This Pecan Pie is a classic and gooey recipe, which is made with chopped pecans and light corn syrup. It’s the perfect holiday dessert, ready in about an hour, plus cooling time.
Jump to RecipePecan Pie Ingredients
- 1 whole unbaked pie crust
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/3 cup melted salted butter
- 3 whole eggs, beaten
- 3/4 tsp. vanilla
- 1 heaping c. chopped pecans
How To Make Pecan Pie
- Prep the oven and crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare your pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie pan.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, corn syrup, melted butter, beaten eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the chopped pecans into the bottom of the unbaked pie shell. Carefully pour the syrup mixture over the top of the pecans.
- Bake the pie: Cover the top and the crust edges lightly with foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 to 45 minutes, until the center of the pie is set but still has a slight jiggle.
- Cool completely: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for several hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set completely before slicing.

Recipe Tips
- How do I know when the pie is done? The pie is ready when the center has a slight, gentle jiggle (like Jell-O) but is not liquidy or sloshing. The edges should be firm. The pie will continue to set as it cools, so it’s important not to overbake it.
- Can I use dark corn syrup? Yes, you can substitute dark corn syrup for the light corn syrup. This will give the pie a richer, more robust molasses flavor and a darker color.
- How to prevent the crust from burning? As the recipe suggests, covering the crust edges with foil for the first part of baking is key. If the crust starts to get too dark after you remove the foil, you can place a pie shield or the foil back on the edges for the remainder of the baking time.
- Can I add whole pecans on top? Absolutely. For a beautiful presentation, you can arrange whole pecan halves on top of the filling just before you place the pie in the oven.
What To Serve With Pecan Pie
This rich and sweet pie is a classic for a reason and is perfectly balanced by a simple, creamy topping.
- A dollop of fresh, unsweetened whipped cream
- A scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream
- A cup of strong black coffee to cut the sweetness
How To Store Pecan Pie
- Refrigerate: Due to the egg-based custard filling, pecan pie must be stored in the refrigerator. Cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and it will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
Pecan Pie Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Protein: 6g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
A runny pecan pie is almost always because it was not allowed to cool and set for long enough. It’s crucial to let the pie cool completely for several hours (or even overnight) at room temperature before slicing. This allows the custard filling to firm up properly.
While corn syrup is traditional for the classic texture, you can experiment with substitutes like pure maple syrup or golden syrup. Be aware that this will change the final flavor and may result in a slightly different texture.
No, a homemade all-butter or all-shortening crust, like the one suggested in the recipe, would be even more delicious. A store-bought crust is a great time-saving option.
Try More Recipes:
Pecan Pie Recipe
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes1
hour15
minutes550
kcalA classic, sweet, and gooey Southern pecan pie with a rich, caramel-like filling and a crunchy pecan topping.
Ingredients
1 unbaked pie crust
1 cup granulated sugar
3 Tbsp. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup light corn syrup
1/3 cup melted salted butter
3 whole eggs, beaten
3/4 tsp. vanilla
1 heaping cup chopped pecans
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan.
- In a bowl, stir together all the filling ingredients except for the pecans.
- Pour the pecans into the bottom of the pie crust.
- Pour the syrup mixture over the pecans.
- Cover the crust edges with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 20-45 minutes, until the center is set.
- Cool completely for several hours before slicing.
Notes
- Letting the pie cool completely is the most crucial step for the filling to set properly.
- For the best flavor, use a good quality, pure vanilla extract.
- This is the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving or any holiday gathering.
- Don’t be afraid to let the pie bake until the center is no longer very jiggly.