Southern Pecan Pie Recipe (2024)

Nov 8, 2022 · 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

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.

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

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

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

Chelsey says
November 25, 2014 at 7:04 am

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
WendysHat says
November 26, 2014 at 1:26 am

Yummy! I love pecans. This looks fabulous!
Reply
Kara says
December 02, 2014 at 11:32 pm

Pecan pie is one of my favorites, and this one looks divine!
Reply
Natalie says
December 25, 2016 at 6:49 am

In the oven now! Merry Christmas!
Reply
Ashley says
November 25, 2017 at 6:03 pm

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
Tammy says
October 29, 2019 at 11:16 am

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
Michelle Miller says
October 29, 2019 at 11:35 am

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
Jordin says
October 29, 2019 at 11:48 am

Yum! The fam would love this pie as a holiday dessert! Super easy to make and delicious!
Reply
Aimee Mars says
October 29, 2019 at 11:49 am

Being southern myself, I can't get enough of pecan pie! I'll happily make it year-round and this recipe looks perfect.
Reply
Deanne says
November 12, 2019 at 5:44 pm

Pecan pie is the perfect holiday dessert! Thanks for all the tips, making it was a cinch!!
Reply
Sara Welch says
November 12, 2019 at 6:13 pm

Such a delicious treat and perfect for fall! Looking forward to enjoying this again and again over the next few weeks! Yum!
See Also
Sauteed Swiss Chard and Beans Recipe - These Old Cookbooks
Reply
Anita says
November 12, 2019 at 7:08 pm

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
Calleigh | The Fork Bite says
November 12, 2019 at 7:11 pm

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
kim says
November 12, 2019 at 7:33 pm

This was absolutely delicious! Everyone loved!
Reply
cyndy says
November 03, 2020 at 10:47 am

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
Katie says
November 03, 2020 at 11:25 am

This looks wonderful!! Can't wait to try it.
Reply
Carrie Robinson says
November 03, 2020 at 11:47 am

Such a classic pie recipe! Would be a great addition to the Thanksgiving dessert table. 🙂
Reply
Jovita says
November 03, 2020 at 12:17 pm

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
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
November 03, 2020 at 4:48 pm

Now this sounds like the perfect dessert pie! We will certainly be making this for the holidays, delicious!
Reply
Alison says
November 03, 2020 at 5:12 pm

This is the best pecan recipe! So authentic and perfect for Thanksgiving!
Reply
Wanda says
November 03, 2020 at 5:39 pm

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
Kylie says
November 03, 2020 at 7:31 pm

We are baking our way around the world at my place right now and this was perfect for America week!
Reply
Beth says
November 03, 2020 at 9:11 pm

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
Helan says
March 13, 2021 at 12:23 am

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
  October 28, 2023 at 9:33 pm
  
  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
Amanda Wren-Grimwood says
October 20, 2021 at 1:32 pm

I love pecan pie but haven't had for ages. This recipe is delicious and perfect for that pecan craving!
Reply
Cate says
October 20, 2021 at 1:36 pm

Pecan pie is my favorite and I love how simple and delicious this recipe is! Making this for Thanksgiving too!
Reply
Anjali says
October 20, 2021 at 1:37 pm

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
Jess says
October 20, 2021 at 2:07 pm

Pecan Pie is my favorite! This is a must-have every holiday season!
Reply
Matt says
October 20, 2021 at 5:22 pm

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

FAQs

Is it better to use light or dark corn syrup for 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.

Discover More Details ›

How do you keep pecan pie from being runny? ›

Additional tips for preventing a pecan pie that is too runny include: toasting the pecans, properly folding the pecans into the filling, and baking a cold pie.

Show Me More ›

What is a good substitute for corn 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.

Find Out More ›

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.

See Details ›

Does Karo syrup go bad? ›

Karo syrup is safe to eat for an indefinite period of time whether it has been opened or not opened. However, for best results we recommend using before the "Best by" date stamped on the container. Bottles may be refrigerated after opening, however, the syrup will be thicker and slower to pour.

Read The Full Story ›

What is the use of Karo 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.

Find Out More ›

Why did my pecan pie come out hard? ›

Pecan pie can become hard if it is left in the oven for too long or at a higher temperature than necessary. This could happen due to an inaccurate cooking time, temperature or failing to cover with aluminum foil for part of the baking time.

Read On ›

Why is the middle of my pecan pie still liquid? ›

A pecan pie is essentially a custard pie, and a liquid center is almost always the result of underbaking. The Karo Classic Pecan Pie recipe calls for baking the pie for 60 to 70 minutes at 350 degrees. In some ovens, however, the pie can take 75 minutes or more.

Learn More ›

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.

Keep Reading ›

Is Karo syrup the same as corn syrup? ›

Karo syrup is a popular brand of corn syrup, which is obtained from corn starch that is derived from maize. It is a concentrated solution of several sugars, such as glucose (dextrose), derived from corn starch. Because of various sugars, corn syrup has a naturally mild sweet taste.

What can I use instead of molasses in pecan pie? ›

Swaps and Substitutions

Out of molasses? You can substitute honey or maple syrup. ...
Use dark corn syrup instead of light.
You can also replace the corn syrup with maple syrup, honey, agave, or golden syrup. However, you'll want to add a couple of tablespoons of flour to the filling to maintain that thicker texture.

Keep Reading ›

Is Aunt Jemima syrup the same as corn syrup? ›

The Aunt Jemima fake syrup contains Caramel Color and 4-Mel - a potentially cancer causing carcinogen. The syrup gets its color from the artificial caramel color, which is made by reacting corn syrup with ammonia and sulfites under high pressure (2). Here is where it gets worse.

Know More ›

How do Southerners say pecan pie? ›

We don't have full-fledged polling data to back it up, but we did ask the Southern Living office, and pronunciations here are rather varied. Of those polled, 10 people say "puh-KAHN", four say "PEE-can", and two say "puh-can" or "puh-CAN," a hybrid of the former pronunciations with two similarly stressed syllables.

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. Acts 2003, No. 607, §1.

What is the signature pie for Texas? ›

Texas: Pecan Pie

Well, Texans really love pecans.

Get More Info ›

How do I substitute light corn syrup for dark corn syrup? ›

All you need to do is add 1/4 cup of molasses to 3/4 cup of your light syrup. This helps the syrup keep the same consistency and gives it that robust flavor of dark syrup. No molasses? You could also dissolve brown sugar in water on the stovetop until it forms a syrup.

Southern Pecan Pie Recipe (2024)

Southern Pecan Pie

What is the Best Pie Crust for Southern Pecan Pie?

How to Serve Southern Pecan Pie

More Fall Recipes You'll Love

Southern Pecan Pie

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

Never Miss a Thing!

More Pies

Reader Interactions

Comments

Leave a Reply

FAQs

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

What can I use instead of molasses in pecan pie? ›