Description
This easy pecan pie recipe features a rich, custardy filling packed with pecans in a flaky crust, finished with a simple maple caramel gloss for an unforgettable gourmet twist perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- One 9-inch (23 cm) frozen or refrigerated pie crust, ready to unroll
- 2 cups (220g) fresh pecan halves
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) light or dark corn syrup
- 0.5 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- 0.5 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 0.25 cup (60ml) pure maple syrup
- 0.5 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
- 1 pinch cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
- 1 sprinkle flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Crust: Gently press your 9-inch pie crust into a standard pie plate, crimping the edges decoratively.
- Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and 0.25 teaspoon of salt until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined (about 1-2 minutes).
- Add Pecans: Gently stir in the pecan halves, ensuring each nut is well coated in the rich, sweet filling mixture before pouring.
- Pour & Bake: Carefully pour the pecan mixture into the prepared pie crust. Bake at 350F (175C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is mostly set with just a slight jiggle. (If crust edges start to brown too quickly, loosely tent them with aluminum foil.)
- Cool Completely: This step is crucial for the filling to fully set. Allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 3-4 hours, or ideally overnight, until it’s firm to the touch.
- Make the Maple Caramel Gloss: In a small saucepan, combine the pure maple syrup, heavy cream, and the remaining 0.25 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
- Gloss & Serve: Once the pie is completely cool, generously drizzle the warm Maple Caramel Gloss evenly over the top. You can serve it immediately for a warm, gooey experience, or let the gloss set slightly for a firmer finish.
Notes
For dietary needs, substitute a certified gluten-free pie crust, and use plant-based butter and cream for a dairy-free option. For elevated flavor, use organic maple syrup and local pecans. Consider adding 1 tablespoon bourbon, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the gloss. If pie is runny after cooling for several hours, it likely needed a few more minutes in the oven during baking to fully set. To prevent overbrowning, protect the crust edges early in the baking process by creating a simple foil shield around the rim of your pie plate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of pie, approx 120 g)
- Calories: 500 calories
- Sugar: 55 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: pecan pie, maple caramel, easy dessert, holiday baking, gourmet, nuts, Thanksgiving, Christmas, one-bowl, classic