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Southern Pecan Pie

A classic Southern pecan pie with a gooey brown sugar filling, toasty pecans and a flaky butter crust. Simple to make and perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Chill dough and cool pie 4 hours
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Dessert, Holiday Treats
Cuisine American
Servings 8 slices
Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pie crust:

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour plus more for rolling
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter 1 stick, cubed
  • 3 to 5 tbsp ice water or use 1 store-bought 9-inch crust

Pecan filling:

  • 2 cups pecan halves about 8 oz
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Make the crust: Whisk the flour, sugar and salt. Cut in the cold butter until pea-sized. Add ice water 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough holds together. Shape into a disk, wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
  • Roll the dough into a 12-inch circle, fit it into a 9-inch pie plate (not deep dish), crimp the edges and chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.
  • Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) with a rack in the lower third. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 6 to 8 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla and salt until smooth. Stir in the toasted pecans.
  • Pour the filling into the chilled crust. Set the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until the edges are set and the center jiggles only slightly (about 200°F on a thermometer). Cover loosely with foil after 30 minutes if the top or crust is browning too fast.
  • Cool on a wire rack for at least 3 hours so the filling sets before slicing.

Notes

Make ahead: Bake up to 2 days ahead. Cover once fully cool.
Storage: Because it has eggs, keep it covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Serve at room temperature, or warm a slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds.
Variations: Add 1 cup chocolate chips for chocolate pecan pie, stir in 2 tbsp bourbon, or swap corn syrup for pure maple syrup.
Keyword classic pecan pie, easy pecan pie, southern pecan pie, thanksgiving pie