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Home » My Latest Recipes

How to make a pecan pie that isn't runny or burnt

Apr 28, 2022 · 30 Comments

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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.

pecan pie for dessertswithstephanie.com

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Jump to:
  • Ingredient tips
  • Mixing and baking tips
  • Storage
  • 📋 Recipe

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!
pecans for pecan pie recipe

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.
eggs and whisk
  • 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.
slice of pecan pie on a white plate

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 for dessertswithstephanie.com

Pecan Pie Recipe

No need to wait until Thanksgiving to whip up this pie chock full of pecans and baked in a sweet dough crust!
5 from 32 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Cooling time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 55 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Pie Pan 9"
  • 1 Pie Drip Catcher or a cookie sheet
  • 1 Pie Crust Shield or foil
  • Bowls, measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 Hand whisk

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 9" Pre-Rolled Pie Shell, cold Use your recipe or visit my recipe by clicking the link
  • 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℉ (180℃)
  • Combine corn syrup, eggs, granulated sugar, melted butter and vanilla paste in a bowl. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well combined.
    1 Cup Dark Corn Syrup, 4 Large Eggs, 1 Cup Granulated Sugar, 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, Melted, 1 teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste
  • Add pecans and stir well.
    ¾ Cup Roasted Pecans, chopped
  • Remove pie shell from refrigerator and brush crust generously with a lightly beaten egg or egg whites. This helps prevent the crust from burning.
    1 9" Pre-Rolled Pie Shell, cold
  • 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 if crust is turning too dark.
  • 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℉(82℃) the pie is done. If lower than 180℉(82℃) return pie to oven and check temperature every 5 minutes.
  • Place pie on a cooling rack and let cool completely before serving.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 1gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 72mgPotassium: 47mgFiber: 1gSugar: 47gVitamin A: 75IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 0.3mg
Keyword easy pecan pie, pecan pie, pecan pie recipe
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Hayley says

    December 07, 2024 at 5:31 pm

    Can you substitute anything else for the corn syrup? Like maybe maple syrup? If so what’s the ratio you would use

    Reply
    • dessertswithstephanie says

      December 07, 2024 at 6:59 pm

      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!

      Reply
  2. Gary Reitmeier says

    November 06, 2024 at 4:14 pm

    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?

    Reply
    • dessertswithstephanie says

      November 06, 2024 at 8:52 pm

      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?

      Reply
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5 from 32 votes (30 ratings without comment)

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Pastry Chef Stephanie

Welcome to Desserts With Stephanie. I hope you enjoy your visit. All the recipes and techniques I discuss on this site have been fully tested in my bakery for more than 15 years. Let's have some fun in the kitchen and put a smile on someone's face with a little sweetness.

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