This EASY SOUTHERN PECAN PIE recipe is your straightforward path to a classic, comforting dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. It’s the perfect go-to for holidays, family gatherings, or whenever you crave that irresistible sweet and nutty flavor.
Key Ingredients for EASY SOUTHERN PECAN PIE
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves (or pieces)
How to Make EASY SOUTHERN PECAN PIE
Get ready for a dessert that’s as delightful as it is easy to assemble! This EASY SOUTHERN PECAN PIE is all about rich, satisfying flavor without the fuss. Its gooey center, packed with crunchy pecans, is a testament to simple ingredients coming together perfectly. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this can go from pantry staples to a show-stopping dessert. With a prep time of around 15 minutes and a baking time of 50-60 minutes, you can enjoy this Southern classic with minimal effort.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your unbaked 9-inch pie crust on a baking sheet. This helps catch any potential drips during baking and makes it easier to handle.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and salt. Ensure there are no lumps, especially in the brown sugar, for an even distribution of sweetness.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: To the sugar mixture, add the lightly beaten eggs and the melted butter. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a little thin at this stage; it will thicken as it bakes.
- Stir in the Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract to the filling mixture and stir it in gently. Vanilla enhances the overall sweetness and adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the nuts.
- Incorporate the Pecans: Gently fold in the pecan halves or pieces into the filling. Make sure the pecans are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Pour and Bake: Carefully pour the pecan pie filling into the unbaked pie crust. Spread the filling evenly, making sure the pecans are submerged in the custard mixture.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking sheet with the pie into the preheated oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. The crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be mostly firm. If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
- Cool Completely: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial for the filling to set properly. Allow at least 2-3 hours for cooling.
Why You’ll Love This EASY SOUTHERN PECAN PIE
You’ll absolutely adore this EASY SOUTHERN PECAN PIE for its incredibly rich, buttery, and nutty flavor profile that truly embodies Southern comfort food. Unlike more complex pies that require multiple steps and special techniques, this recipe champions simplicity, allowing you to create a show-stopping dessert with ease, saving you money compared to buying a pre-made pie or dining out. The delightful contrast between the flaky crust, the gooey, sweet filling, and the satisfying crunch of fresh pecans makes every bite a celebration.
This EASY SOUTHERN PECAN PIE is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Imagine serving this golden-brown masterpiece dusted with a little powdered sugar or with a dollop of freshly whipped cream – pure bliss! It’s a fantastic alternative to a traditional apple pie or pumpkin pie, offering a unique nutty sweetness that’s universally loved. Don’t wait – gather your ingredients and give this sensational EASY SOUTHERN PECAN PIE a try today!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage ensures your delicious EASY SOUTHERN PECAN PIE remains a treat for days to come.
- Refrigeration: Once cooled completely, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The filling will firm up considerably as it chills.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the pie. Ensure it is completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. You can freeze the whole pie or individual slices. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can gently warm slices in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave a slice for about 20-30 seconds, depending on your microwave’s wattage. Reheating is best done just before serving to maintain the best texture.
Final Thoughts
This EASY SOUTHERN PECAN PIE is a testament to how simple, high-quality ingredients can create an incredibly satisfying dessert. We encourage you to embrace its ease and bake this delightful classic in your own kitchen to experience pure homemade joy.
EASY SOUTHERN PECAN PIE
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your unbaked 9-inch pie crust on a baking sheet. This helps catch any potential drips during baking and makes it easier to handle.1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
- In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and salt. Ensure there are no lumps, especially in the brown sugar, for an even distribution of sweetness.3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt
- To the sugar mixture, add the lightly beaten eggs and the melted butter. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth. Don’t worry if the mixture looks a little thin at this stage; it will thicken as it bakes.3 large eggs, 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- Add the vanilla extract to the filling mixture and stir it in gently. Vanilla enhances the overall sweetness and adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the nuts.1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gently fold in the pecan halves or pieces into the filling. Make sure the pecans are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.1 1/2 cups pecan halves (or pieces)
- Carefully pour the pecan pie filling into the unbaked pie crust. Spread the filling evenly, making sure the pecans are submerged in the custard mixture.1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
- Place the baking sheet with the pie into the preheated oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. The crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be mostly firm. If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial for the filling to set properly. Allow at least 2-3 hours for cooling.