Classic Pecan Pie
This classic pecan pie is so deliciously decadent, I bet you'll find yourself wandering into your kitchen just to sneak bites of it straight from the pie plate.
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When Stephen and I went through that periodically-frustrating-but-ultimately-rewarding experience of wedding planning, we invested a lot of time thinking about the food we'd serve at our brunch reception. At one point, we even considered having a variety of wedding pies for dessert rather than a traditional tiered wedding cake because a) we both really love pie and b) pie seemed to better fit the overall vibe we were going for.
But, in my excitement about the possibility of pie on my wedding day, I shared this idea with my grandmother during one of our weekly phone dates, and she didn't like the idea AT. ALL. She thought I was kidding at first, but when I assured her that the idea was a serious one, she threatened to stay home and skip the wedding altogether.
I believe her exact words were "I'm not coming if there's no cake."
But, as beautiful as that cake was, part of me still wishes that we went for the pie. Because pecan pie would have been an option. Not only because it's one of my favorite varieties of pies, but also because it reminds me of one of my all-time favorite movies.
Despite my love for pie, I've only ever baked them around Thanksgiving, typically apple and typically following my father's lead. I've put so much pressure on myself to make the perfect pie crust that I save most of my pie-eating adventures for when Stephen and I go out to eat.
UNTIL NOW!
I wanted to make a traditional pecan pie, so I turned to the very fitting cookbook Pecans (a gift I received as a thank-you for being a keynote speaker) for guidance. Kathleen Purvis' recipe gave me some great tips and didn't make me feel bad about using refrigerated pie crust (because "who doesn't sometimes?").
After I prepared the crust, I spread the pecans evenly on the bottom. Again, since I was trying to make this pie really special, I toasted the pecans beforehand to draw out their natural flavor and let them cool before putting them in the crust.
The next hour or so was agony. I just wanted the pie to hurry-up-and-be-ready-already so I could have a slice.
But no. The pie would not be rushed. It needed time to come out just right.
Pass me a fork. Let me at it!
But no. The pie would not be rushed. It needed time to cool completely so it would be just right.
What do you think I did with it? Do you think I put a scoop on top of my piece of pie?
And it was goooood.
PS. In case you were wondering, my grandmother did go to our wedding... and she had two pieces of cake. ;-)
Do you like pie? What's your favorite kind? Let me know in the comments!
Yield: 8 servings
Classic Pecan Pie
This classic pecan pie is so deliciously decadent, I bet you'll find yourself wandering into your kitchen just to sneak bites of it straight from the pie plate.
Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 1 HourTotal time: 1 H & 10 M
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch refrigerated pie crust, unbaked
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves, toasted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Dust a 9-inch pie plate with flour and carefully lay in the pie crust, easing it into the bottom. If desired, flute or crimp the edge.
- Spread the pecans in an even layer on the bottom of the pie crust. Place the pie plate on the baking sheet.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, salt, and melted butter and whisk until all of the ingredients are fully combined. [See here for tips about substituting corn syrup.]
- Gently pour the filling mixture over the pecans and then slide the baking sheet onto the middle rack in the oven.
- Bake the pie for 55-60 minutes. You want the filling to be a little loose in the center when you pull the pie out. If the edges are browning too quickly, place strips of foil over them to prevent them from burning.
- Remove the pie from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before serving, preferably with ice cream on top. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
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One year ago: Menu Plan: September 7 - September 13
Two years ago: Brunch at Bolete Restaurant - Bethlehem, PA
Three years ago: Italian Wedding Soup
Four years ago: A Taste of Los Cabos: Downtown San Jose del Cabo
Five years ago: Featured Friday, Volume 1.8
Six years ago: Addicted to Crack
Seven years ago: Blog Roll Call
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