Grandma’s Pecan Pie

Close-up of a slice of pecan pie on a white plate with glossy pecan halves, surrounded by blurred baking ingredients.

pecan pie dreams come alive in this heartwarming twist on Grandma’s classic, where buttery crust meets a golden, caramel-y filling studded with toasty pecan halves. Imagine the aroma of orange-scented sweetness dancing through the kitchen as brown sugar, granulated sugar, and light corn syrup swirl with melted butter and pure vanilla. Each forkful is a celebration of cozy gatherings and cherished memories, finished with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whether you’re sharing at the holidays or simply craving something sweet, this Pecan Pie Spectacular feels like a hug in dessert form.

Why You’ll Love This pecan pie

  • Decadent blend of flavors that warms the heart.
  • Perfectly balanced sweetness with a hint of citrus zest.
  • Easy to make, even for novice bakers.
  • Can be prepared ahead of time for stress-free serving.
  • Deliciously versatile—enjoy it with whipped cream or ice cream!
A slice of pecan pie on a ceramic plate with a soft focus on ingredients like butter and brown sugar in the background.

pecan pie

Indulge in Grandma’s ultimate treat with our pecan pie recipe! 🍰 Discover the secrets to a perfectly sweet and nutty delight! 🥧✨
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
chilling 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 refrigerated pie crust Pie Crust For the base of the pie
  • 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Melted
  • 3/4 cup Dark Brown Sugar Adds rich sweetness
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar For a touch of sweetness
  • 3/4 cup Light Corn Syrup Provides a smooth texture
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract Enhances flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon Grated Orange Zest Optional, for a citrusy note
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt Balances the sweetness
  • 3 large Eggs Binds the filling
  • 2 cups Pecan Halves The star of the pie
  • to taste Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream Optional, for serving

Equipment

  • 1 9-inch pie pan For baking the pie
  • 1 small heavy saucepan For melting the butter and mixing the filling
  • 1 wire rack For cooling the pie

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. This is the perfect temperature for baking your pie to golden perfection!
  2. Step 2: Place the refrigerated pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan. Crimp the edges to make it look fancy. Lightly prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: In a small heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat. Whisk in the light corn syrup, pure vanilla extract, optional orange zest, and salt. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs, then whisk them into the sugar mixture.
  5. Step 5: Arrange the pecan halves in the chilled pie crust. Pour the filling mixture evenly over the pecans, making sure they are well covered.
  6. Step 6: Cover the pie with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the center is set and not overly wiggly.
  7. Step 7: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to firm up.
  8. Step 8: Slice your delicious pecan pie and serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired. Enjoy every bite!

Notes

NutrientAmount per Serving
Calories500
Fat30g
Protein6g
Carbs60g

Ingredients

Here are the delightful ingredients you will need to create Grandma’s pecan pie!

A collection of ingredients for pecan pie arranged on a wooden table, including pie crust, butter, sugars, corn syrup, vanilla extract, orange zest, salt, eggs, and pecans.
  • 1 refrigerated pie crust – for the base of the pie
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter – melted
  • 3/4 cup dark brown sugar – adds rich sweetness
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar – for a touch of sweetness
  • 3/4 cup light corn syrup – provides a smooth texture
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – enhances flavor
  • 1/4 teaspoon grated orange zest – optional, for a citrusy note
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
  • 3 large eggs – binds the filling
  • 2 cups pecan halves – the star of the pie
  • whipped cream or vanilla ice cream – optional, for serving

How to Make Pecan Pie

Get ready to create a delightful pecan pie that will warm your heart and impress your guests! With a preparation time of about 30 minutes, cooking time of 50 minutes, and a chilling time of 4 hours, this recipe is perfect for any occasion.

Four-step process of making pecan pie, including preheating the oven, preparing the pie crust, melting butter with sugars, and assembling the pie with pecans and filling.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This is the perfect temperature for baking your pie to golden perfection!

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust

Place the refrigerated pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan. Crimp the edges to make it look fancy. Lightly prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Melt the Butter

In a small heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the dark brown sugar and granulated sugar until smooth.

Step 4: Mix the Filling

Remove the saucepan from heat. Whisk in the light corn syrup, pure vanilla extract, optional orange zest, and salt. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs, then whisk them into the sugar mixture.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

Arrange the pecan halves in the chilled pie crust. Pour the filling mixture evenly over the pecans, making sure they are well covered.

Step 6: Bake the Pie

Cover the pie with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the center is set and not overly wiggly.

Step 7: Cool and Chill

Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to firm up.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice your delicious pecan pie and serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired. Enjoy every bite!

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
CategoryDessert
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Extra Time240 minutes (resting)
Total Time320 minutes
DietaryVegetarian
Serves8
Best ServedWith whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Pro Tips for Making Pecan Pie

  • Chill the pie crust well for a flaky texture.
  • Use fresh pecans for the best flavor and crunch.
  • Check the pie frequently to avoid overbaking.
  • Let the pie cool completely for easier slicing.
  • Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for a delightful touch.

How to Serve this pecan pie

  • Top with a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess.
  • Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
  • Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for a sweet twist.
  • Pair with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy treat.
  • Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice kick.
  • Enjoy with fresh fruit like berries for a refreshing balance.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can make this pecan pie ahead and store it easily:

Storing Leftovers

  • Cool the pie completely before storing.
  • Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

  • Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap.
  • Then wrap in aluminum foil for extra protection.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

  • Thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight.
  • Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes.
  • Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.

Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, and delightful dessert.

FAQs

Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:

1. Should I prebake pie crust for pecan pie?

Prebaking the pie crust for pecan pie is not necessary, but it can help achieve a crisper bottom crust. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can blind bake the crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. Just be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning!

2. What is the oldest pie in the world?

The oldest known pie dates back to ancient Egypt, where they made a type of pie filled with honey and nuts. However, the first recorded recipe for a pie resembling what we know today comes from the Romans, who filled their crusts with various meats and fruits. Pies have certainly evolved since then!

3. What is the filling of pecan pie made of?

The filling of pecan pie is typically made from a mixture of eggs, sugar (both brown and granulated), corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract. The combination creates a sweet, gooey texture that perfectly complements the crunchy pecans. Some recipes also include a hint of orange zest for added flavor!

4. Why are pecan pies so expensive?

Pecan pies can be more expensive due to the cost of pecans, which are one of the more pricey nuts. Additionally, the ingredients used, such as high-quality butter and sugars, can add to the overall cost. When you factor in the time and effort to make a delicious pecan pie from scratch, it’s easy to see why they can be a bit of a splurge!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like Grandma’s pecan pie to bring warmth and joy to your table! This delightful treat is not only simple to make but also incredibly rewarding. So gather your loved ones, whip up this classic recipe, and savor every delicious bite. Enjoy the sweet moments and create lasting memories with each slice!

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