Pecan pie is an American classic with origins dating back to the 1800s. It is believed that the dish originated in the Southern United States. It was a popular dessert throughout the region and has become a holiday staple in households across the country.
The traditional recipe for pecan pie includes a buttery, flaky crust and a filling made of eggs, corn syrup, sugar, butter, and of course, pecans. The filling is then poured into the crust and baked until the center is set and the edges have become golden brown.
Making a Great Crust
Making a great crust for a pecan pie is a must. To make a great crust, you will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, ¾ cup of cold, unsalted butter, and 3 to 4 tablespoons of cold water.
To begin, mix together the flour and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender until the mixture looks like small peas. Add in the water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until a dough forms. Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, forming a circle. Grease a 9-inch pie plate with butter and place the crust inside. Trim off any excess dough and crimp the edges to form a decorative edge.
Pecan Pie Filling Recipe
Ingredients:
-3 eggs
-1 cup of light corn syrup
-1 cup of dark brown sugar
-2 tablespoons of melted butter
-1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
-1/4 teaspoon of salt
-2 cups of pecans, roughly chopped
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
-9-inch pie plate
-Rolling pin
-Pastry blender
-Mixing bowl
-Whisk
Cook Time:
-35-45 minutes at 350°F
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Mix in the pecans until evenly distributed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust and spread out evenly.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before serving.
Toppings to Use:
Whipped cream or ice cream are classic garnishes for pecan pie. You can also top it with chopped pecans, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Chocolate Pecan Pie Version
For a delicious twist on this classic recipe, try adding in a layer of semi-sweet chocolate chips before baking. Simply spread a layer of chocolate chips over the pecan mixture before baking. The chips will melt and create a rich, decadent layer throughout the pie.