Traditional Southern Pecan Pie

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Nothing says comfort like a slice of Traditional Southern Pecan Pie. With its glossy, caramelized pecan topping and gooey, buttery filling cradled in a flaky crust, this dessert captures the essence of Southern hospitality in every bite. It’s the kind of pie that disappears quickly at family gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, and Sunday suppers.

The beauty of pecan pie lies in its simplicity. While the ingredients are humble and few, the flavor is anything but. Rich brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and butter blend into a silky filling that highlights the crunch of toasted pecans. And when paired with a golden, crisp crust, it’s nothing short of irresistible.

What Kind of Pie Crust Should I Use?

For a classic take, a homemade buttery pie crust is the traditional choice—flaky, sturdy, and able to hold the luscious filling without getting soggy. But if you’re short on time, a quality store-bought pie crust works beautifully too. Just ensure it’s unbaked when assembling your pie.

Ingredients for the Traditional Southern Pecan Pie

• Pecans: Halves are preferred for that iconic top layer, while chopped pecans can be mixed into the filling for extra texture.
• Corn Syrup: Light corn syrup gives the pie its signature glossy finish and sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a subtle molasses flavor.
• Eggs: Essential for binding the filling and giving it that custard-like texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a silky finish.
• Vanilla Extract: A little goes a long way in enhancing the overall flavor.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness.
• Pie Crust: Use a deep-dish crust to prevent overflow during baking.

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How To Make the Traditional Southern Pecan Pie

Step 1: Prep the Crust

Place your unbaked deep-dish pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp or flute the edges if desired. Set aside while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Add the Pecans

Stir in the chopped pecans (if using), then pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust. Carefully arrange whole pecan halves on top in a decorative pattern.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes. The center should be set but still slightly jiggly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil halfway through baking.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the pie to cool completely—at least 2 hours—before slicing. This helps the filling set properly.

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Serving and Storing Your Pecan Pie

Traditional Southern Pecan Pie is best served at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Its sweet, nutty profile pairs wonderfully with coffee or after-dinner cocktails.

To store, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

What to Serve With Traditional Southern Pecan Pie?

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Creamy and cool, it perfectly balances the rich, sweet filling.

Bourbon Whipped Cream

A boozy twist that amplifies the Southern charm.

Fresh Berries

Their tartness cuts through the sweetness for a refreshing contrast.

Dark Chocolate Drizzle

A little bitter chocolate on top elevates the decadence.

Spiced Chai Latte

Warm, aromatic spices enhance the nutty richness of the pie.

Apple Compote

Adds a fruity, cinnamony dimension to your dessert plate.

Salted Caramel Sauce

Drizzle for added indulgence.

Espresso or Strong Coffee

A bold beverage to complement the sweetness.

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Want More Pie Ideas with Southern Soul?

If you loved this Traditional Southern Pecan Pie, you’ll probably fall for these other nostalgic favorites:

• Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie for fruity, rich indulgence.
• Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake if you crave creamy meets tangy.
• Nutella French Toast Casserole for a morning version of sweet indulgence.
• Lemon Churro Cookies for a citrusy cookie twist.
• Salted Caramel Pecan Cookies for a cookie-fied version of this Southern classic.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toast the pecans beforehand? Add a dash of bourbon? Swap the corn syrup? I love hearing your personal twists on these beloved classics.

Explore more nostalgic, soulful desserts on ChefAlchemy’s Pinterest. You’ll find something new to bake every week.

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