If you’ve ever dreamed of making a pie that practically guarantees rave reviews, Easy Southern Pecan Pie is your new go-to dessert. With its shatteringly crisp top, gooey sweet filling, and those irresistible, butter-toasted pecans, every bite feels like the holidays in your kitchen. This pie is pure comfort and nostalgia—utterly unfussy to make, never short on caramel flavor, and a true Southern classic. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering, potluck, or just a well-deserved treat at home, Easy Southern Pecan Pie delivers that perfect balance of sweet and nutty, encased in a flaky, golden crust.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Easy Southern Pecan Pie such a crowd-pleaser is its short and sweet ingredient list—every component pulls its weight in creating the most decadent, beautiful pie. Let’s take a closer look at each one, so you know exactly why they matter.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: The foundation of our pie, ensuring a crisp, buttery base that perfectly supports the luscious filling.
- Light corn syrup (1 cup): Provides that signature shine and gooey, caramelized texture—don’t skip it, as it’s key to the pie’s structure.
- Packed light brown sugar (1 cup): Brings a deep, almost butterscotch flavor and extra moisture for the filling; always press it firmly into your measuring cup.
- Large eggs (3): Eggs hold everything together and lend that lovely custardy consistency after baking.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup): Adds richness and a fudgy element to the filling, plus that unforgettable buttery aroma.
- Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances all of the sweet, nutty, and buttery flavors—a little goes a long way, so don’t be shy.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Because even desserts need a pinch for perfect balance, bringing out the pecans’ natural flavors.
- Pecan halves (1 1/2 cups): The real stars of the show, these float to the top and toast beautifully, creating that iconic pecan pie look and crunch.
How to Make Easy Southern Pecan Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gently fit your unbaked 9-inch pie crust into a pie dish, taking a moment to crimp the edges just how you like it—rustic or fancy, your choice! Allowing the crust to chill in the fridge while you prepare your filling will help keep it extra flaky when baked.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, packed brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Don’t rush this part; make sure the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. This ensures every slice is equally decadent—and it’s so satisfying to see the glossy filling come together!
Step 3: Add the Pecans
Stir the pecan halves into your sweet custard mixture. If you have time, feel free to toast the pecans in a dry skillet for just a few minutes—they’ll develop a deeper, richer flavor and a bit of extra crunch. Whether toasted or straight from the bag, make sure each pecan is nicely coated with the filling.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the filling into your prepared pie crust. Use a spatula to spread the pecans out evenly—they’ll float to the top as the pie bakes, creating that classic, inviting look. Slide the pie into your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the center is set and the top is a deep golden brown. If you notice the edges of your pie crust getting too much color too quickly, gently tent them with foil during the last 15 minutes.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your Easy Southern Pecan Pie cool completely on a wire rack. This patience pays off—the filling will slice neatly and hold together beautifully. When ready, cut generous wedges and serve as is or with that extra flourish of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream!
How to Serve Easy Southern Pecan Pie
Garnishes
Easy Southern Pecan Pie is fabulous all on its own, but a dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of good vanilla ice cream on the side takes it to another level. For a little pizzazz, sprinkle with a few chopped toasted pecans, a light dusting of cinnamon, or a drizzle of caramel sauce—each provides a beautiful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This pie loves company! For a cozy fall gathering, try pairing it with strong, hot coffee, spiced chai, or mulled cider. If you want to go extra-special, serve alongside a platter of fresh fruit like apple or pear slices and a handful of sharp cheddar cheese for contrast. Trust me, the combination will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Creative Ways to Present
Give your Easy Southern Pecan Pie a festive twist by cutting it into small bars or mini tartlets for a dessert buffet—perfect for parties or potlucks. If you’re feeling fancy, serve warmed slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce. You can even layer cooled pie cubes into parfait glasses with whipped cream and crumbled cookies for an eye-catching trifle!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Southern Pecan Pie keeps wonderfully! Simply cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen and meld together overnight, making each slice just as, if not more, delicious than the day you made it.
Freezing
Need to get ahead on your holiday prep? You can freeze Easy Southern Pecan Pie after baking. Wrap the cooled pie well in both plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep beautifully for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing.
Reheating
For that freshly-baked warmth, gently reheat slices (or the whole pie) in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, zap individual slices for 20-30 seconds in the microwave. The crust stays flaky, and the filling becomes just slightly gooey—pure perfection!
FAQs
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light corn syrup?
Yes, you can swap in dark corn syrup for a richer, slightly deeper flavor and a darker color in your Easy Southern Pecan Pie. Dark corn syrup has a hint of molasses, making the pie a little less sweet but wonderfully robust.
How do I know when my pecan pie is set?
Easy Southern Pecan Pie is perfectly baked when the center is just set—it should jiggle slightly when gently shaken but not appear soupy. The top will also be puffed and golden. Letting it cool completely ensures clean, beautiful slices.
Can I make this pie without corn syrup?
Corn syrup is essential for the iconic texture, but in a pinch, you can use an equal amount of pure maple syrup or honey. Keep in mind this will change the flavor and potentially make it a bit softer, but it’s still absolutely delicious!
Is it necessary to toast the pecans first?
Toasting the pecans before folding them into the filling isn’t required, but it is highly recommended! A few minutes in a dry skillet brings out their flavor and gives the finished pie an extra nutty boost.
How do I prevent the crust from over-browning?
If the crust edges are browning too quickly while your Easy Southern Pecan Pie finishes baking, simply cover them with foil or use a pie shield during the last 15 minutes. This helps you get perfectly golden pecans and a tender, not-too-dark crust.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about bringing a golden, glossy Easy Southern Pecan Pie to the table—every slice feels like a celebration. If you’ve been craving a dessert that delivers maximum comfort for minimal effort, this recipe is pure bliss. Give it a try and watch it become a cherished tradition in your kitchen!
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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 rich, nutty sweetness of this Easy Southern Pecan Pie. A classic dessert perfect for holidays or any occasion, this pie is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 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 (175°C).
- Prepare the crust: Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Stir in pecan halves.
- Fill the crust: Pour the filling into the pie crust and spread pecans out evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until set and golden brown. Cover edges with foil if needed. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, toast the pecans before adding to the filling.
- Pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
