpower the taste of the pecans.
– Dark Karo Syrup: Use sparingly in this recipe because it is thicker and will make the pie runnier than light corn syrup.
Regardless of how you modify your pecan pies recipe do not substitute any other nuts in place of pecans as this will change the authenticity of your homemade southern-style pecan pie.
Serving and Pairing
Southern Grandma’s Pecan Pie is a classic dessert that pairs beautifully with a variety of drinks and toppings. When it comes to serving, I recommend either whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to complement the nutty flavor of Pecan Pie.
Whipped cream is a lighter option that provides a fluffy contrast to the dense pie. To create your own homemade whipped cream, simply use 1 cup heavy whipping cream and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Beat them together in a bowl with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
On the other hand, vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast that blends smoothly with the warm filling of the pie. A scoop of butter pecan or homemade vanilla ice cream placed over the warm Pecan Pie will definitely take the dessert to the next level.
When it comes to drinks, you can always serve Pecan Pie with freshly brewed coffee or tea for a classic touch. Alternatively, you can try pairing it with bourbon, cognac or rum that will complement its rich and nutty flavor.
In summary, Southern Grandma’s Pecan Pie is a versatile dish that can be paired with various toppings and beverages. Whether you’re enjoying it after dinner or for a holiday gathering, there’s no doubt that it will be a delightfully satisfying dessert that everyone will love.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Ah, my dear friends, let’s talk about making those good old southern pecan pies ahead of time! The key to a successful make-ahead pie is to let it cool completely before you store it. If the pie is still warm when you put it in the fridge or freezer, moisture will develop and turn your pie into a soupy mess.
When you want to store your pecan pie for future use, simply cover it with plastic wrap or foil and gently press it to the crust. Then, store it in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze it for up to a month. When you’re ready to serve it, thaw the frozen pie in the refrigerator overnight.
Now, when it comes reheating, here’s my advice. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and place your chilled or frozen pre-baked pie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Tent your pie loosely with aluminium foil and bake it for around 15 minutes if it’s chilled, or up to 40 minutes if you are heating it from frozen.
Oh! And remember that pecan pies are best eaten warmed slightly rather than cold, so slide those slices into the oven right before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
My darlings, as always, these tips will help ensure that your homemade pecan pies are always eaten at their very best!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, while this recipe for Southern Grandma’s Pecan Pie is fairly simple, there are a few key things you can do to ensure that your pie comes out perfect every time.
First and foremost, make sure your pecans are fresh. Stale nuts can not only affect the flavor but the texture of the pie as well. Be sure to use good quality pecans and toast them lightly to bring out their natural nuttiness.
Another important tip is to pre-bake your pie crust before adding the filling. This will help prevent a soggy bottom and ensure a well-cooked crust.
When it comes to adding the filling, be mindful not to overfill the pie as it will cause it to spill over and become runny. It’s best to leave a little bit of room for the filling to expand as it bakes.
While mixing your ingredients together, be careful not to over mix as this will lead to a filling that is too airy and might cause the pecans to rise to the top, instead of staying evenly distributed throughout.
If you find that your pecan pie is too sweet for your taste, consider reducing the amount of sugar or corn syrup used in the recipe. You can also add a pinch of salt or a splash of vinegar or lemon juice which will help balance out the sweetness.
Lastly, let your pecan pie cool completely before serving. This will not only allow the filling to set properly but also develop its full flavor. Enjoy your homemade classic Southern pecan pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
FAQ
As you read through the recipe and start making your southern grandma’s pecan pie, you might encounter some questions or doubts along the way. That’s why I have gathered some of the most common FAQs to help guide you through this dessert-making journey. Make sure to read them thoroughly before starting your baking session!
How do you make Paula Deen’s pecan pie?
For this recipe, we will need pecan pieces, a pre-baked 10-inch pie crust, light corn syrup, brown sugar (divided into 2 1/2 cups), three eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon (divided into 1/2 teaspoon), and unsalted butter (6 tablespoons melted and 4 tablespoons for caramel).
What is Dolly Parton’s favorite pie?
For years, Dolly has been enjoying her favorite dessert – Walnut Pie. She first tried this delicious treat during her visit to Nashville after graduating from high school. This pie has become a must-have at her Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, but she also loves to enjoy it all year round.
How do you keep pecan pie from being runny?
One common issue with pecan pie is that it ends up being too runny instead of having a firm texture. The most likely reason behind this is that the pie hasn’t been baked for long enough. To avoid this problem, make sure to stick to the recommended baking time of 60 to 70 minutes at a temperature of 350F. After baking, let the pie cool and set until it reaches the desired consistency.
What can I use instead of Karo syrup in pecan pie?
In this recipe, you can swap out corn syrup for maple syrup to create a lip-smacking maple pecan pie.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, my Southern Grandma’s Pecan Pie recipe is the perfect dessert to impress your guests or satisfy your sweet tooth. With its classic Southern flavor and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe won’t disappoint. Whether you’re a fan of pecans or not, this pie is sure to win your heart over.
Remember to follow my tips for perfect results, such as using unsalted butter and room temperature eggs, and don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutions and variations. Try using different types of pecans or adding a touch of cinnamon for an extra burst of flavor.
And don’t forget to make enough for leftovers! This dessert only gets better with time and can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
So go ahead and give my Southern Grandma’s Pecan Pie recipe a try. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. Dessert has never tasted so good!
Southern Grandma’s Pecan Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust, 9 inch, uncooked
- 3 eggs, large
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour, rounded
- 1/4 cup Dark Karo syrup
- 3/4 cup light Karo syrup
- 2 tablespoons oleo, melted
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup pecans, halved, for top of pie
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400.
- Beat eggs.
- Add sugar and flour until sugar is dissolved.
- Add syrup, melted butter, pecans and vanilla. Mix well.
- Pour into pie shell.
- Beginning at outer edge of filling, place a row of pecan halves around top. Continue with other rounds until top is covered.
- Carefully place pie in oven.
- Bake at 400 for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350.
- Make a tent of aluminum foil; place over pie. Be careful not to touch filling!
- Bake around one more hour, or until filling is set.
- Remove from oven.