Sweet and indulgent: The best Southern Pecan Pie!
Greetings, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I’ll be sharing with you my beloved southern pecan pie filling recipe. This recipe is a classic southern treat that’ll have your taste buds craving for more with each bite. It’s a dessert that embodies the true essence of southern cuisine; sweet and indulgent.
As a chef who specializes in southern-style cuisine, I can tell you that this recipe encapsulates all the flavors of the south in one dish. With ingredients like pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, and sour cream combined with a touch of lemon juice and flour, this pie is the epitome of southern comfort food. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply want a treat for yourself, this recipe will not disappoint.
I grew up with this dessert being a mainstay on our family table during festive occasions or simple get-togethers. It was always the centerpiece at every event and never failed to gather oohs and aahs from everyone. In fact, it has been known to bring people together even during the most difficult times; it’s that delicious.
So why not bring some southern hospitality to your home with this classic southern pecan pie? Follow my instructions carefully and enjoy every mouthful of this utterly deadly dessert. Get ready to experience a taste of tradition and indulge in one of the best southern treats out there. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ah, finally. A recipe for a classic Southern pecan pie – a dessert that will leave you utterly speechless. Imagine diving into a slice of pecan pie made with the best southern pecans, just the right amount of sweetness from brown sugar and light corn syrup, and a pinch of salt to balance everything out. With a flaky crust that crumbles at touch, this is the delectable dessert that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and childhood.
This recipe is easy to make, but it’s not your ordinary pie. The combination of ingredients used in this recipe can make even a non-dessert person go weak in their knees. The delicious mix of brown sugar and light corn syrup creates a caramelized filling that has remained unchanged for generations. The crust is perfect – neither too thin nor too thick – chalky but still crumble at the slightest touch.
What sets this southern pecan pie apart from others is its unique flavor created by the use of sour cream in the filling mixture. Also included are just the right amount of lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla extract and unsalted butter to enhance its luscious decadent taste.
For those looking for substitutions or variations, try replacing half the light corn syrup with dark corn syrup or simply adding chocolate chips to create an utterly deadly southern chocolate pecan pie. You can also use whipped cream or butter pecan ice cream to complement its nutty goodness.
Overall, there’s no denying that this classic southern pecan pie will undoubtedly bring flavor to your tongue that you never even know you were missing. Even those who don’t consider themselves “dessert people” agree that this perfect blend of ingredients creates one of the most irresistible and comforting desserts around. So why wait? Try making this timeless recipe today; you’ll love it as much as we do!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to prepare the classic Southern Pecan Pie Filling Recipe:
For The Filling:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped
For The Crust:
- 1 unbaked pie shell
For The Topping (optional):
- Whipped cream, Butter pecan ice cream or Homemade Pecan Ice Cream
Note that a high-quality corn syrup is key to this recipe. Don’t confuse the “high fructose corn syrup” commonly found in processed foods with light or dark corn syrup, which can be used interchangeably in most recipes calling for corn syrup.
Bold important information phrase. You can use either light or dark corn syrup but it’s better if you use a combination of both for a more complex flavor. You should also use unsalted butter because pecan pie can be pretty sweet and you don’t want to make it too salty.
The Recipe How-To
The Recipe How-To will guide you in making a Classic Southern Pecan Pie that is utterly deadly and delicious. This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, but make sure you read and measure the ingredients carefully, so you don’t end up with a soupy or overly sweet filling.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1/4 cup of dark corn syrup, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until blended.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar. Then, gradually stir in the egg mixture.
- Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of flour until well mixed.
- Add 2 cups of coarsely chopped pecans to the filling mixture.
- Pour the filling into an unbaked pie crust shell; place on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the pie is set and the crust is golden brown.
Note: To determine if the pie is set, gently shake or wiggle it, and see if only the center jiggles slightly. Be careful not to overbake it, or else the pecans will become burnt.
