There are few things quite as comforting as a sweet, rich, nutty pecan pie. Looking for the best pecan pie recipe ever? The Allrecipes community can't get enough of this top-rated recipe — it's simple, delicious, and it comes together in under an hour with basic ingredients.
Pecan Pie Ingredients
If you have pecans and a few kitchen staples, you likely have everything you need to make this pecan pie. Here's what you'll need:
- Sugar: This recipe calls for nearly two cups of granulated sugar. Some reviewers say they like to use a mixture of white and brown sugars.
- Corn Syrup: Dark corn syrup adds texture, volume, and deep flavor. For a lighter flavor, use light corn syrup.
- Butter: Butter gives this pie richness and a delicious depth of flavor.
- Cornstarch and water: Two teaspoons of cornstarch and a tablespoon of cold water work together to help thicken the filling.
- Eggs: Whole eggs help bind the filling together and add welcome moisture.
- Salt: A pinch of salt goes a long way to enhance the other flavors in the filling.
- Vanilla: Vanilla extract amps up the flavor in a sweet, crowd-pleasing way. You definitely don't want to skip this ingredient.
- Pecans: What would pecan pie be without pecans? Halved or chopped pecans will work well for this recipe.
- Pie shell: Use our top-rated Butter Flaky Pie Crust for guaranteed delicious results. Of course, a frozen or refrigerated crust will work in a pinch.
How to Make Pecan Pie
It couldn't be easier to make this homemade pecan pie. You'll find the full recipe below, but here's a quick preview: Boil sugar, corn syrup, butter, cornstarch, and water in a small saucepan. In a separate bowl, mix beaten eggs with salt and vanilla. Stir in the pecans. Add the cooked sugar mixture to the pecan mixture, then stir to combine. Pour the filling into the pie shell and bake.
How to Tell When Pecan Pie Is Done
This pecan pie should be fully baked after 45 to 50 minutes in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F. If you're not sure if the filling is set, stick a knife or toothpick into the center — if it comes out clean, the pie is done.
Do Pecan Pies Need to Be Refrigerated?
Yes. Since this pecan pie filling calls for three eggs, you'll need to refrigerate it within two hours of baking.
How Long Does Pecan Pie Last?
Stored properly (loosely wrapped in the fridge), pecan pie will last about five days.
Can You Freeze Pecan Pie?
Yes! You can absolutely freeze pecan pie. Just wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic or aluminum foil (use both for added protection) and store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
"This was SO delicious," according to Raquel Ross. "I didn't have dark corn syrup and had to use light. Other than that I made no other changes. My husband and I think it's the best pecan pie we've ever had."
"So far, this is my favorite pecan pie recipe because it's so delicious and very easy," raves aneonvortex. "I use brown sugar and white corn syrup, but otherwise follow the recipe. Once I used a mix of walnuts and pecans because I didn't have enough pecans, and that was great too!"
"I love this pecan pie recipe," says Dgrandma. "The only addition I made was a light drizzle of bittersweet chocolate to dress it up after it was finished cooling. Will definitely make this recipe again!"
Editorial contributions by Corey Williams
