Perfect Pecan Pie - a real deal, old fashioned recipe! (2024)

Perfect Pecan Pie. Trust a true pecan pie lover who has been using this recipe for over 30 years. I’ve never had better.

Perfect Pecan Pie - a real deal, old fashioned recipe! (1)

Perfect Pecan Pie

Pecan Pie is my favourite pie. I’ve been making it for 30 years or more.

It is always on my table on Christmas Day as a treat for after every Christmas dinner. It’s been served up as dessert for quite a number ofThanksgiving dinners too.

Perfect Pecan Pie - a real deal, old fashioned recipe! (2)

Ready for the oven

Although my love for this pie is well established, we have a very intermittent relationship. Because I simply cannot resist this one, I don’t make it all that often.

Perfect Pecan Pie - a real deal, old fashioned recipe! (3)

Pecans for Chocolate Pecan Pie.

It is one of those desserts that I covet and uncharacteristically do not willingly share.

If it is in the fridge, it calls to me. I find myself making several trips, knife in hand, to cut small slivers which I eat throughout the day.

I would probably polish an entire pie off in two days in tiny slices if left to my own devices. Little slices don’t count anyway….right?

Perfect Pecan Pie - a real deal, old fashioned recipe! (5)

Just out of the oven.

Like this Pecan Pie recipe?

Check out our collection of Rock Recipes Top Ten Most Popular Pies.

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Perfect Pecan Pie - a real deal, old fashioned recipe! (7)

Perfect Pecan Pie

Perfect Pecan Pie - a real deal, old fashioned recipe! (8)Many people have asked about the large fluted pie pan I use for this recipe. It is a great size and depth for this recipe. It was a gift from a friend but you can find it on Amazon by clicking the link below the recipe.

If you like this recipe you may also want to try learn my secret to the Best Apple Pie. Hint: it’s about the filling!

The Best Apple Pie

Perfect Pecan Pie - a real deal, old fashioned recipe! (10)

Yield: 16 servings

Perfect Pecan Pie

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Making the perfect pecan pie is easier than many people think. This is the same easy recipe that I've used for decades. Make sure you are using a large enough pie plate as well or the filling will be too thick, a shallower pie is better for setting. I bake it in a 10 inch pie plate or even an 11 inch tart pan.

Ingredients

For the butter pastry

  • 1 cup butter , very cold & cut in small cubes
  • 2 ½ cups flour
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1/4 to 1/3 cup ice water + 2 tbsp white vinegar added, Only enough liquid to make a dough form.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the filling

  • 4 large or extra large eggs, or 5 medium, or 6 small
  • 1 ½ cups lightly packed brown sugar
  • 1 ½ cups dark corn syrup
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Instructions

For the butter pastry

  1. Using a food processor or a pastry blender cut cold butter into flour, brown sugar and salt until mixture resembles a coarse meal. Small pieces of butter should still be visible.
  2. Pour vanilla into cold water then pour over the mixture and work in by tossing with a fork until dough begins to form. Use your hands as little as possible and work the dough as little as possible.
  3. Divide dough into 2 balls, flatten into 2 rounds, wrap in plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to rest for a minimum of 20 minutes.You can make your dough the previous day but make sure you take it out of the fridge for 10 minutes to warm slightly before rolling out. (This pastry recipe makes sufficient for two pie crusts, so wrap one of the pastry rounds tightly in aluminum foil and freeze it for later.)
  4. Roll the dough into a 12 - 14 inch round and place in the bottom of a 10 inch pie plate.
  5. Push the dough into the corners and ensure that it is not stretched at all or it will shrink from the edge.
  6. Trim dough to a half inch past the edge of plate.
  7. Fold the ends under and finch with fingers or fork to shape the edges into whatever design you like best.
  8. Place in freezer while you prepare the filling.

To make the filling

  1. Whisk the eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla and melted butter together until the brown sugar is dissolved.
  2. Stir in the pecans.
  3. Bake for 50-60 minutes at 375 degrees F (350 F for glass bake-ware) or until the center is set and jiggles like jelly. Cool completely before serving.

Notes

The amount of eggs is important in this recipe. I generally use extra large eggs in this recipe. If not using the largest size eggs available, it shouldn't hurt to add an additional egg.
In reading some comments from readers I suspect all corn syrup is not the same in all places. Here it is very thick. Thicker than molasses at room temperature. If your corn syrup isn't that thick be sure to add that extra egg as insurance that the pie will set.
Make sure you are using a large enough pie plate as well or the filling will be too thick, a shallower pie is better for setting. I bake it in a 10 inch pie plate or even an 11 inch tart pan.
As long as the crust doesn't burn, an extra few minutes in the oven should not be a problem if needed as well.

