Pecan pie is synonymous with Thanksgiving. No need to wait until Thanksgiving to whip up this pie chock full of pecans and baked in a sweet dough crust! The custard portion of this pie sets perfectly. I will show you how to avoid common issues with pecan pies, such as burnt crusts or a runny center.
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This pie is incredibly simple to make—requiring only a whisk, measuring utensils and a bowl. Get your kids involved, and you'll soon have a Southern baking classic that the whole family can enjoy!
This pie pairs perfectly with my sweet dough recipe. The tender crust is ideal for creating decorative touches that make your pie extra special.
Ingredient tips
Follow the tips below to ensure your pecan pie turns out perfect.
- Bring your eggs to room temperature before starting this recipe. Room temperature eggs will incorporate with the other ingredients better than cold eggs. This is especially important when creating a custard because if the eggs are not well mixed the custard may be runny.
- Keep your pie crust in the refrigerator or freezer while making the pie. This will help prevent a burnt crust and minimize shrinking.
- I am often asked the question whether one should use whole pecans or pecan pieces in this pie. I prefer pecan pieces as it is easier to dig your fork into and get an explosion of pecans in your mouth! If you prefer a pretty pie where whole pecans are spiraling out from the center of the crust, go for it!
Mixing and baking tips
- Mixing: Just put the corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, vanilla and room temperature eggs in a bowl. Whisk together vigorously. The mixture must be homogenous to prevent a runny center.
- Add the pecans to the bowl once the mixture is homogeneous. Alternatively, if using whole pecans instead of pecan pieces, arrange them decoratively after pouring the other ingredients into the pie shell.
- Baking: Here is where things can go wrong and you may end up with a disappointing pie. Follow these steps to ensure you have a 'table-worthy' pie sans the burnt crust, overbaked pecans or a runny center (note: I recommend you watch The Perfect Pecan Pie video for a visual on these steps):
- Brush pie crust with a lightly whipped egg before baking. This helps prevent the crust from burning and adds a bit of sheen to the crust.
- After baking for 20 minutes, apply a pie crust shield or loosely wrap the crust in foil
- Return pie to oven for an additional 20 minutes, place a square of foil with steam holes cut over the top of the pie.
- Return pie to the oven for an additional 15 minutes. Check internal temperature by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the center of the pie. If temperature reaches 180°F, the pie is done. If it's below 180°F, return the pie to the oven and check the temperature every 5 minutes.
- Place pie on a cooling rack and let cool completely before serving.
Storage
Store this pecan pie in your refrigerator. Cover in foil or place in an airtight container. Remove pie from refrigerator a few hours before serving to allow it to come to room temperature. Alternatively, wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months.
📋 Recipe
Pecan Pie Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Pie Pan 9"
- Pie Drip Catcher or a cookie sheet
- Pie Crust Shield or foil
- Bowls, measuring cups and spoons
- Hand whisk
Ingredients
- 1 9" Pre-Rolled Pie Shell, cold (Visit recipe here)
- 1 Cup Dark Corn Syrup
- 4 Large Eggs Room temperature
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, Melted
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste (or Vanilla Extract)
- ¾ Cup Roasted Pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°
- Combine corn syrup, eggs, granulated sugar, melted butter and vanilla paste in a bowl. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well combined.
- Add pecans and stir well.
- Remove pie shell from refrigerator and brush crust generously with a lightly beaten egg or egg whites. This helps prevent the crust from burning.
- Pour filling into pie shell.
- Place pie on a pie drip catcher or cookie sheet.
- Bake pie in preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes apply a pie crust cover or loosely wrap crust in foil.
- Return pie to oven for an additional 20 minutes. After 20 minutes place a square of foil with steam holes cut to prevent pecans from burning.
- Return pie to oven for an additional 15 minutes. Check internal temperature of pie by placing an instant read thermometer into middle of the pie. If the internal temperature is 180° the pie is done. If lower than 180° return pie to oven and check temperature every 5 minutes.
- Place pie on a cooling rack and let cool completely before serving.
