Southern Pecan Pie Recipe (2024)

· 30 Comments

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

Gooey caramel filling with crunchy pecans in a buttery, flaky, golden crust make this Southern Pecan Pie a heavenly treat for your holiday table!

Southern Pecan Pie Recipe (1)

Southern Pecan Pie

This Southern Pecan Pie looks difficult to make, but believe me, it's ridiculously simple and tastes amazing. In fact, it's one of my favorite pies to make because it's just so dang easy.

Not only is make this pie a breeze, eating it is heaven. Gooey, caramelly (is that a word? I think it should be.) filling and crunchy pecans in a perfectly golden flaky buttery crust. It's a classic for a reason!

What is the Best Pie Crust for Southern Pecan Pie?

The crust for a pecan pie is not baked prior to adding the filling. It's all baked together at once.

My favorite crust is an easy buttery, flaky recipe that is super simple to make. You can get the my favorite flaky pie crust recipe here.

You'll only need half the recipe for one pecan pie, and you can follow the directions for how to freeze pie crust for the other half.

You can also use store-bought crust. However, I really think the crust makes the pie, which is why I always like to make my own.

Southern Pecan Pie Recipe (2)

How to Serve Southern Pecan Pie

You can serve Southern pecan pie warm or room temperature. To warm, put a slice on a microwave-safe plate, and pop it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

I love serving warm pecan pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool, creaminess of the ice cream combines perfectly with the warm, caramel-like filling and crunchy pecans.

You can also serve pecan pie with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

More Fall Recipes You'll Love

  • Southern Pecan Pie Bars - if you love this pie, you'll love these bars with the same delicious filling and a butter bar crust.
  • Pecan Cheesecake Pie - this pecan pie recipe unites with a creamy cheesecake to create layers of creamy, tangy, caramel pecan goodness.
  • Sweet Potato Pecan Cupcakes - sweet potato cupcakes with crunchy pecans and a sweet caramel frosting.
  • No Bake Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake - an easy no bake creamy pumpkin filling in a chocolate Oreo crust.
  • Maple Pumpkin Pie - a creamy, spiced pumpkin pie with a pop of maple sweetness.
  • More Pie Recipes

Southern Pecan Pie Recipe (3)

Southern Pecan Pie

Gooey caramel filling with crunchy pecans in a buttery, flaky, golden crust make this Southern Pecan Pie a heavenly treat for your holiday table!

5 from 23 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Brown Sugar Pecan Pie, Pecan Pie, Southern Pecan Pie

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 416kcal

Author: Michelle

Ingredients

  • 1 pie crust unbaked, (you'll only need a bottom)
  • 3 eggs beaten
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • 1 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups chopped pecans

Instructions

  • Roll out pie crust and lay into a greased 9 inch pie pan.

  • Combine eggs, corn syrup, butter, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl and whisk together.

  • Stir in pecans.

  • Pour mixture into pie shell.

  • Bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Remove pie from oven and cover crust with foil. Just cover the edges so the rest of the pie continues to bake without burning the crust. Place pie back in the oven for another 20-30 minutes. The outer edge of the pie will be puffed, and the inside will only be slightly jiggly.

  • Cool completely before serving to allow to set.

Notes

Nutrition facts are for ⅛ of the pie filling only.

  • My favorite easy flaky pie crust - this easy pie crust recipe comes out perfect Every. Time. It's my grandma's recipe, and it's never failed me yet!
  • Having a hard time measuring corn syrup? Spray your measuring cup with cooking spray before measuring, and the corn syrup will come back out easily!
  • Be sure to check on the pie halfway through baking to ensure the outer crust isn't burning. If it's starting to get a little too browned, cover just the edges with foil or a pie crust shield.
  • Why aren't the pecans on the bottom? Whether you perfectly arrange the pecans on the bottom, or mix them in with the filling, they're going to float up to the top while baking. So the choice is yours. I like to mix my pecans in because I like the little pieces and how they caramelize on top.
  • Rolling Out Pie Crust Tutorial- If rolling out your own homemade pie crust makes you nervous, stop right now! This easy step-by-step tutorial will tell you exactly what to do for a perfect pie crust!
  • Pretty Waysto Finish Pie Crust Edges - There are so many ways to finish pie crust once you're done rolling it out to make a truly special pie. Try some of these easy and fun ones this year!
  • Must Have Pie Making Supplies- If you love pies, you need these tools so you can make them all the time at home!
  • Recommended equipment: pastry blender | glass pie dish | rolling pin | pie crust shield
  • Storage: After the pie has completely cooled to room temperature, cover. (If the pie is not cooled, it will create condensation under its cover and result in a soggy pie!). Store at room temperature for up to 24 hours. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, taking out of the refrigerator about an hour or two before serving to allow it to come to room temperature.
  • Freezing Instructions: Baked pies freeze well for up to 3 months. Cover tightly before freezing, and label. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then allow to come to room temperature an hour or two before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 416kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 83mg | Potassium: 143mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 60g | Vitamin A: 188IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 52mg | Iron: 1mg

