If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s as comforting as it is impressive, look no further than Easy Southern Pecan Pie. This classic treat showcases the irresistible combination of a buttery, flaky crust and a rich, caramel-like filling studded with toasted pecans. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few simple steps, you can bring a slice of Southern hospitality to your table—perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or anytime you crave something sweetly nostalgic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Southern Pecan Pie lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a key role in building the pie’s flavor and texture. Gather these basics and get ready for a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress!
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: This is the golden, flaky foundation that holds the luscious filling. Store-bought or homemade both work beautifully.
- Light corn syrup: The secret to that classic glossy, gooey filling; it provides sweetness and structure.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness while helping the filling set.
- Large eggs: Essential for binding the filling and giving it that custardy texture.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Offers a rich, buttery flavor that makes this pie melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth that elevates the pie’s flavor.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances every other ingredient.
- Pecan halves: The star of the show—these add crunch, flavor, and classic Southern charm.
How to Make Easy Southern Pecan Pie
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your Easy Southern Pecan Pie will bake evenly and set up perfectly. While the oven heats, you can gather your ingredients and prepare the pie filling—it all comes together quickly!
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is smooth and well combined. This silky mixture is the heart of the pie, providing that signature gooey texture and rich flavor.
Step 3: Stir in the Pecans
Gently fold the pecan halves into the filling mixture. For even more depth, try toasting the pecans briefly in a dry skillet before adding them—this simple step brings out their natural nuttiness and adds a delightful crunch to your Easy Southern Pecan Pie.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour the filling into your unbaked pie crust, spreading the pecans evenly throughout. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips—this also makes it easier to transfer in and out of the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly puffed. If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil during the last 15 to 20 minutes of baking. This ensures a golden, tender crust without any burnt bits.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Once baked, remove your Easy Southern Pecan Pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This patience pays off—the pie needs time to set so that each slice holds together beautifully when served.
How to Serve Easy Southern Pecan Pie
Garnishes
For a truly decadent finish, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream just before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce also makes each slice of Easy Southern Pecan Pie feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair your pie with a cup of strong coffee, Southern sweet tea, or even a warm mug of spiced cider for a comforting touch. For holiday meals, it sits beautifully alongside other seasonal favorites like cranberry relish or roasted sweet potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation by serving Easy Southern Pecan Pie in mini tart shells for bite-sized treats, or stack thin slices with layers of whipped cream for a dreamy parfait. You can even offer a pie bar with a variety of toppings, letting guests customize their own slice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover leftover Easy Southern Pecan Pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to four days—if it lasts that long!
Freezing
You can freeze the entire pie or individual slices. Wrap the pie well in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When the craving hits, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy your Easy Southern Pecan Pie warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm the whole pie in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This revives that just-baked texture and aroma.
FAQs
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?
Absolutely! Dark corn syrup will create a deeper, more robust flavor and a slightly darker color. Both versions are delicious, so choose based on your personal taste or what you have on hand.
Do I need to toast the pecans first?
While it’s not required, toasting the pecans before adding them to the filling brings out their natural oils and intensifies the nutty flavor, making your Easy Southern Pecan Pie even more irresistible.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, Easy Southern Pecan Pie is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Simply bake as directed, let it cool completely, then store in the fridge until you’re ready to slice and serve.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is ready when the center is set but still has a slight jiggle. It will firm up as it cools. If you’re unsure, insert a knife in the center—it should come out mostly clean.
What’s the best way to slice the pie cleanly?
For neat slices, let the pie cool completely, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water (and wiped dry) for each cut. This helps you achieve picture-perfect pieces every time.
Final Thoughts
There’s a certain magic in sharing a homemade Easy Southern Pecan Pie with loved ones—it’s a timeless dessert that never fails to delight. Whether you’re baking it for a festive gathering or just because, I hope you love every sweet, nutty bite as much as I do. Give it a try, and let this classic treat become a cherished favorite in your own kitchen!
Print
Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Southern Pecan Pie is a classic, rich, and decadent dessert featuring a buttery pie crust filled with a sweet and gooey pecan filling. Perfect for holidays or any special occasion, it combines the crunch of pecans with a smooth custard-like center, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature for baking the pie evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add Pecans: Gently stir the pecan halves into the syrup mixture, making sure they are evenly coated and distributed throughout the filling.
- Fill Pie Crust: Pour the pecan filling into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes. The center should be set and slightly puffed. To prevent the crust edges from overbrowning, cover them with foil during the last 15 to 20 minutes of baking if needed.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the filling to set properly for clean cuts.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly in a dry pan over medium heat before adding them to the filling.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic Southern dessert experience.
- Cover the pie edges with foil to avoid burning during baking if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 37 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 61 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
