How to Make Pecan Pie: Easy Homemade Recipe | KitchenAid (2024)

WHAT IS PECAN PIE?

Pecan pie is a traditional Southern dessert. Its buttery, sweet filling usually consists of corn syrup and eggs, with pecans as the main flavor component. The mixture is then poured into a pie crust before baking. Not only does it have an amazing flavor, but its mix of textures makes it an even more enjoyable treat.

WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS IN A PECAN PIE?

Pecan pies are a classic dessert that require several essential ingredients to be successful. Whole, finely chopped or crushed pecans are the main ingredient in order to get that classic flavor, but corn syrup and eggs are also required for binding all of the other components together.

Dark or light corn syrup can be used depending on flavor preference; however, both will provide the necessary binding action needed for creating a delicious pecan pie filling. The combination of these ingredients results in a sweet, nutty filling flavor and a flaky crust texture that is sure to please any palate.

Try experimenting with other additions like chocolate or coconut to elevate your recipe with more sweetness or added richness.

EASY HOMEMADE PECAN PIE RECIPE

Making a homemade pecan pie is an easy and delicious way to enjoy this classic Southern dessert. With the right ingredients and tools, you can create an irresistible dish, sure to be a hit with family and friends.

A KitchenAid® stand mixer can help you make both the pie crust and the filling for the pecan pie, assisting you in achieving evenly mixed results before baking. Read these helpful tips to learn how to make homemade pecan pie with your own recipe for your next occasion, or just because.

YIELDS

12 servings

TOTAL TIME

70 minutes

CAN A PECAN PIE BE VEGAN OR GLUTEN-FREE?

Homemade pecan pies can make a delicious addition to any special occasion that you can easily alter to accommodate vegan or gluten-free diets. For example, gluten-free flour, non-dairy milk and vegan margarine are all substitutions you can explore for your recipe.

Tofu can be used instead of eggs, and maple syrup or agave can be substituted for the corn syrup if desired.

PECAN PIE BAKING TIPS

There are steps you can take to help your pecan pie avoid mishaps like an improperly prepared crust, leading to a soggy bottom or a texture that’s too soft or firm.

To help ensure your homemade pecan pie turns out the way you want it, it’s important to understand the basics of making this dish and taking the necessary steps for success.

Read on for helpful tips on how to make this delightful treat from scratch.

WHY IS MY PECAN PIE RUNNY?

Using too much of your wet ingredients like corn syrup or butter in the recipe can be a common culprit for runny pecan pie, as well as not baking it long enough. Both of these will lead to a filling that’s not set properly.

The best way to avoid a runny pecan pie is to ensure you are using the correct measurements for all of your ingredients and measuring them accurately. When baking, also make sure you are cooking it long enough — at least 45 to 60 minutes — and checking on it periodically throughout its baking time.

If you have already made runny pecan pie filling, there are still solutions. One option is to thicken up your filling by mixing together a bit of cornstarch and cold water until completely dissolved before stirring into your mixture. Flour or instant pudding mix can also be used if you do not have cornstarch on hand. During baking, the extra starch can help thicken the runny filling.

HOW DO I KEEP MY PECAN PIE FROM GETTING HARD?

Pecan pie can become hard if it is left in the oven for too long or at a higher temperature than necessary. This could happen due to an inaccurate cooking time, temperature or failing to cover with aluminum foil for part of the baking time.

To avoid creating a hard pecan pie, it is important to keep an eye on the dish while in the oven and adjust accordingly. In addition, investing in an oven thermometer can help ensure that your oven is heating accurately so you don't end up overbaking your pies.

If you have already made a hard pecan pie, there are still solutions available. One option is to use a food processor to break up any large chunks of your pie and make it into a crumble topping. This can be served as a dessert with melted butter or warm cream sprinkled on top.

HOW DO I PREVENT MY PECAN PIE FROM HAVING A SOGGY CRUST?

To make sure your pie crust does not become soggy, you can try blind baking. This means baking the crust before filling it with ingredients.When blind baking, you should use pie weights to keep the crust from puffing up and becoming soggy when you put in the filling. This helps create a flaky pie crust.

It’s also important to make sure your filling ingredients are completely cooled before pouring them onto the crust. If they are too warm, it can cause the crust to soften. Also, avoid overfilling the pie so that it doesn’t leak out and create a soggy bottom.

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN A PECAN PIE IS DONE?

When it comes to baking a pecan pie, the most important thing is to make sure it is cooked all the way through. It’s easy to tell when a pecan pie is done by looking at several different indicators.

You can check if the center of the pie has set by gently pressing down with a finger or spoon. If the filling still feels too soft or runny, it’s not finished yet and needs more time in the oven. You can also insert a butter knife into the center of the pie and see if it comes out clean—no crumbs or wet residue should be left on the blade. This helps indicate whether your pecan pie needs more time in the oven or if it’s already done.You can use a candy thermometer—the center of the pie filling should be at 200°F.

You can also check for visible signs of doneness such as color changes and surface texture when deciding if a pecan pie is finished baking. The crust should become golden brown around its edges while its center may look slightly darker but still remain firm once fully cooked.

WHAT CAN I SERVE WITH PECAN PIE?

Pecan pie is a classic dessert that pairs well with many different side dishes and beverages. It can be paired with a sweet treat like ice cream or a savory snack, such as a rich cheese plate. Beverages like coffee, tea and cider make for excellent accompaniments to this Southern delicacy.

When serving something sweet to go with your pecan pie, the combination of crunchy pecans and cool, creamy ice cream creates a flavor combination that's hard to beat. For beverages that pair well with pecan pie, coffee is an obvious choice. Its dark flavor notes provide the perfect counterpoint to the sweetness of the pie that pairs wonderfully with the nutty flavor profile.

IS IT NECESSARY TO REFRIGERATE PECAN PIE?

It is important to cool homemade pecan pie before serving. If you do not cool it, the pie will be runny and not have a solid texture. Refrigerating the pie helps make sure it is solid and tasty when served. Plan ahead to let the pie cool for around two hours or overnight before enjoying a slice.

HOW DO I STORE PECAN PIE LEFTOVERS?

If you have leftover pecan pie, it can be stored in the fridge or even frozen. Wrap slices of the pie tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the slices of pie by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. The frozen pies will typically be good to consume for up to two months.

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