Can I make this Simple Pecan Pie ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely! This easy holiday dessert stores beautifully. You can make it 1-2 days in advance and keep it covered at room temperature, or up to 5 days in the refrigerator. It's a fantastic option for holiday meal prep.

What's the healthiest way to prepare Simple Pecan Pie?

For a 'healthier' take, you can slightly reduce the sugar, opt for a whole wheat crust, or simply focus on enjoying smaller portion sizes. Remember, pecans themselves offer beneficial healthy fats and some protein.

Why is my pecan pie filling runny?

A runny filling typically means your Simple Pecan Pie was underbaked. The center should be set but still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken. Check your oven temperature with an external thermometer and bake a bit longer if needed, tenting with foil if the crust is browning too much.

Can I use store-bought pie crust for this Simple Pecan Pie Recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Using a good quality store-bought 9-inch deep dish pie crust is a wonderful shortcut that makes this an even easier holiday dessert, without sacrificing flavor or quality.

What kind of pecans are best for pecan pie?

Fresh, unsalted pecan halves or pieces are ideal. Ensure they are not rancid. Toasting them briefly in a dry pan before adding them to the recipe enhances their nutty flavor significantly, elevating your Simple Pecan Pie.

How do I prevent my pecan pie crust from burning?

If the edges of your pie crust start to brown too quickly, simply cover them with aluminum foil or a reusable pie crust shield for the remainder of the baking time. This protects the delicate crust while the filling finishes setting.

Can I freeze leftover Simple Pecan Pie?

Yes, you can! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw slices overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

What makes this a 'simple' pecan pie recipe?

We focus on straightforward ingredients, minimal steps for mixing the filling, and clear, easy-to-follow baking instructions. Our goal is to eliminate any fuss, ensuring a stress-free and truly easy holiday dessert for everyone.

Simple Pecan Pie Recipe: Easy Holiday Dessert Perfection

Description

This Simple Pecan Pie recipe is an easy, family-friendly holiday dessert. Featuring toasted pecans and a gooey, sweet filling, it brings cozy vibes to any table.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups (150g) toasted pecan halves or pieces
1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
1 cup (240ml) light corn syrup
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon (5ml) pure vanilla extract
1 (9-inch/23cm) unbaked pie crust

Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a homemade crust or to prevent a soggy bottom, lightly blind bake your pie crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling.
Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, lightly beaten eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
Assemble the Pie: Scatter the toasted pecan halves evenly into the bottom of your unbaked pie crust. Carefully pour the prepared filling over the pecans, making sure they are mostly submerged.
Bake to Perfection: Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any potential drips) and bake for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are golden brown and the center is mostly set but still has a slight, gentle wobble when lightly shaken. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, gently tent the edges with aluminum foil.
Cool Completely: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to fully set, making for neat, beautiful slices.

Notes

Substitutions:

Use dark corn syrup for a richer caramel note, or walnuts instead of pecans.
For gluten-free, use a good quality gluten-free pie crust.
For dairy-free, use vegan butter.
A sugar-free erythritol or stevia blend can substitute brown sugar, though texture may vary slightly.
Add a hint of coffee extract to the filling for a deeper, more complex flavor.

Tips & Troubleshooting:

Always choose fresh, plump pecans for the best results; rancid nuts can spoil the entire pie.
Blind bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling to prevent a soggy bottom.
If your pie is too dark, tent it with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
If the filling isn’t setting, your oven might be running cool, so bake it a bit longer, checking every 5-10 minutes.
For mini pecan pies, use a muffin tin and small pie crust cutouts, reducing baking time to about 25-30 minutes.

Nutrition information is estimated due to lack of explicit data in the recipe.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th pie)
Calories: 450
Sugar: 45g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Simple Pecan Pie Recipe Easy Holiday Dessert