The nutritional information provided is automatically calculated by third party software and is meant as a guideline only. Exact accuracy is not guaranteed. For recipes where all ingredients may not be used entirely, such as those with coatings on meats, or with sauces or dressings for example, calorie & nutritional values per serving will likely be somewhat lower than indicated.

Recommended Products

Rock Recipes a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Our product recommendations are almost exclusively for those we currently use or have used in the past.

Nutrition Information

Yield

16

Serving Size

16 servings

Amount Per ServingCalories 452Saturated Fat 11gCholesterol 86mgSodium 296mgCarbohydrates 56gFiber 1gSugar 46gProtein 3g

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Perfect Pecan Pie - a real deal, old fashioned recipe! (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep pecan pie from getting soggy? ›

Brush Your Pie in Egg Wash

Once you've pre-baked your pie, brush the bottom and sides of the crust with egg wash, then reheat at 400° for 4 minutes to set the glaze. This creates a seal between the crust and the filling so that your crust stays crispy and golden once the filling is added.

What is dark Karo vs light Karo 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.

What makes a pecan pie not set up? ›

Here's the thing to remember: If you're filling hasn't set, it means the bottom of the pie crust isn't fully cooked, either. You can prevent the outer crust from further darkening (or even burning) by covering it with aluminum foil or -- more attractively -- with what's known as a pie ring or shield.

What is the difference between Karo corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup? ›

Both products are made from corn starch, but regular corn syrup is 100 percent glucose, while high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has had some of its glucose converted to fructose enzymatically. ...

Which is better for pecan pie light or dark corn syrup? ›

Light corn syrup has a milder flavor than dark corn syrup. But you can use either in pecan pie. If you like a more robust, molasses-like flavored pie, try using dark.

Should I bake the bottom pie crust first? ›

Pre-baking is a must if you're looking for a flaky pie crust. It's especially helpful for recipes with a wet center. Recipes for most tarts, pies, and quiches call for pre-baking to ensure that the final product doesn't end up soggy.

Should I egg wash the bottom pie crust? ›

You've spent time and effort putting the pastry together, so don't sell yourself short by skipping the final step—the egg wash for the pie crust. The truth is that cream and egg washes are a simple but vital step to improving the appearance and flavor of pies and other baked goods.

Why do pecan pies boil over? ›

BE CAREFUL not to beat air into the filling after adding the eggs; that will cause it to boil over in the oven. How do I make pecan pie? In a medium bowl, sift the flour, sugar, and salt until the ingredients are completely incorporated.

Why is my Karo pecan pie runny? ›

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.

Why is my pecan pie not cooked in the middle? ›

As such, you have to cook the pecan pie long enough for this liquid to develop a custard-like consistency. If your pecan pie is runny, simply bake it a bit longer, even up to 20 minutes.

Can you overcook a pecan pie? ›

The edges should be set but the center should wobble a bit, kind of like gelatin. Cook pecan pie too much and it'll crack and be dry. Underbake it and it will be watery and runny. You want to cook pecan pie to an internal temperature of 200°F.

What can I use instead of Karo syrup? ›

Substitutes for Corn Syrup
  • Brown Rice Syrup. Brown rice syrup is one of the best substitutes for corn syrup. ...
  • Maple Syrup. Maple syrup is another corn syrup substitute you can try out and is most likely in your pantry right now. ...
  • Agave. ...
  • Simple Syrup. ...
  • Tapioca Syrup. ...
  • Honey. ...
  • Golden Syrup. ...
  • Black Treacle.

Can I substitute honey for corn syrup in a pie? ›

Each one varies in taste as well. Some will have a floral flavor while others will have a more bold taste. When substituting honey for corn syrup, using equivalent amounts is recommended. For every one cup of corn syrup, use one cup of honey instead.

What does Karo syrup do in baking? ›

Karo® Light contains corn syrup made with real vanilla and salt and is most famously used in pecan pie. It's a subtle sweetener, made without high fructose corn syrup, that enhances the flavor and texture of your favorite foods and recipes.

Is Karo the same as light corn syrup? ›

The clear Karo corn syrup has been called "light" since the 1940s, before "light" became a popular description for reduced-calorie products. The term "light" in this case refers to the color, and not the number of calories. Many consumers refer to light corn syrup as "white" corn syrup.

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