Is pecan pie healthy?

Pecan pie is a rich, indulgent dessert and is high in sugar, fat, and calories, so it should be enjoyed in moderation. However, pecans themselves offer healthy fats, fiber, and essential minerals.

Why is my pecan pie runny?

A runny pie is usually due to two reasons: underbaking or not cooling it completely. Ensure the center jiggles only slightly before removing it from the oven, and always let it cool for at least 4 hours at room temperature for the filling to set properly.

Can I use a different syrup instead of corn syrup?

Corn syrup provides the classic gooey texture. You can substitute it with maple syrup or golden syrup, but be aware that this will change both the flavor and the final texture of the pie filling.

How do I store leftover pecan pie?

Once cooled, cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can be served chilled or allowed to come to room temperature.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, pecan pie is an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. Its flavor often improves after a day.

Home / Recipes / southern / Pecan Pie

southernMediumeggetarian

Pecan Pie

POPULARITY

0.0/5

TASTE SCORE

9/10

A truly classic Southern dessert, this pecan pie features a rich, gooey, caramel-like filling loaded with toasted pecans, all nestled in a flaky, buttery crust. It's the perfect sweet treat for holidays and family gatherings.

PREP

15m

COOK

SERVES

1 SLICE

288 cal

SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

For 8 servings

1 9-inch deep-dishUnbaked Pie Crust · Store-bought or homemade1.5 cupPecan Halves · To be divided3 pcsLarge Eggs · Lightly beaten1 cupDark Corn Syrup½ cupDark Brown Sugar · Packed4 tbspUnsalted Butter · Melted and slightly cooled2 tspVanilla Extract½ tspSalt

NUTRITION · PER SERVING

288

CALORIES · 1 SLICE

Protein5g · 7%

Carbs19g · 26%

Fat23g · 72%

Fiber2g

Sodium199mg

Potassium128mg

Phosphorus94mg

How we calculate →

INSTRUCTIONS

4 steps.

4 STEPS

1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Oven and Pecans
- b.Position a rack in the lower third of your oven and preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- c.Place the unbaked pie crust on a large, rimmed baking sheet to catch any potential drips.
- d.Spread the pecan halves in a single layer on a separate small baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they are fragrant and slightly darkened. Be careful not to burn them.
- e.Remove the pecans from the oven and let them cool completely. Once cooled, roughly chop half of the pecans (about 3/4 cup) and leave the other half as whole halves.
2
Step 2
- a.Make the Filling
- b.In a large bowl, whisk together the dark corn syrup, packed dark brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- c.In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the eggs with a fork just until the yolks and whites are blended. Do not over-beat, as this can create a foamy texture on the pie.
- d.Gently whisk the beaten eggs into the syrup mixture until just incorporated.
- e.Fold in the 3/4 cup of chopped toasted pecans.
3
Step 3
- a.Assemble and Bake
- b.Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
- c.Arrange the remaining 3/4 cup of whole toasted pecan halves decoratively on top of the filling.
- d.Carefully place the baking sheet with the pie into the oven on the lower rack.
- e.Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. To check for doneness, gently shake the pie. The edges should be set and puffed, and the center should have a slight jiggle, similar to gelatin. An instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should read 200°F (93°C).
- f.If the crust or pecans are browning too quickly, tent the pie loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
4
Step 4
- a.Cool Completely
- b.Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. This is a crucial step and will take at least 4 hours.
- c.The filling will continue to set as it cools. Slicing the pie while it's still warm will result in a runny filling.
- d.Once completely cooled, you can serve it, or cover and refrigerate it for a firmer texture. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Toasting the pecans before adding them to the filling is a small step that makes a huge difference, deepening their nutty flavor.
2
For the cleanest slices, chill the fully cooled pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
3
Using a deep-dish pie crust provides ample room for the rich filling and prevents spillovers.
4
Don't skip the salt! It's essential for balancing the intense sweetness of the corn syrup and brown sugar.
5
Let your melted butter cool slightly before mixing it with the eggs to prevent them from scrambling.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

Chocolate Pecan Pie

Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips to the filling along with the chopped pecans for a decadent twist.

Bourbon Pecan Pie

Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of your favorite bourbon to the filling along with the vanilla extract for a classic, warming flavor.

Maple Pecan Pie

Replace half of the dark corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a distinct, rich maple flavor.

Spiced Pecan Pie

Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced version perfect for autumn.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Why this is on our healthy list.

heart

Source of Healthy Fats

Pecans are rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help lower bad cholesterol levels.

leaf

Rich in Antioxidants

Pecans contain various antioxidants, including vitamin E and ellagic acid, which help protect the body's cells from oxidative damage.

mineral

Provides Essential Minerals

This pie is a good source of manganese and copper, thanks to the pecans. These minerals are vital for brain function, metabolism, and maintaining a healthy immune system.

QUESTIONS?

Frequently asked questions

A typical slice of homemade pecan pie contains approximately 500-600 calories, primarily from the sugar, butter, and pecans.

PAIRS WELL WITH

Complete meals featuring this recipe

american·15 min·532 cal

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Pecan Pie

For 8 servings

4 steps.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4