Best Southern Pecan Pie

Introduction

Biting into a slice of Southern Pecan Pie is the culinary equivalent of warm Southern hospitality—crisp, buttery crust enveloping a rich, gooey filling, crowned with golden, toasted pecans. This recipe is revered for its sweet, nutty flavor and its crowd-pleasing simplicity. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual Sunday supper, this pie never fails to captivate guests with a touch of nostalgia and irresistible Southern charm.

Why This Pecan Pie Stands Out

Not all pecan pies are created equal. The best Southern Pecan Pie boasts a perfect balance between crunch and chew, with an amber-hued, caramelized filling that’s neither cloying nor runny. The secret is in carefully toasting the pecans and layering them to ensure every bite delivers texture and flavor. Plus, the ease of preparation means you don’t need to be a pastry chef to master this timeless classic.

Picking and Prepping Your Pecans

Fresh pecans are critical for the most flavorful pie. To enhance their taste and crunch, toast the pecan halves gently before adding them to the filling. A quality Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet, Black is ideal for achieving an even, golden toast on your pecans—just a few minutes over medium heat brings out their natural sweetness and aroma.

The Flaky, Foolproof Crust

A buttery, flaky crust is the backbone of any memorable pecan pie. If making your own, use cold butter and handle the dough minimally to keep it tender. For easy rolling and transferring, a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet prevents sticking and ensures your crust retains its shape. Store-bought is also a great option when you’re short on time.

Mixing and Baking the Perfect Filling

The hallmark of Southern pecan pie is a luscious, set-but-jiggly filling. To achieve this, whisk your eggs, sugars, and syrup until just combined—overmixing incorporates too much air and can lead to cracking. For a smooth blend, try using the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black, especially if you want to add a hint of chocolate or blend in spices like cinnamon for a twist.

Careful baking is key: place your pie on the middle rack and shield the edges with foil if they brown too quickly. A reliable ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking ensures the filling reaches the optimal temperature (about 200°F) for the perfect set.

Serving Southern Pecan Pie in Style

Allow your pie to cool fully before slicing, ensuring the filling sets beautifully and each piece holds its shape. For gatherings, serve each slice on a Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable 10 Pack, White covered table for a clean, welcoming presentation that makes cleanup a breeze.

Pair each slice with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added decadence. This pie is best enjoyed slightly warm, making every bite a comforting delight.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This Southern Pecan Pie recipe yields 8–10 hearty slices, each containing approximately 450–500 calories—most of which come from the wholesome butter, sugar, and pecans. While it’s a treat worthy of special occasions, a small slice packs enough flavor to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Best Southern Pecan Pie (Recap)

Nothing encapsulates Southern comfort like a slice of Pecan Pie, with its crisp crust, gooey filling, and crunchy toasted pecans. This recipe is fuss-free, deeply flavorful, and guaranteed to be a hit at any table—an iconic dessert that will have guests begging for seconds.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast the pecan halves in a Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet, Black for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and slightly darker. Set aside to cool.
2. For the crust, mix flour and salt in a bowl. Cut the butter in using a pastry cutter or your hands until pea-sized crumbs form. Add ice water a tablespoon at a time, mixing until dough just comes together. Roll out on a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll, 45 Square Feet, then fit into a 9-inch pie dish.
3. To make the filling, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, flour, vanilla, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk by hand or blend with the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black until smooth and just combined. Stir in bourbon or cinnamon if using.
4. Arrange toasted pecan halves evenly in the pie shell. Pour filling over the top, spreading with a spatula as needed. Gently tap pie dish to settle any air bubbles.
5. Bake on the center rack for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set but still jiggles slightly. If the edge of the crust browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. Use a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking to check that the filling has reached 200°F.
6. Remove pie and let cool on a rack to room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing. For easy serving and stylish presentation, set your table with a Pureegg Plastic Table Cloth Disposable 10 Pack, White.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (plus cooling time)