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Texas Pecan Pie

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When it comes to dessert, Texas Pecan Pie holds a special place in our hearts. This sweet pecan dessert is a staple at holiday gatherings and potlucks across the Lone Star State. 

If you haven’t made pecan pie before, you’re in luck! Our easy Texas pecan pie recipe will walk you the process for making this iconic Texan dessert. So, gather your ingredients, grab an apron, and let’s get to it!

What does pecan pie taste like?

This pie is rich and sweet with a distinctive toasted pecan flavor. The gooey treacle filling is made of eggs, butter, and sugar that caramelizes during baking and creates a pudding-like texture. The pecan nuts add a satisfying crunch that brings it all together.

On what occasions should I serve pecan pie?

This classic Texan dessert is perfect for fancy and casual occasions. Here are some of the best times to serve pecan pie:

  • Holidays: In addition to pumpkin pie, pecan pie will usually make an appearance at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. If you’re from Texas, it is expected!
  • Casual Gatherings: Pecan pies are super easy to transport. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, and head to your destination.
  • BBQs and Cookouts: Pecan pie and smoky BBQ go hand in hand and make the ideal dessert to serve at summer BBQs and tailgating events.
  • Sunday Dinner: There’s nothing like a delicious Texas Pecan Pie that adds the “comfort” to comfort food. Let’s face it, Sunday dinners are where memories are made, and this pie will help craft those memories.

Ingredients

  • Granulated sugar
  • Dark corn syrup
  • Eggs
  • Unsalted butter
  • Vanilla extract
  • Whole milk
  • All-purpose flour
  • Texas Bourbon,, or your favorite bourbon (optional)
  • Pecan halves (use fresh Texas pecans if have access to them)
  • 1 9-inch frozen pie shell (in pan)
Pie crust

Is it better to use a premade pie shell or make your own?

Choosing between a premade pie shell and a homemade one depends on time, preference, and culinary skill. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, so let’s compare them:

  • Premade Pie Crust:
  • These crusts are convenient, have a consistent texture throughout, and require less time and skill. However, they can lose flavor during freezing, and many premade shells contain preservatives.
  • Homemade Pie Crust:
  • The best part about a homemade pie crust is that it has a delicious flavor, calls for fresh ingredients, and has a rich and flaky texture. Customize the flavor to suit your tastes. However, making a pie crust takes time and skill and can yield different results based on culinary experience.

How to make Texas pecan pie:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Remove the pie crust from the freezer, unwrap it, and set it on a baking sheet. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  • Chop 1/2 of the pecans into smaller pieces, reserving the larger halves for later.
  • Combine the granulated sugar, white corn syrup, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, whole milk, all-purpose flour, bourbon, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir until all the ingredients are smooth and well combined.
  • Fold the chopped pecans into the filling mixture, making sure they are evenly distributed.
  • Pour filling into the prepared pie shell. Smooth the mixture out with a spatula.
  • Next, arrange the remaining pecan halves on top.
  • Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the pie is set and the top is golden brown. Use a clean toothpick or a knife to test the center. If it comes out clean, the pie is done.
  • Remove pecan pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack (1 1/2-2 hours).
  • To serveslice the Texas Pecan Pie into equal-sized portions and top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. 
Pie slice

How long does a pecan pie last?

If you’re lucky, you might have leftovers! Pecan pie can last a few days or weeks, depending on how well it’s stored. Here are some general guidelines:

  • Room Temperature: An uncut pecan pie can be stored at room temperature for 1 day. After that, it’s best to refrigerate or freeze it to extend its shelf life.
  • Refrigeration: Store the pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. 
  • Freezing: Pecan pies freeze well; this is a great option for long-term storage. Here’s how to do it:
  • Whole Pie: Let the pie cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it into a large resealable container to prevent freezer burn. Label the lid with the date, and freeze the pie for 6 weeks.
  • Individual Slices: Wrap each slice with plastic wrap and place them into a large resealable container. Label with the date, freeze for up to 6 weeks, and remove what you need.
  • To thaw a frozen pecan pie, place it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Warm slices in the oven at 250 degrees for 8-10 minutes, or skip this step and enjoy it cold.
  • Please note: Examine the pie’s appearance and smell to determine if it’s still safe to eat. If there is any doubt, throw it away.

Substitutions:

  • Use brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor. 
  • Use walnuts or hazelnuts (filberts) instead of pecans.
  • Add 4 ounces of grated unsweetened chocolate for delicious chocolate pecan pie.
  • Substitute whole milk with coconut milk.
  • Gluten-Free Diets: Use a certified GF pie shell and a GF all-purpose flour for this recipe.
  • Too sweet? Add a pinch of salt to the filling mixture.
Texas Pecan Pie

Texas Pecan Pie

When it comes to delicious desserts, Texas Pecan Pie holds a special place in our hearts. This sweet pecan dessert is a staple at holiday gatherings and potlucks across the Lone Star State.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American Food
Keyword: pecan pie, Texas pecan pie
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 1100kcal

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup dark corn syrup
  • 3 large eggs beaten
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon optional
  • 1 1/4 cups pecan halves unsalted, untoasted
  • 1 9- inch frozen pie shell in pan

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Remove the pie crust from the freezer, unwrap it, and set it on a baking sheet. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
    1 9- inch frozen pie shell
    Pie crust
  • Chop 1/2 of the pecans into smaller pieces, reserving the larger halves for later.
    1 1/4 cups pecan halves
  • Combine the granulated sugar, white corn syrup, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, whole milk, all-purpose flour, bourbon, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir until all the ingredients are smooth and well combined.
    3/4 cup granulated sugar, 3/4 cup dark corn syrup, 3 large eggs, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 tablespoons whole milk, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons bourbon
    Making pecan pie 1
  • Gently fold the chopped pecans into the filling mixture, making sure they are evenly distributed.
    1 1/4 cups pecan halves
    Adding pecans to pie filling
  • Pour filling into the prepared pie shell. Smooth the mixture out with a spatula.
    pouring pie filling into crust
  • Next, arrange the remaining pecan halves on top.
    Placing pecan halves on pie filling
  • Bake for 50 minutes or until the pie is set and the top is golden brown. Use a clean toothpick or a knife to test the center. If it comes out clean, the pie is done.
  • Remove pecan pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack (1 1/2-2 hours).
    Texas Pecan Pie
  • To serve, slice the Texas Pecan Pie into equal-sized portions and top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Store the pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 6 weeks.

Nutrition

Calories: 1100kcal | Carbohydrates: 124g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 84g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 39g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 77mg | Sodium: 1069mg | Potassium: 344mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 284IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 7mg

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