Classic Pecan Pie Recipe: Old-Fashioned Southern Dessert

Old Fashioned Pecan Pie is a sweet, classic dessert perfect for any holiday table. Easy to assemble and ideal to make ahead, this pie delivers a crisp top, plenty of pecans, and a soft, gooey center in a flaky crust.

Why You’ve Got To Try Pecan Tart Pie

I grew up loving my grandma’s pecan tassies—little pecan pies—so I’m excited to share this full-size pecan pie recipe. It combines nostalgic flavor with simple preparation: a flaky crust, nutty pecans, and a rich, slightly gooey filling that feels like the holidays.

Reasons to love this pie:

• Classic, nostalgic dessert
• Quick and easy to prepare
• Great make-ahead option
• Crowd-pleasing sweet treat
• Simple, accessible ingredients

Ingredient Information and Substitutions

• Pecans – A 10-ounce bag of shelled, halved pecans gives a nice bite-sized crunch.
• Pie crust – Refrigerated pie crust is convenient and works well; homemade crust is also fine.
• Salted butter – Adds flavor; melt it and let it cool slightly before adding to the filling.
• Corn syrup – Essential for the right filling texture. Dark corn syrup adds a deeper flavor; light corn syrup works too.
• Eggs – Use large eggs for proper structure and texture.
• Maple syrup – Optional, but adds complexity. Pure maple syrup gives a lovely note.
• Brown sugar – Light or dark packed brown sugar adds sweetness and depth.
• Flour – A small amount of all-purpose flour helps stabilize the filling.
• Seasonings – Kosher salt, ground cinnamon, and pure vanilla extract round out the flavor.

How To Make This Recipe For Pecan Pie

Step 1 – Prepare the filling

Melt the butter and let it cool a few minutes. In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, maple syrup, eggs, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, vanilla, and flour until smooth. Whisk in the cooled melted butter until incorporated.

Step 2 – Assemble

Arrange the pecans in an even layer in the pie crust. Pour the filling over the pecans so they are fully covered.

Step 3 – Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a lined sheet pan to catch any drips and bake uncovered for 30 minutes.

Step 4 – Protect the crust and finish baking

After 30 minutes, cover the crust edge with a pie shield or foil to prevent over-browning. Continue baking another 30–40 minutes until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Remove from the oven and cool completely for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips For Making The Easiest Pecan Pie Recipe

• Melt the butter first – Let it cool slightly before adding so it doesn’t scramble the eggs.
• Cover the pecans in filling – This prevents them from toasting too dark during baking.
• Use a lined sheet pan under the pie – Catches any leaks and keeps your oven clean.
• Shield the crust after 30 minutes – Use a pie shield or foil to avoid a burned edge.
• Make it the night before – Chilling overnight helps the filling set and frees up your serving day.
• Bring to serving temperature – Pull the pie from the fridge 30 minutes before slicing.
• Storage – Covered in the fridge, the pie will keep for up to 4 days.

What To Serve With Pecan Pie

Complement the pie with classic sides for a complete meal:

• Roasted turkey or smoked turkey breast
• Parmesan roasted potatoes
• Peas with onions
• Citrus cranberry chutney

Other Classic Pie Recipes

Try other favorite pies for variety:

Hosting Thanksgiving?

Get organized and stress-free with easy planning tips and make-ahead strategies to simplify your holiday cooking.

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