Hayley says
Can you substitute anything else for the corn syrup? Like maybe maple syrup? If so what’s the ratio you would use
dessertswithstephanie says
Hi, I have substituted the corn syrup with pure maple syrup (not imitation maple) a few times. Use 3/4 cup maple to replace the 1 cup of corn syrup. I hope you enjoy the pie!
Gary Reitmeier says
This video is so helpful. But with a couple questions…
…are you able to use a Graham Cracker premade crust?
…is it possible to follow the recipe and add a small amount of, say Ghirardelli’s, chocolate?
What changes would be necessary?
dessertswithstephanie says
Hi Gary, thank you for stopping by. 1) Yes, you may use a premade graham cracker crust. 2) For a chocolate pecan pie, stir in anywhere from 1/3 to 1/2 cup chocolate chips (stir in when adding the pecans). No changes for baking times are needed. You still want to keep an eye on the crust and pecans to ensure they don't burn. Hope this helps?
Kristine says
One of my favorite pies! Yum. Thanks for the detail and excellent instructions. I look forward to your next post!
Beth says
I love this recipe! This pie hits that sweet spot that has a toasty top but not burned, and the filling is nice and thick. So good.
Donna Ross says
Hello, wanting to try your recipe could you tell me if this pie crust is a 9 inch regular or a 9 inch deep pie crust?
dessertswithstephanie says
Hello Donna, it is a regular depth 9" pie dish. I hope you enjoy!
Patricia says
Mmmm! Great tips and I love the crispiness at the very top of this pie. Such a lovely treat!
Bobby says
This pie was perfect! Definitely bookmarking this recipe for when I make it again. Thank you!
Casey says
Pecan pie is so indulgent and I always thought it would be tough to make. This recipe was super easy and I'll definitely be making it again!
Monidipa Dutta says
Your advice on avoiding a runny or burnt pecan pie was spot on! Followed your tips and had a perfect pie. Thanks for sharing your expertise – you rock!
Ntensibe Edgar says
Hhhhmmm....I live for anything pie and wanna make this myself. It may be hard for me to find pecan here, in my district. Is there an alternative for that?
dessertswithstephanie says
Hi, most tree nuts will work in this pie. I have made it using walnuts, but macadamia nuts and a 1/2 cup of shredded coconut would add a little tropical flair to the pie. Thanks for stopping by.
Ben says
I'm from Alabama, so I know a good pecan pie when I see one. Well, I made it, and it is SO good.
Vanessa Ojeogwu says
A delicious recipe! Thanks for sharing!
Catalina says
I've made it and it's the best pecan pie I've ever made! Now it's a favorite in our house!
dessertswithstephanie says
Thank you for the feedback, Catalina! Yes - this is one of our fav pies also.
Beautiful Touches says
I just love pecan pie. Making it, sharing it, eating it! This method works really well!
Tammy says
As always, your articles are very helpful and include all the information needed for success, thank you
dessertswithstephanie says
Thank you for visiting and for the feedback!
Sonia Seivwright says
I am so glad I read this post, my grandma used to make this pie perfectly. I couldn't remember how, and I gave up trying to bake them perfectly. Thank you for sharing. Your suggestions for baking time and temperature will also be useful for ensuring that the pie is fully set but not overcooked.
Sara B says
Woo-hoo! I finally made a pecan pie that wasn't runny and yucky. Thanks for the tips in the video.
Keri Bevan says
This came out perfect in my test round for the big day. Everyone loved it. I added a touch of brandy. Lovely recipe.
Juliette says
This pecan pie really is perfection. absolutely delicious and your instructions were clear which made it really easy for me to make, thank you.
Giangi Townsend says
My husband adored it and pretty much ate the whole pie by himself. Southern boy love a good pecan pie, and yours is perfect.
Thank you.
Sara says
Tested this out in advance of the holidays. This is my new go-to recipe!! Was really perfect - especially like this crust with it.
dessertswithstephanie says
Planning for the holidays in advance always makes everything less stressful. I hope your guests enjoy the pie!
Ally says
Great Tips on the crust and filling. My pie wasn't runny this time and my crust did not burn.
dessertswithstephanie says
So happy to know this. Thank you for the comment!