There is something about pecan pie that screams fall. Is it because pecans are in season, or is it their warm, sweet, and nutty flavors?
Whatever the reason, we can all agree that it is delicious. Why? It is the sweet and sticky filling, crunchy pecans and the flaky crust.
History
If you love pecan pie, you will be interested in its origins. The pie has been around for centuries. It originated in the Southern United States. It quickly became a favorite dessert among locals.
At its core, Easy Pecan Pie is a simple mixture of sugar, corn syrup, butter, and eggs. These ingredients are mixed with pecans and poured into a pie crust. The combination of ingredients creates a sweet, nutty flavor. It is impossible to resist.
Today, this pie is enjoyed all around the world. It is a popular dessert for special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas. Whether you prefer traditional or modern flavors, Easy Pecan Pie will be a hit with everyone.
If you want a delicious, easy dessert, try this recipe? Its rich flavor and simple ingredients are a surefire crowd-pleaser. Also, you can customize it to your tastes.
Easy Pecan Pie with the Family
Thanksgiving with family is a time to be thankful. What better way to show your gratitude than by making a delicious dessert? Last Thanksgiving, I decided to make an Easy Pecan Pie, and it was a hit with everyone.
The pie was easy to make, using a few ingredients I had lying around the kitchen. I used a pre-made crust, butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and plenty of chopped pecans. After mixing everything and pouring it into the crust, the pie was ready to go in the oven.
As it baked, the scent of the sweet pecans filled the air. My family gathered around the table and admired the beautiful cake before diving into it. The crunchy pecans and the sweetness of the filling were the perfect combinations. After a few bites, we knew it was a success.
We all left the table feeling thankful for the delicious dessert and that it was easy to make. This pie is now a tradition in our family, and I look forward to making it again this year.
Simple Pie Crust Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup cold butter
- 2-3 tbsp cold water
How to Make Pie Crust
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Cut in cubes of cold butter until the texture resembles large peas.
- Add water or milk slowly, and stir until the dough comes together.
- Pour the mixture onto a floured surface.
- Knead the dough to bring it together and form a ball.
- Wrap the ball in plastic and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Roll into 12-inch discs approximately 1/8 inch thick.
- Place in a 9-inch pie pan and trim the excess dough.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
- Allow the crust to cool before using.
Alternative Crusts
Are you looking for an easy and delicious way to switch up your classic pecan pie? Try these creative and tasty alternative pie crusts. There are many flavored crusts. Pair one with your sweet and gooey pie filling.
Graham Cracker Pie Crust:
This crust is a classic alternative for all kinds of pies. Crush 15 graham crackers. Combine the crumbs with melted butter and sugar, and press into an ungreased 9-inch pie plate. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Let it cool before adding the filling.
Nilla Wafer Pie Crust:
Another classic alternative pie crust is the Nilla Wafer Pie Crust. It is as easy as the graham cracker crust but adds a slightly different flavor. To make a Nilla Wafer Pie Crust crush up 20 Nilla wafers. Combine the crumbs with melted butter, vanilla extract, and brown sugar. Press the mixture into an ungreased 9-inch pie plate. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Cool the crust before adding a filling.
Pretzel Pie Crust:
This crust might be the most unique and delicious alternative. Crush 2 ½ cups of pretzels. Mix the crumbs with melted butter and sugar, and press into a 9-inch ungreased pie plate. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Let it cool before adding a filling.
No matter what alternative pie crust you choose, your Pecan Pie will be a hit.
Easy Pecan Pie Filling
- 1/2 cup of packed light brown sugar
- 3/4 sugar
- 1/4 tsp. of salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of melted butter
- 1 cup of light corn syrup
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup of pecan halves
- 1 – 9-in. pre-made pie crust
Instructions for Pecan Pie
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
- Place pre-made pie crust in a 9-in. pie plate.
- Combine eggs, sugars, salt, corn syrup, and vanilla in a large bowl.
- Whisk to combine and incorporate well.
- Add the butter and stir.
- Fold the pecans into the egg mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
- Place pecan halves on the top of the pie
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the center sets.
- Let cool before serving.
Tips for an Easy Pecan Pie
Are you looking for an easy way to make a pecan pie that will wow your guests? Try these tips!
Start with a Perfect Pie Crust:
For an easy pecan pie, start with a perfect pie crust. We recommend using a store-bought crust for the quickest and easiest results. Get refrigerated pie shells or frozen pie crust. But if you want to make a homemade crust, follow our simple recipe for a flaky, buttery crust. It will make your pecan pie stand out!
Use Fresh Pecans:
You want to use the freshest pecans you can find. Look for pecans with no signs of mold or discoloration. Buy unsalted pecans so your pie will not be overly salty.
Make a Homemade Filling:
Making your filling is the key to making a delicious pecan pie. My homemade filling uses brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, corn syrup, and pecans. This combination will yield a pie with a sweet and gooey filling that your guests will love.
Baking it Correctly:
Baking the pie is an essential step in the process. Make sure to preheat your oven. Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes. Check the pie often to make sure it is not getting too brown on top. When done baking, let it cool for at least an hour before serving.
With these tips, you can make an easy pecan pie that everyone will love.
Alternatives to Elevate Your Easy Pecan Pie
Pecan Pie is a classic dessert that is easy to make and delicious.
But if you’re looking for a change of pace, why not try one of these alternatives?
- Try different combinations of nuts, like almonds and walnuts.
- Experiment with other sugars like brown sugar, corn, or maple syrup.
- Add cayenne for a hint of spice.
There are plenty of ways to switch up your favorite recipe. Here are a few of my favorites that will have you wanting seconds.
Peanut Butter Pecan Pie:
Peanut butter and pecans are a classic combination, so why not bring them together in a pie? Add peanut butter chips and use a prepared graham cracker crust.
Mini Pecan Pies:
If you’re looking for a bite-sized version of pecan pie, these mini pies are the thing. Serve them for a crowd or yourself as a sweet treat.
Sweet Potato Pecan Pie:
This unique take on pecan pie incorporates sweet potato pie filling in the recipe. It is a great way to try something different while enjoying a classic dessert.
Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie:
Are you looking for extra sweetness? Chocolate chip pecan pie is the perfect option. Add chocolate chips to the recipe. It’s delicious and served warm with a scoop of ice cream.
No matter how you customize your pie, you will have a delicious dessert that everyone will love. Give one of these alternatives a try, and enjoy the sweet taste of pecan pie in a whole new way.
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