Classic Southern Pecan Pie: A Holiday Tradition

Delightful Memories of Southern Baking

In the heart of every Southern home, the aroma of classic desserts brings nostalgia and warmth during the holiday season. Southern baking traditions are steeped in love, and few desserts embody this spirit as perfectly as pecan pie. This rich, buttery, and gooey treat, filled with toasted pecans and baked in a flaky crust, is a staple at gatherings, evoking memories of family celebrations and cherished moments around the table.

This classic Southern pecan pie is simple to make, yet utterly delicious. Prep time takes about 15 minutes, and you’ll need to bake it for 75 minutes, totaling just under two hours for this comforting holiday pie recipe.

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!