Pecan Pie

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Pecan Pie

If you’re yearning for a warm, nostalgic dessert that wraps you in a hug with every bite, look no further than the classic pecan pie. This sweet, gooey concoction—filled with rich, caramelized pecans swimming in a luscious custard—evokes fond memories of family gatherings and holiday celebrations. Imagine cutting into that golden crust, the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen, inspiring smiles and dessert dances. Perfectly sweet yet delightfully nutty, pecan pie is a slice of indulgence worth making.

Are you prepared to go on a culinary journey that will elevate your dessert experience with just a few simple ingredients?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pecan pie recipe is not just easy to prepare; it’s a true crowd-pleaser. With minimal ingredients readily available in your pantry, you can whip up a dessert that dazzles your family and friends. The flavors meld beautifully, offering a sweet and nutty sensation that leaves everyone craving more. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual weeknight dinner, this pie fits the bill. You’re sure to impress, and the best part? It’s delightfully quick, making it a perfect choice for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• All-purpose flour, for rolling
• 1 batch basic pie dough, chilled
• 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs, beaten to blend
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 2 cups pecan halves
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Imagine your kitchen bathed in the warm glow of the oven while the rich buttery scent envelops you. The promise of that golden pie crust, cradling a luscious filling sprinkled with crunchy pecans, will leave your taste buds tingling in anticipation.

Timing

Pecan pie is the epitome of fast and indulgent desserts. You can pull together this gourmet delight in about an hour, with some prep time and baking creating a luxurious experience that feels decadent. Perfect for those unexpected sweet cravings or as a last-minute addition to your holiday feast, this pie is sure to impress in record time.

Step-by-Step

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and place a baking sheet inside to catch any potential spills, adding an element of convenience to the baking process.

2. Lightly grease a 9 by 1.5 inch pie dish with cooking spray.

3. On a lightly floured surface, roll your pie dough into a 12-inch circle, feeling that perfect elasticity with each roll. Drape it over your pie dish and gently press to fit, ensuring a snug embrace around the edges while removing any air bubbles.

4. Trim the excess dough to about 1 inch and tuck it under itself, crimping the edges for an artistic touch.

5. Line the dough with foil or parchment, filling it with dried beans or pie weights to maintain its shape. Bake the crust for 20 to 25 minutes until the top and sides are dry and set.

6. Remove the foil and weights, continuing to bake until the bottom is dry to the touch, approximately 5 minutes more. Let it cool while we prepare the filling!

7. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, letting it become irresistibly fragrant.

8. Stir together the brown sugar until smooth, then remove from heat and whisk in the beaten eggs, corn syrup, pure vanilla extract, and kosher salt.

9. Scatter those luscious pecan halves into your pre-baked crust before pouring the sweet egg mixture over them. Gently mix to coat the pecans, ensuring every bite will be loaded with flavor.

10. Lightly place foil over the top and carefully place your pie dish on that heated baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees. Continue to bake until the filling is puffed, the center is slightly jiggly, and the edges are set—about 30 to 35 minutes more.

11. Finally, transfer to a wire rack and let cool. The anticipation will be palpable!

12. Serve slices of this rich, gooey masterpiece topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a wonderfully indulgent experience.

Nutritional Information

One slice of pecan pie (approximately 1/8th of a pie) contains around 450 calories. While the calories may be on the higher side, indulging in a slice of this decadent dessert once in a while can add some joy to your life. Enjoy it as a treat, knowing it’s a special occasion dessert that can elevate your dining experience!

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to lighten up your pecan pie, consider using a low-sugar sweetener in place of brown sugar and corn syrup. Additionally, for a dairy-free version, coconut oil can easily replace unsalted butter. You can also experiment with a gluten-free pie crust to accommodate dietary needs!

Serving Suggestions

Pecan pie shines as a dessert at holiday gatherings, but it can also serve as a delightful treat any night of the week. Consider pairing your slice with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an added creamy texture. Serve it alongside coffee or a warm beverage for a cozy, comforting experience.

Common Mistakes

To ensure your pecan pie comes out perfectly, avoid a few common pitfalls:

• Overbaking: Keep a close eye towards the end of the baking time to prevent a dry filling.

• Texture issues: Make sure to properly mix and integrate the filling ingredients for a smooth consistency.

• Messes: Using the baking sheet to prevent spills can save you a lot of cleanup time, so don’t skip that step!

Storing Tips

If you find yourself with leftover pecan pie, fret not! This treat can easily be stored. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also freeze slices individually for an easy dessert whenever the craving strikes. To reheat, simply place the pie slice in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

Tempt readers to bake it ASAP

Now that you possess the secrets to crafting the perfect pecan pie, there’s no excuse not to dive into this delicious recipe. With its alluring aroma, gooey filling, and delightful crunch of pecans, it will surely become a staple in your dessert repertoire. So gather your ingredients, ignite your oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice (or two) of this sweet and nutty indulgence today!

FAQs

• Can I make pecan pie ahead of time?
  Yes! Pecan pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator for the best flavor.

• How do I know when my pecan pie is done?
  The pie is done when the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly—similar to a custard.

• Can I use different nuts?
  Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, walnuts or a mix can create a delicious alternative.

• What should I do if my crust is shrinking?
  Ensure your dough is well-chilled before rolling and avoid overworking it to prevent shrinkage.

• Can I freeze a whole pecan pie?
  Yes, it can be frozen whole. Just ensure it cools completely and is properly wrapped before freezing.

Indulge your senses and create memories in the kitchen with this heartwarming pecan pie recipe. Baking never felt so good!

Pecan Pie

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Pin Recipe

A classic pecan pie filled with rich, caramelized pecans swimming in a luscious custard.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Cooking spray
• All-purpose flour, for rolling
• 1 batch basic pie dough, chilled
• 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs, beaten to blend
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 Tbsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 2 cups pecan halves
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place a baking sheet inside.
2. Lightly grease a 9 by 1.5 inch pie dish with cooking spray.
3. On a lightly floured surface, roll your pie dough into a 12-inch circle and fit it into the pie dish.
4. Trim the excess dough to about 1 inch and crimp the edges.
5. Line the dough with foil or parchment and fill with pie weights. Bake the crust for 20 to 25 minutes.
6. Remove the foil and weights, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the bottom is dry. Let cool.
7. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
8. Stir in the brown sugar until smooth, then whisk in beaten eggs, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt.
9. Scatter pecan halves into the pre-baked crust and pour the egg mixture over them.
10. Cover with foil, place on the baking sheet, and bake for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 30 to 35 minutes until the center is slightly jiggly.
11. Allow to cool on a wire rack before serving with vanilla ice cream.

Notes

For a lighter version, consider using low-sugar sweeteners and coconut oil as a substitute for butter.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

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