Homemade Pecan Pie Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that evokes warmth and comfort, then this Homemade Pecan Pie Recipe is perfect for you. There’s something magical about the sweet, nutty flavor of pecans paired with a rich, gooey filling that makes every slice feel like a warm hug. This pie is not just for special occasions; it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending all day in the kitchen.
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply indulging in a cozy evening at home, this pecan pie will surely delight everyone around the table. Plus, with its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find yourself making it time and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Family Favorite: Its rich flavor appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it a hit at any gathering.
- Versatile Options: You can easily modify the recipe to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
- Make Ahead: Bake it in advance; it stores well and tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need
This Homemade Pecan Pie Recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Let’s gather what we need:
For the Pie Crust
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 4–5 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 ½ cups whole pecans (or chopped, based on your preference)
Variations
One of the best things about this pecan pie is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative with these variations:
- Make it Vegan: Substitute the eggs with a flaxseed-water mixture for a vegan-friendly filling.
- Sweeten Naturally: Replace corn syrup with a mix of maple syrup and agave syrup for a healthier twist.
- Add Chocolate: Stir in some chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat!
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for added warmth and flavor.
How to Make Homemade Pecan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by mixing the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. This blend creates a flavorful base for your crust. Next, add cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial because cold butter helps create a flaky texture.
Step 2: Bring It Together
Now, add ice water one tablespoon at a time. Mix gently after each addition until the dough holds together when pinched. Avoid overmixing; we want that lovely flakiness! Once combined, form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Once chilled, roll out your dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Gently transfer it to a 9-inch pie pan. Don’t worry if it tears—just patch it up! Trim any excess dough from the edges.
Step 4: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together light corn syrup and brown sugar until smooth. This mixture forms the sweet foundation of our filling! Add eggs and vanilla extract next—whisk until thoroughly combined—then pour in melted butter and fold in those luscious pecans.
Step 5: Assemble & Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully pour your prepared filling into the pie crust, arranging pecans decoratively on top if desired. Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes until set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center. This ensures that every slice has just the right consistency!
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Once baked to perfection, remove your pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing into it. This waiting period enhances its flavors even more!
Enjoy sharing this delightful Homemade Pecan Pie Recipe with friends and family—it’s bound to become one of your go-to desserts!
Pro Tips for Making Homemade Pecan Pie Recipe
Creating the perfect pecan pie is all about attention to detail and a little love in the kitchen. Here are some pro tips to help you achieve that deliciously gooey filling and perfectly flaky crust.
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Use chilled ingredients: Keeping your butter and water cold helps create a flaky pie crust. Warm ingredients can lead to a tough texture, so make sure everything is chilled before you start mixing.
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Don’t overmix your dough: Overmixing can activate the gluten in the flour, resulting in a dense crust. Mix just until the dough comes together for a light and flaky result.
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Check for doneness carefully: The center of your pie should be slightly jiggly when you take it out of the oven. It will continue to set as it cools, so pulling it out at the right time is crucial for that perfect texture.
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Let it cool completely: Allowing your pie to cool completely before slicing ensures clean cuts and allows the filling to firm up. This step can make a big difference in presentation!
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Experiment with nuts: While pecans are traditional, feel free to mix in other nuts like walnuts or almonds for added flavor and crunch. Just remember to adjust the amounts as needed!
How to Serve Homemade Pecan Pie Recipe
Pecan pie is not just delicious; it’s also visually stunning! Here are some creative ideas to present this delightful dessert at your next gathering.
Garnishes
- Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve your pie with whipped coconut cream. It adds a rich sweetness that complements the nutty filling beautifully.
- Chocolate drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted dark chocolate can enhance both flavor and appearance, making each slice look like it came straight from a bakery.
- Fresh mint leaves: A sprig of fresh mint on top adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
Side Dishes
- Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances the richness of pecan pie perfectly, creating a classic dessert duo that everyone loves.
- Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a light contrast to the sweet pie, making it an ideal side dish.
- Coffee: Serving your pecan pie alongside a hot cup of coffee not only enhances its flavor but also makes for a comforting ending to any meal.
- Cheese platter: A selection of mild cheeses pairs nicely with pecan pie by adding savory notes that complement its sweetness.
With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be well on your way to impressing friends and family with your homemade pecan pie! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage
This Homemade Pecan Pie Recipe is perfect for meal prep and special occasions alike. You can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully while saving you time on the day of your gathering.
Storing Leftovers
- Wait until the pie is completely cool before storing.
- Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- For best results, place a piece of wax paper between the pie and the wrap to prevent sticking.
Freezing
- Once the pie is fully cooled, slice it into individual portions if desired.
- Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the pie or slices on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
FAQs
Here are some common questions that might arise while making this delightful dessert.
How can I make my Homemade Pecan Pie Recipe vegan-friendly?
You can easily make this pecan pie vegan by substituting eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). Allow it to sit until it thickens before adding it to your filling mixture.
Can I use a different sweetener in my Homemade Pecan Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! For a healthier twist, you can replace light corn syrup with a mix of maple syrup and agave syrup. Just keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly.
What type of pecans should I use for my Homemade Pecan Pie Recipe?
You can use whole pecans or chopped pecans based on your preference. Whole pecans give a lovely presentation, while chopped pecans will distribute more evenly throughout the filling.
How do I know when my Homemade Pecan Pie Recipe is done baking?
The pie is done when the edges are set and firm, but the center remains slightly jiggly. It will continue to firm up as it cools, so don’t worry if it appears a bit soft initially!
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this Homemade Pecan Pie Recipe as much as I do! It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience filled with warmth and joy that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether you’re enjoying it at holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners, each slice brings comfort and nostalgia. Happy baking, and may every piece be filled with sweet memories!
Homemade Pecan Pie
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
If you’re seeking a heartwarming dessert that brings joy to any gathering, this Homemade Pecan Pie Recipe is the answer. With its sweet and nutty flavor profile, every slice feels like a comforting embrace. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this pie features a gooey filling complemented by a flaky crust, making it a beloved choice for both kids and adults alike. Plus, with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and again!
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 4–5 tablespoons ice water
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs (or flaxseed mixture for vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 ½ cups whole pecans (or chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water until the dough holds together. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough into a circle and transfer it to a pie pan.
- For the filling, whisk together corn syrup and brown sugar in a bowl. Add eggs (or flaxseed mixture), vanilla extract, melted butter, and pecans; mix well.
- Pour the filling into the crust and bake for 50–60 minutes until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly.
- Allow cooling completely before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
