Best American Pecan Pies Recipes

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PECAN PIE RECIPE



Pecan Pie Recipe image

It's a proven tradition that Thanksgiving dinner just isn't complete without a pecan pie; and at a Southern holiday meal, there's really nothing better than showcasing the classics. This pecan pie recipe is a true classic: simple, reliable, and darn good. We can appreciate pecan pies infused with bourbon, filled with chocolate, or drizzled with caramel, and we find pecan pie bars and bites incredibly tasty forms of the dessert too; but if you're a committed traditionalist (which we can definitely relate), a classic pecan pie recipe like this is the way to go. This recipe uses refrigerated pie crust for a process made easier and quicker without sacrificing a lick of that ooey, gooey flavor we love, and it only takes about 10 minutes to get this indulgent holiday pie ready to pop right in the oven, which makes it that much more appealing. You can decide how finely you want your pecans chopped to change up the presentation and amount of crunch in every bite. We usually go with very roughly chopped nuts for a great texture that complements the gooey filling perfectly, but finely chopped pecans make for a cohesive texture you might enjoy too! No matter how you slice it (or, in this case, chop it), nothing satisfies a Southerner's sweet tooth around the holidays quite like pecan pie. You can serve this pie with a dollop of homemade sweetened whipped cream for a finishing touch that works superbly with the nuttiness of the pie.

Provided by Southern Living Editors

Categories     Pies

Yield 1 (9-inch) pie

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 (15-ounce) package refrigerated piecrusts
4 large eggs
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped

Steps:

  • Unfold 1 piecrust, and roll to press out fold lines. Fit into a 9-inch pie plate according to package directions; fold edges under, and crimp.
  • Whisk together eggs and next 6 ingredients in a saucepan over low heat until well blended. Pour into piecrust; sprinkle with pecans.
  • Bake at 350° on lower rack 30 minutes or until pie is set.

CLASSIC PECAN PIE



Classic Pecan Pie image

This classic pie combines eggs, corn syrup, vanilla, lots of pecans, and is baked to a burnished golden brown. See other recipes by Karo Corn Syrup.

Provided by Karo Corn Syrup

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     ARGO®, KARO®, FLEISCHMANN'S®     Argo

Time 3h15m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 cup Karo Light or Dark Corn Syrup
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 ½ cups (6 ounces) pecans
1 (9 inch) unbaked deep dish pie crust

Steps:

  • Mix corn syrup, eggs, sugar, butter and vanilla using a spoon. Stir in pecans.
  • Pour into pie crust.
  • Bake at 350 degrees F on center rack of oven for 60 to 70 minutes.
  • Cool for 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 514.2 calories, Carbohydrate 69 g, Cholesterol 77.4 mg, Fat 26 g, Fiber 2.2 g, Protein 35.1 g, SaturatedFat 4.6 g, Sodium 222.8 mg, Sugar 37.8 g

PECAN PIE



Pecan Pie image

This is a wonderfully rich, Southern pie recipe that is the best I've tried!

Provided by Linda Seay

Categories     Desserts     Pies     Pecan Pie Recipes

Time 1h10m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 ¾ cups white sugar
¼ cup dark corn syrup
¼ cup butter
1 tablespoon cold water
2 teaspoons cornstarch
3 eggs
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ¼ cups chopped pecans
1 (9 inch) unbaked pie shell

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, butter, water, and cornstarch. Bring to a full boil, and remove from heat.
  • In a large bowl, beat eggs until frothy. Gradually beat in cooked syrup mixture. Stir in salt, vanilla, and pecans. Pour into pie shell.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until filling is set.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 511.8 calories, Carbohydrate 65.1 g, Cholesterol 85 mg, Fat 27.3 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 5.4 g, SaturatedFat 7.1 g, Sodium 272.7 mg, Sugar 47.4 g

OLD-FASHIONED PECAN PIE



Old-Fashioned Pecan Pie image

It's impossible to go wrong with pecan pie. Especially one that is really loaded with nuts, has a little verve from orange zest, and isn't overly sweet-exactly like the one here. Taking the time to track down new-crop pecans will push things right over the top.