Tips for Perfect Results:
- Always bake your pecan pie at exactly 350 degrees Fahrenheit
- Use a glass or metal tin to avoid undercooked or unevenly cooked pies
- Let your baked pie cool thoroughly before serving
Once your classic southern pecan pie is ready, serve it topped with whipped cream, ice cream, or even butter pecan syrup for added sweet, nutty flavor. And if you have any leftovers, be sure to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Substitutions and Variations
Variety is the spice of life and your Southern Pecan Pie is no exception. There are a plethora of ingredient substitutions you can make to this classic recipe to make it your own unique flavor creation. Here are some variations that will satisfy every palate preference:
Crust: Use a pre-made or homemade pie crust. A graham cracker or chocolate crust can also substitute.
Pecans: Use pecans halves, or chopped pecans, whichever you prefer. You can also swap out pecans entirely for other nuts such as walnuts, almonds or macadamia nuts.
Corn Syrup: Swap out the corn syrup for honey, maple syrup or agave nectar for a unique and complex flavor.
Brown sugar: Dark brown sugar can be used instead of light brown sugar.
Flour: Substituting flour for cornstarch or cake flour yields a slightly denser filling
Lemon juice: If you don’t have lemon juice on hand, substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
Sour cream: You can substitute this with heavy cream, coconut cream or yogurt for a tangy twist.
Keep in mind that any changes may affect the taste and consistency of the filling, so proceed with caution when making substitutions. Nevertheless, with these simple modifications to an already delectable pecan pie recipe, you’re guaranteed to make your Southern pie stand out from the rest!
Serving and Pairing
Once you have baked the utterly deadly southern pecan pie, it is time to serve and pair it. There are many ways to make your guests fall in love with this classic southern dessert recipe even more. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve and pair southern pecan pie.
Firstly, you can serve a slice of pecan pie as it is, warm or cold, with whipped cream on top. To add a little bit of crunchiness to the already nutty filling, sprinkle a handful of chopped pecans on top of the whipped cream. Alternatively, you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the warm pecan pie slice; this will create a heavenly combination of hot and cold textures.
You can also add a dollop of salted caramel sauce or chocolate ganache on top of the pie slice. The salty-sweet combination always tastes amazing when paired with pecan pie filling.
For an unexpected twist, try pairing pecan pie with a cup of dark roast coffee or liqueur such as amaretto or bourbon. The bitterness and slightly smoky taste or sweetness and vanilla notes complement the nutty flavors very well.
If you want to take your pairing one step further, go for an old-fashioned apple cider that has been spiced with cinnamon sticks or clove buds. The spices create warmth in your mouth and contrast the richness and sweetness of the filling.
In terms of serving sizes, one slice should be enough for each person. However, if you’re hosting a large dinner party, you can cut smaller slices and pair them with complementary sweet treats such as cherry or apple turnovers, buttery shortbread cookies or chocolate truffles.
Overall, southern pecan pie is an incredibly versatile dessert that can mix and match with various toppings and drinks to suit your needs. So go ahead and experiment until you find your bespoke pairing!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The Southern Pecan Pie is a recipe that can easily be made ahead of time and enjoyed later. Once prepared, allow the pie to cool on a wire rack before storing it in an airtight container. The container will preserve the taste and texture of the pie allowing for optimal taste when reheating.
To reheat your Southern Pecan Pie, preheat your oven to 250°F. Take out your pie from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats up. Then place the pie in the oven for about 10 minutes until warm. This will give you a delicious pecan flavor and an odor that fills your space with a tantalizing sense of southern goodness.
It is important to note that you should never store your pecan pies in the refrigerator as doing so will make it too hard to serve or eat. Instead, keep them in a cool, dry place and follow these quick tips for preserving their freshness:
1. Wrap tightly with foil or cling wrap – It’s essential to wrap your pecan pie tightly with either cling wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring all parts of the filling are fully covered.
2. Keep away from sunlight – Avoid placing your pecan pie directly under sunlight as this causes it to melt, affecting its flavor and texture.
3. Freeze if possible – Finally, if you’re looking to freeze your pecan pies for any reason, do so immediately after baking while they are still fresh. Wrap them in heavy-duty foil and freeze for up to three months. To thaw frozen pecan pies, follow the same reheating process above by evenly warming them at 250°F.
With these tips in mind, you can store and reheat your homemade Southern Pecan Pie like a pro – retaining its utterly deadly southern charm every time it is served!
