Simple Southern Pecan Pie

My oldest and I love pecan pie. In fact, we like to double the filling recipe when we make it to keep the rest for snacking. It goes amazing with some vanilla yogurt, on vanilla ice cream, or rolled up in crescents. This southern-style pecan pie is sure to be a hit on your dessert table this year.

This year make the most of your holiday table by making your own pecan pie instead of buying one from the grocery store for the best pie ever.

The Foundation: A Flaky Pie Crust

Every great pecan pie begins with a flaky, buttery pie crust. In a food processor, blend 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt. Add chilled, diced unsalted butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Gradually add 2-4 tablespoons of ice water, pulsing until the dough comes together. Form it into a disk, refrigerate for 30 minutes, and then roll it out on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. The foundation is set!

The Heart of Southern Sweetness: Pecan Pie Filling

The soul of the Southern Pecan Pie lies in its gooey, sweet filling. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of light corn syrup, and 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter.

Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a dash of salt for that perfect balance of flavors. One by one, add three large eggs, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

What you need for homemade pecan pie

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves

How to make a classic Southern pecan pie

Prepare the Pie Crust:

In a food processor, combine the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter pieces and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and pulse until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.

Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Roll Out the Pie Crust:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place the rolled-out crust into the pie dish, trim any excess, and crimp the edges.

3. Prepare the Filling:

In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in the pecan halves until they are evenly coated with the filling.

5. Make Your Pie:

Pour the pecan filling into the prepared pie crust.

Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes or until the center is set and the crust is golden brown.

Savoring Southern Tradition

Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. The first bite is a journey into Southern comfort – the flaky crust gives way to a sweet, gooey filling, perfectly complemented by the crunch of pecans. Each bite is a celebration of tradition, a testament to the culinary heritage passed down through generations.

So, why not bring a taste of the South into your home with this classic Southern Pecan Pie? Share it with loved ones, and revel in the joy that comes from creating a dessert that embodies the warmth and hospitality of Southern culture.