Provided by Andrea Albin

Categories     Pie     Bake     Christmas     Thanksgiving     Egg     Kid-Friendly     Frozen Dessert     Pecan     Christmas Eve     Gourmet     Small Plates

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

Pastry dough
3/4 stick unsalted butter
1 1/4 cups packed light brown sugar
3/4 cup light corn syrup
2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
2 cups pecan halves (1/2 pound)
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving; optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F with a baking sheet on middle rack.
  • Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface with a lightly floured rolling pin into a 12-inch round and fit into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim edge, leaving a 1/2-inch overhang. Fold overhang under and lightly press against rim of pie plate, then crimp decoratively. Lightly prick bottom all over with a fork. Chill until firm, at least 30 minutes (or freeze 10 minutes).
  • Meanwhile, melt butter in a small heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar, whisking until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in corn syrup, vanilla, zest, and salt. Lightly beat eggs in a medium bowl, then whisk in corn syrup mixture.
  • Put pecans in pie shell and pour corn syrup mixture evenly over them. Bake on hot baking sheet until filling is set, 50 minutes to 1 hour. Cool completely.

A History of American Pecan Pies

Pecan pie is a classic American dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. The recipe is thought to have originated in the south, where pecan trees grow abundantly. The earliest known pecan pie recipe dates back to the late 1800s, but the dessert did not become popular until the early 1900s.

The Ingredients of American Pecan Pies

Traditional American pecan pies are made with a buttery, flaky crust and a filling consisting mainly of pecans, sugar, and corn syrup. Some variations also include eggs, butter, vanilla, and salt. The pecans used in the pie can be either whole or chopped, and some recipes call for roasting the nuts beforehand to enhance their flavor.

Variations of American Pecan Pies

While the traditional recipe is quite simple, there are many variations of American pecan pies. Some recipes call for adding chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the filling for a richer flavor. Others incorporate bourbon, coffee, or maple syrup to add depth and complexity to the dessert.
Chocolate Pecan Pie
One popular variation of American pecan pie is the chocolate pecan pie. This recipe replaces some of the corn syrup with melted chocolate to create a decadent, fudgy filling. Some recipes also call for adding cocoa powder to the crust for an extra chocolatey touch.
Maple Pecan Pie
Another popular variation is the maple pecan pie. This recipe substitutes maple syrup for the corn syrup in the filling, giving the dessert a distinctively sweet and flavorful taste. Some recipes also include a splash of bourbon to create a unique twist on the classic pie.
Coffee Pecan Pie
For coffee lovers, the coffee pecan pie is a delicious option. This recipe combines strong brewed coffee with the traditional filling ingredients, creating a dessert that is both sweet and slightly bitter. Some recipes also include a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the coffee flavor.

Serving American Pecan Pies

American pecan pies are typically served at holiday gatherings, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. They are usually served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance out the sweetness of the filling. The dessert can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it a versatile treat for any occasion.

The Health Benefits of Pecans

While pecan pie is not exactly considered a health food, pecans themselves are actually quite nutritious. They are a rich source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, as well as vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. Incorporating pecans into your diet in moderation can help improve heart health, reduce inflammation, and support digestion.

Baking Tips for American Pecan Pies

To ensure the perfect pecan pie, there are a few baking tips to keep in mind. First, be sure to use a sturdy, metal pie dish to avoid a soggy crust. Additionally, it is important to allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to prevent the filling from spilling out. If the crust starts to brown too quickly during baking, cover it with foil and continue baking until the filling is set.

In Conclusion

Whether you prefer the classic recipe or one of its many variations, American pecan pies are a beloved dessert that has stood the test of time. With a buttery crust and a sweet and nutty filling, this pie is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. So why not try making one for yourself and see what all the fuss is about?