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the best results with this southern pecan pie, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Here are some crucial tips to help you produce that perfect, utterly deadly southern pecan pie.
First and foremost, it is essential to keep an eye on the baking process, as baking time can vary depending on your oven’s temperature. The preheat oven should be at 350°F when you start baking the pie. Use an oven thermometer to verify your oven’s temperature to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
Another significant tip for creating the Best Southern Pecan Pie is to ensure that you use fresh ingredients at all times. It means using newly purchased pecans instead of ones that have been sitting around for a while. If pecans are not fresh, they can leave a slightly bitter taste and ruin the entire pie.
When making a crust for the pie, make sure it stays cold until putting it in the oven. A warm crust can lead to molten filling escaping from any small cracks in your crust before it has thoroughly baked.
Moreover, when adding the filling, be mindful of not putting too much or too little in your unbaked pie crust. Overfilling may cause spillage during baking, while underfilling may produce burnt patches on top of the pie.
As final advice, wait till the pie has entirely cooled before slicing so that it holds its shape correctly. You may also try one of my favorite serving ideas – by placing a dollop of whipped cream on top or serving a scoop of butter pecan ice cream on the side.
By following these tips and paying close attention to every detail during each step, you can make an incredible classic southern pecan pie your family and friends will adore!
FAQ
As a chef, I understand that sometimes cooking can have its challenges. To help you with any questions that may arise when preparing this recipe, I’ve gathered a few commonly asked questions and provided detailed answers in this FAQ section. So let’s dive in and troubleshoot any concerns you may have while making this utterly deadly Southern Pecan Pie Filling!
What is Southern pecan pie made of?
When it comes to the ultimate Southern dessert, nothing beats an irresistibly delicious Pecan Pie. The recipe calls for a combination of premium ingredients, including real butter, dark corn syrup, a dash of cinnamon and fresh pecans, all nestled within a flaky and buttery pie crust.
What is the filling in pecan pie made of?
This scrumptious dessert known as pecan pie consists of a delectable mixture of pecan nuts blended with a filling comprised of eggs, butter, and sugar, with corn syrup being the usual choice. Substitutions for the sugar component may involve brown or white sugar, sugar syrup, cane syrup, maple syrup, molasses, or honey.
How do you make Paula Deen’s pecan pie?
For this recipe, you’ll need some pecan pieces, a pre-baked 10 inch pie crust, light corn syrup, brown sugar (divided into 2 1/2 cups), eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon (divided into 1/2 teaspoon), and some unsalted butter – 6 tablespoons melted and 4 tablespoons reserved for caramel.
What is the difference between light and dark corn syrup in pecan pie?
When it comes to corn syrup, both light and dark varieties can generally be used in the same way with only minor differences in taste. A light corn syrup will lend a touch of vanilla and sweetness to a dish like pecan pie, while a dark corn syrup will not only contribute sweetness, but also darken the color and provide a richer, nutty flavor.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Southern Pecan Pie recipe is the ultimate dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply want to indulge in a decadent treat, this pie will not disappoint. It is easy to make, and the combination of ingredients is simply irresistible.
The rich and buttery flavor of the filling, coupled with the crunch of the pecans, creates a dessert that is truly unforgettable. The light corn syrup and sour cream balance out the sweetness and give it a unique melt-in-your-mouth texture.
So what are you waiting for? Visit your nearest grocery store, gather all the necessary ingredients, and get started with this utterly deadly Southern Pecan Pie recipe today. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and substitutions to make this recipe your own.
Pair it with your favorite beverage or enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Trust me; you won’t regret it!
Southern Pecan Pie Filling Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice or 1/4 teaspoon extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
TOPPING
- 2 egg whites
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup broken pecans
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients and cook in double boiler for 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes for the first 20 minutes, then stirring every 3-5 minutes,or until thickened.
- While mixture cools, prepare topping.
- For Topping: Beat egg whites until stiff.
- Add brown sugar and mix well.
- Stir in pecans.
- Pour cooled filling into baked pie shell.
- Cover with topping and bake in 325 degree oven until light brown or about 15 minutes.