I always find joy in creating the Best Pecan Pie Recipe. Combining golden eggs, rich corn syrup, melted unsalted butter, and a generous dose of pecan halves on a pre-made crust, this pie brings a nostalgic simplicity. It revives cherished memories of sumptuous Southern desserts and timeless holiday gatherings.
I’ve always loved reinventing traditional recipes so when I came across this version of the best easy homemade pecan pie recipe I was intrigued. I remember my grandma making a similar thing back in the day, and I wanted to capture that spirit without all the fuss.
I start off with a pre-made 9 inch pie crust which makes things way easier, then I mix in 4 large eggs, a cup of light corn syrup, a cup of granulated sugar, and a quarter cup of melted unsalted butter for that perfect gooey texture. A teaspoon of vanilla extract and a quarter teaspoon of salt add an extra layer of flavor that really makes the pie shine.
I then gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of pecan halves to bring that satisfying crunch. Its classic, no fail recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving desserts and for anyone who enjoys a simple homemade treat that never disappoints.
Why I Like this Recipe
I really love this pecan pie recipe because it reminds me of home and simple family traditions. First, I appreciate how easy it is to make since using a pre-made crust saves me a lot of time when I’m busy. Second, the pie has this awesome gooey center that makes every bite feel so comforting and delicious. Third, the mix of flavors from the butter, vanilla, and salt with the sweetness of the corn syrup and sugar makes the pie really unique and tasty. Finally, it brings back memories of the way my grandma used to make pie so every time I bake it, it feels like I’m sharing in those warm, old family moments.
Ingredients
- The pre-made crust provides a tender base and convenient, flaky texture supporting the filling.
- Eggs deliver quality protein and help bind the ingredients in a rich mixture.
- Corn syrup contributes smooth sweetness and acts as a thickener for gooey filling.
- Sugar makes the pie distinctly sweet and balances the nutty flavors.
- Butter adds a subtle creamy texture and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Vanilla extract deepens the aroma and rounds off the sweetness warmly.
- Pecans bring crunch, healthy fats, and rich flavor making the pie irresistable.
- A pinch of salt enhances overall flavor and balances the pie’s rich sweetness.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 pre-made 9 inch pie crust
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
How to Make this
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and set your pre-made 9 inch pie crust into a pie plate.
2. In a medium bowl, beat the four large eggs until they’re well mixed.
3. Add one cup of light corn syrup and one cup of granulated sugar to the eggs and whisk till smooth.
4. Stir in 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
5. Fold in the 1 1/2 cups of pecan halves gently so they spread evenly through the mixture.
6. Pour the mixture into the pie crust, making sure it’s spread out nice and even.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 to 55 minutes until the filling is mostly set and still a bit gooey in the center.
8. If the edges of the crust start to brown too much, cover them loosely with foil to prevent burning.
9. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a rack to finish setting the filling.
10. Once cool enough to slice, serve and enjoy the traditional homemade feel of this classic pecan pie recipe.
Equipment Needed
1. Oven (preheated to 350°F)
2. 9-inch pie plate
3. Medium mixing bowl
4. Whisk
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Spatula or wooden spoon for folding in the pecans
8. Timer
9. Aluminum foil (to cover the crust edges if needed)
10. Cooling rack
FAQ
The Best Easy Homemade Pecan Pie Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Instead of eggs, you can use flax eggs; mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg.
- If you dont have light corn syrup, try using honey or golden syrup. They both work pretty well though the flavor might vary a bit.
- You can swap granulated sugar with brown sugar, but remember that it might change the sweetness and color of the pie a little.
- If unsalted butter is out of reach, margarine or coconut oil can be used instead so long as you melt it beforehand.
- If pecans are hard to find, walnuts or even almonds can be a good alternative; the taste might be a bit different but still yummy.
Pro Tips
1. Toast your pecans lightly in a dry pan for a few minutes before mixing them in. It really boosts the nutty flavor and gives a little extra crunch to every bite.
2. When you beat your eggs, don’t overdo it. Just mix until everything is combined so your pie filling stays a bit gooey in the middle and not too fluffy.
3. Keep an eye on the crust during baking. If the edges start to color too fast, loosely cover them with foil to stop burning and keep the pie lookin’ neat.
4. Let the pie cool completely on a rack before slicing it up. This helps the filling set properly and makes it less messy when you cut it.
The Best Easy Homemade Pecan Pie Recipe
My favorite The Best Easy Homemade Pecan Pie Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven (preheated to 350°F)
2. 9-inch pie plate
3. Medium mixing bowl
4. Whisk
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Spatula or wooden spoon for folding in the pecans
8. Timer
9. Aluminum foil (to cover the crust edges if needed)
10. Cooling rack
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made 9 inch pie crust
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and set your pre-made 9 inch pie crust into a pie plate.
2. In a medium bowl, beat the four large eggs until they’re well mixed.
3. Add one cup of light corn syrup and one cup of granulated sugar to the eggs and whisk till smooth.
4. Stir in 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
5. Fold in the 1 1/2 cups of pecan halves gently so they spread evenly through the mixture.
6. Pour the mixture into the pie crust, making sure it’s spread out nice and even.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 to 55 minutes until the filling is mostly set and still a bit gooey in the center.
8. If the edges of the crust start to brown too much, cover them loosely with foil to prevent burning.
9. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a rack to finish setting the filling.
10. Once cool enough to slice, serve and enjoy the traditional homemade feel of this classic pecan pie recipe.