Classic Southern Pecan Pie: A Nostalgic Holiday Recipe

Embracing Southern Baking Traditions

As the holidays approach, the sweet aroma of homemade desserts fills the air in many Southern homes. Among these cherished treats, classic southern pecan pie stands out as a symbol of festive gatherings and family traditions. This rich, buttery pie, brimming with toasted pecans, often brings back memories of laughing children and the warm embrace of family. Baking a pecan pie is not just about the dessert; it’s about passing down love and stories through generations.

Rich, buttery, and perfectly sweet — this Classic Southern Pecan Pie features a crisp, flaky crust and a gooey caramel-like filling loaded with toasted pecans. A timeless dessert that belongs on every holiday table.

🕒 Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 50–55 minutes

• Cooling Time: 2 hours

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes

• Servings: 8

🧂 Ingredients

For the Filling

• 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar, packed

• ¾ cup (180ml) light corn syrup

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted

• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1½ cups (150g) pecan halves

For the Crust

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

🔪 Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Place your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges.

2. Make the Filling
   In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

3. Add the Pecans
   Stir in the pecan halves until they’re evenly coated.

4. Fill the Pie Crust
   Pour the pecan mixture into the prepared crust. Arrange a few extra pecans on top for presentation if desired.

5. Bake
   Bake for 50–55 minutes, until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

6. Cool and Serve
   Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature (about 2 hours).
   Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a perfect Southern finish.

💡 Pro Tips

• Cover the edges with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.

• Toast the pecans before baking for extra depth of flavor.

• The pie will firm up as it cools — don’t overbake!