Did you make this recipe?I love seeing your creations. Snap a quick photo and mention @TheGraciousWife or tag #thegraciouswife on Instagram! Leave a STAR rating below!

UPDATE INFO: This post was originally published in November 2014. It has been republished with new photos, video, and detailed instructions October 2020.

Never Miss a Thing!

Join our newsletter to get new recipes, tips, tricks, and tutorials every week!

More Pies

  • Easy Oreo Crust
  • Southern Sweet Potato Pie with Crumble Topping
  • No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
  • Eggnog Pumpkin Pie

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Chelsey says

    This looks delicious! I've been wanting to make a pecan pie for years, but never really got around to it. I'll pin this and maybe give it a try for Christmas. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  2. WendysHat says

    Yummy! I love pecans. This looks fabulous!

    Reply

  3. Kara says

    Pecan pie is one of my favorites, and this one looks divine!

    Reply

  4. Natalie says

    In the oven now! Merry Christmas!

    Reply

  5. Ashley says

    Great recipe! Only thing I'm trying to figure out is why after it has baked and cooled the pecans on top are super crunchy! I've made this recipe twice and both times it happened. Another recipe I used did not have that type of crunchiness. Do you or anyone know what would cause this??

    Reply

  6. Tammy says

    Pecan pie is one of my holiday favorites. For Thanksgiving we always have both pecan and pumpkin, and I completely agree- homemade crust is a must! Looks wonderful 🙂

    Reply

  7. Michelle Miller says

    I don't think any dessert gets as addictive as pecan pie! this Southern recipe seems to be making the best version of this must-have!

    Reply

  8. Jordin says

    Yum! The fam would love this pie as a holiday dessert! Super easy to make and delicious!

    Reply

  9. Aimee Mars says

    Being southern myself, I can't get enough of pecan pie! I'll happily make it year-round and this recipe looks perfect.

    Reply

  10. Deanne says

    Pecan pie is the perfect holiday dessert! Thanks for all the tips, making it was a cinch!!

    Reply

  11. Sara Welch says

    Such a delicious treat and perfect for fall! Looking forward to enjoying this again and again over the next few weeks! Yum!

    Reply

  12. Anita says

    Holiday dinner is just not complete without a great pecan pie right? This is going to be on our Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners this year. 🙂

    Reply

  13. Calleigh | The Fork Bite says

    I like your version of pecan pie strikes just the right balance. The pecans take the center stage and the tender crust has enough salt to offset the sweetness of the filling.

    Reply

  14. kim says

    This was absolutely delicious! Everyone loved!

    Reply

  15. cyndy says

    I cannot wait to make this for the holidays. My mom used to make this every year but I've never actually made it! I can't believe how easy this to make - thank you so much for the recipe! Yum, yum, yum!

    Reply

  16. Katie says

    This looks wonderful!! Can't wait to try it.

    Reply

  17. Carrie Robinson says

    Such a classic pie recipe! Would be a great addition to the Thanksgiving dessert table. 🙂

    Reply

  18. Jovita says

    Wow, this pie looks amazing! And so easy to make. Being outside of US, I have never tried pecan pie but now I definitely will. Bookmarking!

    Reply

  19. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says

    Now this sounds like the perfect dessert pie! We will certainly be making this for the holidays, delicious!

    Reply

  20. Alison says

    This is the best pecan recipe! So authentic and perfect for Thanksgiving!

    Reply

  21. Wanda says

    Pecan pie has been on my list for awhile now. So glad you posted this recipe so now I have no reason not to make it! Yum!

    Reply

  22. Kylie says

    We are baking our way around the world at my place right now and this was perfect for America week!

    Reply

  23. Beth says

    My husband and daughter's boyfriend are going to love this recipe! I can't wait to give this a try! Looks so delicious and yummy!

