Southern Pecan Pie

This classic Southern pecan pie recipe has nutty toasted pecans, a sweet and gooey filling, and a buttery crust. It’s a Southern classic that belongs on your holiday dessert table!

Hey Cousins! Today, we’re making a truly classic Southern dessert: pecan pie! I love a good old-fashioned pecan pie during the holidays, so I’m going to share my tried-and-true Southern-style pecan pie recipe with you all step-by-step!

I hate to brag, but I do believe this is the best Southern pecan pie recipe in the world. Seriously, I do! Every time I make this pie for a special occasion, it comes out amazing, and I get rave reviews. What makes this simple pie so good? The ingredients! I’m not stingy with pecans or spices. I use the perfect amount of eggs (because we don’t do the runny custard texture around here, Boo-boo!) and a warm and flavorful bourbon vanilla extract.

Pecan Pie’s Deep Southern History

Now, everyone knows that pecan pie is a classic dessert – one of America’s favorite pies right next to pumpkin and apple! But why is it such an icon of the South?

Well, aside from the fact that pecan trees are abundant in places like Georgia and Texas, its southern popularity is thanks to one of the key ingredients in pecan pie: Karo syrup! Karo Corn Syrup published a pecan pie recipe on their bottles in the early 1930s, which spread the dessert like wildfire around the homes of wives and homemakers in the South.

It’s a delicious pie known for its simple ingredients, nutty flavor, and sweet, gooey filling. Topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s the perfect finishing touch after a filling Thanksgiving dinner.

And if this is your first time making a homemade pecan pie recipe – don’t you worry your pretty little head! We’ll walk through this easy recipe step-by-step so you can make the most delicious, beautiful pie for your holiday table.

Ingredients for Classic Southern Pecan Pie

Now, one reason why pecan pie is one of my favorite desserts is because it doesn’t call for a ton of complicated ingredients. You just need the basics! You can find the full ingredient list and measurements in the recipe card below. Here’s everything you need to make the best pecan pie recipe.

• Pie Crust: I do like to take a shortcut and use a premade crust in this recipe to save time, but you can make homemade pie crust if you want!
• Pecans: can’t have a pecan pie without ‘em! I use chopped pecans in this recipe, but you can use whole pecans or even pecan halves if you like more crunch.
• Eggs: using four whole eggs in this recipe gives us the perfect texture in the filling.
• Light Corn Syrup: for sweetness and texture in the filling.
• Sugar: also for sweetness – yes, this pie is sweet as… well, pie!
• Melted Butter: makes the filling taste rich and smooth.
• Nutmeg: adds the perfect warm, nutty flavor to the pie.
• Vanilla Extract: you want to use good quality vanilla. My secret ingredient is Trader Joe’s bourbon vanilla extract – it’s got a deep, warm, nutty flavor that is perfection in pecan pie!

Is light or dark corn syrup better for pecan pie?

Honestly, either can be used in this recipe! Light corn syrup has a milder flavor. Dark Karo syrup will make your pecan pie filling a bit darker and really bring out that nutty flavor. Using dark brown sugar instead of white sugar would have the same result – so if that’s what you have on hand, feel free to use it.

What is a substitute for Karo syrup in pecan pie?

If you don’t have it on hand, there are a few things you can swap with corn syrup for a similar result. Maple sugar is a good swap, but it will (obviously) give your pecan pie that sweet maple flavor. Honey is another good option. But again, if you want that classic pecan pie flavor, stick with corn syrup for the best results.

Classic Pecan Pie Recipe Steps + Video Tutorial

Okay, fam, now it’s on to the good stuff – making this super simple Southern pecan pie recipe! Y’all already know I have a video tutorial that walks you through exactly how to make this perfect pie, and you can watch it below!

Don’t forget to subscribe to I Heart Recipes on YouTube, where I’ve shared tons of recipe videos. You can find all your holiday recipes, sweet desserts, and Southern classics all in one place!

