Classic Southern Pecan Pie Recipe

This Easy Pecan Pie is a timeless dessert featuring a flaky, buttery pie crust filled with a rich caramel-like filling and plenty of crunchy pecans.

Sweet, nutty, and perfectly gooey, this homemade pie is a holiday favorite that’s surprisingly simple to make with everyday ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Pecan Pie

• Rich, buttery, and perfectly gooey filling
• Loaded with crunchy pecans
• Simple pantry ingredients
• Easy enough for beginner bakers
• Perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas
• Delicious served warm or chilled
• Great make-ahead dessert
• Classic Southern favorite

Ingredients

For the Pie

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
• 1½ cups pecan halves
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

How to Make a Perfect Pecan Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges.

Step 2: Make the Filling

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

Step 3: Add the Pecans

Spread the pecan halves evenly into the prepared pie crust. Pour the filling over the pecans.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the filling is mostly set and the center jiggles slightly when gently shaken. Cover the crust edges with foil if they brown too quickly.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let the pie cool completely for at least 2 hours before slicing. Serve plain, with whipped cream, or with vanilla ice cream.

Tips for the Best Pecan Pie

• Toast the pecans for extra flavor.
• Don’t overbake—the center should still have a slight wobble.
• Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother filling.
• Cool completely before slicing for clean pieces.
• Protect the crust with a pie shield or foil if needed.

Variations

Pecan Pie Bars

A buttery shortbread crust is topped with a rich pecan filling, then baked until golden and cut into easy-to-serve bars.

Pecan Pie Dump Cake Recipes

A rich pecan pie filling is topped with cake mix and butter, then baked until golden with a crisp topping and gooey center.

Pecan Pie Cobbler

A sweet pecan filling is baked beneath a buttery cobbler topping until golden, creating a rich dessert with a gooey caramel-like sauce underneath.

Pecan Pie Cookies

Soft, buttery cookies are filled with a sweet pecan pie filling and baked until golden for a bite-sized version of the classic dessert.

Pecan Pie Dip

A creamy dip is mixed with brown sugar, butter, toasted pecans, and warm spices for all the flavors of pecan pie without the baking.

Pecan Pie Cheesecake

Creamy cheesecake is baked on a buttery crust, then topped with a rich caramel-like pecan mixture for a dessert that combines the best of cheesecake and pecan pie.

Pecan Pie Bark

Crunchy pecans are coated in a buttery caramel mixture, spread over crackers or chocolate, and chilled until crisp for an easy, candy-like treat.

Southern Pecan Pie

Pecans are baked in a rich filling of butter, eggs, sugar, and corn syrup inside a flaky pie crust until golden and set.

Chocolate Pecan Pie

Add 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling.

Bourbon Pecan Pie

Stir in 1 tablespoon bourbon for a rich Southern twist.

Mini Pecan Pies

Bake the filling in mini tart shells for bite-sized desserts.

Easy Pecan Pie Without Corn Syrup

Made with butter, brown sugar, eggs, and maple syrup or honey, then baked with pecans in a flaky pie crust until rich and golden

Storage

Room Temperature: Cover and store for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days.

Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Why is my pecan pie runny?

The pie may need more baking time or may not have cooled long enough before slicing.

Can I make pecan pie ahead of time?

Yes! It’s an excellent make-ahead dessert and tastes even better the next day.

Can I freeze pecan pie?

Absolutely. Wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months.

Should pecan pie be refrigerated?

Yes, once cooled, refrigerate it if keeping longer than 2 days.

Can I use chopped pecans?

Yes. Chopped pecans create a more even texture, while pecan halves give a beautiful presentation.

How do I know when pecan pie is done?

The edges should be set while the center still has a slight jiggle. It will continue to firm up as it cools.