    Reply

  24. Helan says

    Thanks For Sharing this Amazing Recipe. My Family Loved It. I will be sharing this Recipe with my Friends. Hope They will like it.

    Reply

    • Jiyce says

      I appreciated your comments when looking over reviews. I was really unsure at first as many people posted five stars and hadn't even made it.

      Reply

  25. Amanda Wren-Grimwood says

    I love pecan pie but haven't had for ages. This recipe is delicious and perfect for that pecan craving!

    Reply

  26. Cate says

    Pecan pie is my favorite and I love how simple and delicious this recipe is! Making this for Thanksgiving too!

    Reply

  27. Anjali says

    I absolutely love pecan pie and I can't wait to try your version! This is one of our family's favorite pie recipes to make around the holidays! Yum!

    Reply

  28. Jess says

    Pecan Pie is my favorite! This is a must-have every holiday season!

    Reply

  29. Matt says

    To be honest I might enjoy pecan pie more that pumpkin. This recipe was super easy and loved the chewy texture!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

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? ›

To avoid this, always start your pecan pie at a high enough temperature, such as 425 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. You can lower the temperature to around 350 degrees Fahrenheit after the first half-hour, or 30 minutes. It is done when you notice the pecan filling is bubbling and the pie is browned.

What is a substitute for Karo 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. Along with Georgia and New Mexico, Texas is one of the nation's top three pecan-producing states.

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.

Which state has the best tasting pecans? ›

San Saba Pecans set the standard. Regardless of the form you want your pecan to be in, San Saba, Texas is the perfect place to go in order to get quality pecans. Visit San Saba, Texas and enjoy the best pecan ever!

Should pecan pie jiggle when done? ›

jiggle in the center when it's ready to take out of the. oven. If it's still liquid-like in the middle, it's too soon.

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.

Why is my pecan pie fluffy? ›

Pecan pie is meant to be a soft set pie. The filling is very gooey and rich and because it's under a heavy candied pecan crust it won't get very high. However, the filling should not be runny. If your filling is runny chances are you didn't cook it long enough or give it a long enough time to set.

Is it better to use light or dark corn syrup in pecan pie? ›

Light and dark corn syrup can be used interchangeably in almost every instance, with slight flavor variances. In a pecan pie, for example, light corn syrup will contribute sweetness and a hint of vanilla, but that's about it. Dark corn syrup, in addition to sweetness, will add color and a more robust, toasty flavor.

Is corn syrup or maple syrup better for pecan pie? ›

The flavor of your pie will definitely be different. But maple and pecan is a popular combination, and most the maple syrup you buy in store is just corn syrup with flavoring anyways. You may want to cut the maple syrup with some corn syrup or honey so maple flavor isn't too overpowering.

Is white Karo syrup the same as corn syrup? ›

Share on Pinterest Karo is a type of corn syrup that has a laxative effect. People mainly use Karo syrup in recipes to keep food moist and prevent sugar crystallization. Karo syrup is a commercial corn syrup derived from the starch of maize. Corn syrup is an old home remedy for constipation.

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 official pie of Florida? ›

Key lime pie is designated as the official Florida state pie.

What is the best tasting variety of pecan? ›

Elliot Pecans

This species grows well, too, offering excellent quality, flavor and consistency. The nut itself has a buttery, rich flavor with a subtle hint of hickory. Elliot pecans are an excellent snacking variety when eaten on their own, but they're also ideal for pies and other sweets.

Is pecan or pecan Southern? ›

Many people believe Southerners say “pee-can” while Northerners say “puh-kahn.” According to the National Pecan Shellers Association (which, we assume, is the foremost authority on all things pecan), only 45 percent of Southerners are Team Pee-can—unlike 70 percent of people in the Northeast.

Are Georgia pecans better? ›

Georgia's pecans are highly desirable due to their size, meatiness and flavor. Delicious right out of the shell, Georgia pecans can be smoked, toasted or roasted, but more and more companies are thinking beyond pecans as nibbles.

Are there different grades of pecans? ›

There are four grades of shelled pecans and their order of precedence is Fancy, Choice, Standard and Amber.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Greg Kuvalis

Last Updated:

Views: 5770

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg Kuvalis

Birthday: 1996-12-20

Address: 53157 Trantow Inlet, Townemouth, FL 92564-0267

Phone: +68218650356656

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Knitting, Amateur radio, Skiing, Running, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Greg Kuvalis, I am a witty, spotless, beautiful, charming, delightful, thankful, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.