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How to Make Southern Pecan Pie Step by Step

1. Cream Eggs, Sugar, Corn Syrup, and Butter: In a large bowl, mix the eggs, granulated sugar, and melted butter together. It’s best to work with room-temperature ingredients so everything combines smoothly.
2. Add Vanilla and Nutmeg: Next, add in the bourbon vanilla extract (you can use regular if that’s all you have) and nutmeg. If you don’t love the flavor of nutmeg, leave it out or swap it out for some ground cinnamon (I promise, the flavor boost is worth it!).
3. Add Pecan Pieces: Place the crushed pecans in the bottom of the unbaked pie crust. While the pie bakes, those pecans will rise to the top of the pie, giving you that iconic pecan pie top!
4. Pour the Filling: Pour the filling over the pecans, filling the pie shell. Since I’m using store-bought pie dough, it comes in its own pan. If you’re making homemade, you’ll want to use an 8- or 9-inch pie dish.
5. Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet to avoid any sticky spillage in the oven, and bake the pecan pie at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes. If the edges or top of the pie start to become too brown, cover the pie with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
6. Rest: Allow the pie to cool completely before serving. In fact, if you have time, let the pie sit overnight! You need to allow plenty of time for the gooey pecan pie filling to set into the perfect texture.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Pecan Pie Recipe

There’s a reason pecan pie is one of America’s favorite desserts – it’s simple, sweet, and has a classic, iconic flavor everyone loves. Now, you know I’d be outta my mind not to give you some Cousin Rosie tips to make this already easy recipe even more simple for y’all.

• You don’t have to pre-bake the pie crust before adding the filling. However, you can if you want, but it’s not necessary. I think the flakey, buttery crust bakes up perfectly enough without pre-baking, and it saves me some time.
• If you’re using store-bought crust like I am, let it thaw a bit before preparing the pie. Otherwise, it might be underdone.
• Corn syrup too sticky? Spray your measuring cup with a quick burst of cooking spray. The corn syrup will slide right on out, mess-free!
• When shopping for corn syrup, be careful not to accidentally grab high fructose corn syrup. It’s much sweeter than regular corn syrup and much more unhealthy to consume.

Can you make Southern pecan pie ahead of time? 

Yes! In fact, it’s the perfect Thanksgiving dish to make ahead of time. It will last for a day or two in the fridge, have plenty of time to set, and still taste delicious on the big day. So, if you need to save some time and start your holiday baking early, pecan pie should be first on your list.

How do you tell when pecan pie is done baking?

Your pecan pie will be a little jiggly when it comes out of the oven, but that cooling time is what really makes the difference! The filling should not be too liquidy or loose. If it still is, it needs to bake longer. You can always wrap foil around the edges and over the top of the pie to prevent burning.

How do you properly store pecan pie?

Like most pies with custard-like egg fillings, pecan pie should always be stored in the fridge. Let your pie cool at room temperature for up to two hours, then wrap it up with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container, and it will last in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s also freezer-friendly!

How do I get a decorative pecan pattern on top of my Southern pecan pie?

If you want those perfectly arranged pecans on the top of your pie, it’s easier than you think! Simply prepare the pecan pie as directed in the recipe. Once you’ve poured the filling into the crust, the pie is ready to decorate! Place whole pecans carefully on top of the unbaked pecan pie filling in whatever pattern you like, then bake as directed. You’ll have a beautiful pecan pie topped with nutty roasted pecans that look almost too good to eat!

More Holiday-Worthy Desserts from I Heart Recipes

Well, Cousins – that’s it! That’s how you make the most perfect Southern pecan pie recipe! This easy recipe is perfect any time of year, but I know it’s a holiday staple, which is exactly why I’m sharing it now.

Before you go, be sure to check out these other holiday dessert recipes to round out your dessert table!

• Pecan Pumpkin Pie
• Homemade Pecan Pie Bars
• Sweet Potato Cheesecake
• Easy Homemade Apple Pie
• Old Fashioned Chess Pie
• Southern Sweet Potato Pie
• Traditional Pumpkin Pie

Loved this semi-homemade Southern pecan pie recipe? Leave a comment below! Share a photo of your Thanksgiving spread by tagging me on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram. Don’t forget to check out I Heart Soul Food, Super Soul Food with Cousin Rosie and A Cousin Rosie Holiday, with many recipes you can’t find anywhere else.