Valuable Tips for Making the Best American Pecan Pies

When it comes to classic American desserts, few are more iconic or delicious than pecan pie. But while this dessert may seem simple enough to make, there are actually a number of tips and tricks that can help you achieve the perfect, gooey, and decadent pecan pie.
Tip #1: Use High-Quality Ingredients
As with any recipe, the quality of your ingredients can make a big difference in the final product. When making a pecan pie, be sure to use high-quality and fresh ingredients, including:
  • Fresh pecans: Look for plump, uncracked, and unblemished pecans that are still within their sell-by date.
  • Brown sugar: Dark brown sugar will add a richer and more complex flavor to your pie than light brown sugar.
  • Karo syrup: This corn syrup is a key ingredient in many pecan pie recipes, as it helps to create that signature gooey texture.
  • Melted butter: Use unsalted butter that has been melted and cooled slightly. This will help to create a smoother filling.
  • Eggs: Use large eggs that are at room temperature.
  • Bourbon or vanilla extract: Depending on your preferences, adding a splash of bourbon or a teaspoon of vanilla extract can help enhance the flavor of your pecan pie.
Tip #2: Keep Your Ingredients Cold
One of the secrets to making a great pecan pie is to keep your ingredients as cold as possible. This will help to prevent the sugar from caramelizing too quickly, which can lead to a burnt or grainy texture. Keep the following tips in mind to ensure that your ingredients stay cold:
  • Refrigerate your dough: If you are making a traditional pie crust, be sure to refrigerate your dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This will help to keep the butter chilled and prevent the crust from becoming tough or soggy.
  • Chill your filling: After whisking together your filling ingredients, be sure to refrigerate the mixture for at least an hour before pouring it into the crust. This will help to keep the sugar from caramelizing too quickly and will create a smoother, less grainy texture in your finished pie.
  • Cool your nuts: Toasted pecans are a key ingredient in many pecan pie recipes, but be sure to allow them to cool completely before adding them to your filling. This will help to keep your filling from becoming too hot and will prevent your crust from becoming soggy.
Tip #3: Control the Temperature
Another important factor in making a great pecan pie is controlling the temperature. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
  • Preheat your oven: Be sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature before adding your pie. This will ensure that your pie bakes evenly and prevents your crust from becoming soggy.
  • Cover your crust: To prevent your crust from becoming too brown or burning, cover the edges of your pie with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield. This will also help to keep the filling from overcooking.
  • Bake until set: The key to a great pecan pie is to bake it until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. This will ensure that your pie is firm enough to slice but still retains its signature gooey texture.
  • Cool completely: After baking, be sure to allow your pie to cool completely at room temperature before slicing. This will allow the filling to set and will make it easier to slice and serve.
Tip #4: Experiment with Flavors and Variations
While classic pecan pie is delicious on its own, there are a number of ways to experiment with flavors and variations to make your pie even more special. Here are some ideas to consider:
  • Add chocolate chips: If you love chocolate, consider adding a cup of semisweet or dark chocolate chips to your filling. This will create a rich and decadent flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet and nutty flavors of the pecans.
  • Try a different crust: While traditional pie crust is a classic choice, you can also experiment with different types of crusts to give your pie a unique twist. Consider using a graham cracker crust or even a puff pastry crust for a different texture and flavor.
  • Use different nuts: While pecans are a classic choice, you can also experiment with other types of nuts to create a unique and delicious pie. Try using walnuts, hazelnuts, or even pistachios in your filling.
  • Add spices: Depending on your preferences, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your filling to enhance the warm and comforting flavors of the pie.
Tip #5: Perfect Your Presentation
A beautiful and well-presented pecan pie can be just as delicious as one that is simply thrown together. Here are some tips to help you create a perfect presentation:
  • Decorate with extra pecans: Once your pie has cooled, consider decorating the top with a few extra toasted pecans. This will add texture and visual interest to your pie.
  • Top with whipped cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream is the perfect accompaniment to a rich and sweet pecan pie. Use a piping bag to create a beautiful swirl on top of your pie.
  • Slice carefully: To ensure that your slices are even and easy to serve, use a sharp knife to cut through the crust and filling. Wipe the blade clean between each slice to create a clean and professional presentation.
By keeping these valuable tips in mind, you can make a truly delicious American pecan pie that is sure to impress your family and friends. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, keep your ingredients and temperature under control, experiment with flavors and variations, and perfect your presentation to create a truly perfect pecan pie!

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