There’s nothing like walking into a kitchen filled with the caramelized aroma of baking pecans, butter, and brown sugar—especially when you know you’ll soon be slicing into an Easy Southern Pecan Pie. This legendary dessert combines a silky, not-too-sweet filling with a golden, crisp crust and a topping of glossy pecan halves. While it looks impressively elegant, this recipe is quick to throw together, making it the perfect treat for both special occasions and spontaneous weeknight cravings. If you’ve never made a pecan pie from scratch, you’ll fall in love with how un-fussy and full of homey, Southern comfort this classic pie truly is.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Southern Pecan Pie is in its straightforward ingredient list—each one matters, harmonizing for that irresistible flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need, along with why they’re essential for pie perfection.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Provides the buttery, flaky base that cradles the luscious filling. Store-bought or homemade works, so go with what makes life easy!
- Light corn syrup: Gives the filling its signature gooey, glossy texture and just the right amount of sweetness.
- Packed light brown sugar: Adds depth and a subtle molasses note, enriching every bite with that classic caramel flavor.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Brings creamy richness and helps bind the filling together for a silky result.
- Large eggs: Essential for structure, they help the pie set while keeping it pleasantly custardy.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds a cozy, aromatic warmth.
- Salt: Just a pinch brightens flavors and keeps the sweetness perfectly balanced.
- Pecan halves: The showstopper! Their buttery crunch and toasty flavor make every slice a southern delight.
How to Make Easy Southern Pecan Pie
Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. If you’re using a homemade crust, roll it out and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Press gently to smooth out any bubbles or creases, and let the edges hang over for that classic, rustic look. If you want to save time, store-bought dough is absolutely fine—the star of the show is truly the filling. Set aside the pie shell while you mix up that dreamy, nutty goodness.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the light corn syrup, packed light brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk everything together until smooth and glossy. This step is key: you want to beat in some air, but not so much that it gets foamy. A thorough mix ensures your Easy Southern Pecan Pie bakes up with that irresistible, even texture.
Step 3: Add the Pecans
Stir the pecan halves into the filling until they’re completely coated and glossy. This ensures every slice is studded with delicious, toasty pecans, which is exactly what you want in an authentic Easy Southern Pecan Pie.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
Pour the glossy filling into your prepared pie crust, scraping every last bit with a spatula (trust me, you don’t want to waste a drop). Level out the pecans so they’re evenly distributed—no need to arrange them unless you’re feeling fancy. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Keep an eye on the crust; if it browns too fast, loosely cover the edges with foil for the last 20 minutes. The pie is ready when the center is set but still just a little wobbly. It will finish setting as it cools, developing that iconic, sumptuous texture we all crave.
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Let the pie cool completely at room temperature. Patience is hard—but this step makes slicing so much easier and keeps the filling luxuriously smooth. Once cooled, grab a sharp knife and serve up a generous wedge. You’ll get golden, crunchy pecans in every bite, with that classic custardy center beneath.
How to Serve Easy Southern Pecan Pie
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, nothing beats a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. If you’re feeling festive, a light sprinkle of cinnamon or even a drizzle of warm caramel sauce can take your Easy Southern Pecan Pie from classic to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This pie sings alongside a cup of bold coffee or freshly brewed tea, but it’s also lovely paired with fresh fruit like orange segments or berries to cut through its rich sweetness. At holiday feasts, serve alongside savory favorites like roast turkey or ham—Southern tradition at its finest.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual tartlets are adorable for parties, and mini mason jar pies are always a hit at picnics. For a modern spin, try serving the pie in dainty slices on a tiered dessert tray or with a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair. No matter how you slice or style it, Easy Southern Pecan Pie undoubtedly steals the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to five days. The crust might soften a bit, but the flavors deepen and become even more irresistible.
Freezing
To freeze Easy Southern Pecan Pie, let it cool completely, then wrap it in a double layer of plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving to preserve that lush texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your pie warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, or refresh the whole pie in a 300°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. This brings back that “just baked” aroma and gives the filling a lovely, gooey texture.
FAQs
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light for Easy Southern Pecan Pie?
Absolutely! Dark corn syrup will bring a deeper, more pronounced caramel flavor and a slightly darker color to your pie. Both versions are delicious, so use what you have on hand or prefer.
How do I know when my Easy Southern Pecan Pie is done baking?
Look for a center that’s set but still has a gentle jiggle when you nudge the pie dish. The top should be puffed and golden, and a knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean (a bit of gooiness is perfect and expected).
Can I make Easy Southern Pecan Pie ahead of time?
Yes! Pecan pie is actually perfect for making ahead, as the flavors meld beautifully overnight. Just bake, cool, and store as directed—then serve at room temperature or slightly warmed for the best taste and texture.
Why toast the pecans before adding them?
Toasting the pecans intensifies their nutty flavor and adds extra crunch, making every bite of your pie more flavorful and aromatic. Just a quick stint in the oven is enough!
Can I use a store-bought crust for Easy Southern Pecan Pie?
Definitely! A good-quality store-bought pie crust saves you time and still delivers a fantastic result, especially when combined with the classic Southern pecan filling.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about sharing a homemade Easy Southern Pecan Pie with people you love. With just a handful of ingredients and foolproof steps, this iconic dessert is well within reach, no matter your baking experience. So go ahead, give it a try, and create a new family favorite—one slice at a time!
Print
Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of the South with this easy Southern Pecan Pie recipe. A classic dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and set aside.
- Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Stir in the pecan halves until evenly coated.
- Fill the crust: Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly puffed. Cover the edges with foil if the crust browns too quickly.
- Cool and serve: Let the pie cool completely at room temperature before slicing.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, toast the pecans for 5–7 minutes at 350°F before adding to the filling.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a classic touch.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *