Pecan Pie Recipe

Nutty, crispy, and caramelized in the center, this quick and easy Pecan Pie Recipe is a perfect addition to any Thanksgiving table. The sweet, gooey filling and buttery pie crust make every slice hard to resist. Made with just 7 ingredients and a frozen pie crust, it’s simple enough to enjoy year-round. Serve with a dollop of  Whipped Cream or a scoop of Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream for an extra-special treat.

What is Pecan Pie?

Pecan pie is a classic Southern dessert made with pecans, eggs, butter, and sugar, baked in a flaky pie crust with a sweet, gooey filling. It’s a holiday favorite, especially at Thanksgiving, but it’s just as good year-round. Many Southern families have their own versions of this pie, with recipes passed down through generations.

Ingredient Notes

A good pecan pie comes down to a sweet, buttery filling and plenty of pecans. Here’s what you’ll need to make it at home.

• Pie crust: A frozen pie crust keeps things simple and saves prep time.
• Light corn syrup: I prefer Karo for that classic pecan pie filling with a smooth, gooey texture.
• Eggs: These help the filling set while keeping the center soft and rich.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that traditional pecan pie filling.
• Brown sugar: Pack it firmly into your measuring cup for extra richness and a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
• Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps bind the filling.
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and rounds out the sweetness.
• Pecans: Use half chopped pecans for crunch throughout the filling and half whole pecans for a pretty top.

How to Make Pecan Pie

This pecan pie is so easy to throw together, and you only need 7 ingredients! Using a frozen pie crust makes prep even quicker, so the hardest part is waiting for it to bake and cool. Here’s how to make it.

Step1: Preheat Oven + Prepare Pie Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F. Set the prepared pie shell aside.

A frozen pie crust is a great shortcut, but if you have time to make your own, try my Homemade Pie Crust or All-Butter Pie Crust.

Step 2: Make Pie Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Spread the pecans in the bottom of the prepared pie shell, then pour the filling over the top.

Step 3: Bake + Cool Completely

Bake for 50–60 minutes in the lower two-thirds of the oven, until the filling is set. Let the pie cool completely before slicing so the filling can firm up.

Love nutty desserts? Try my Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler, Caramel Pecan Pie Cheesecake, or Greek Baklava.

Tips for Success

Pie can be a little tricky, and although this pecan pie recipe is super easy, a few helpful tips won’t hurt.

• Cover the crust if needed. If the edges start browning too quickly before the filling sets, loosely cover them with foil or use a pie shield to prevent burning.
• Check the center for doneness. The filling should be mostly set, with a slight jiggle in the center. An instant-read thermometer should register around 200°F when inserted into the filling.
• Let it cool before slicing. The filling will still be soft when the pie first comes out of the oven. Give it plenty of time to cool so each slice holds together instead of running onto the plate.

What to Serve With Pecan Pie

A slice of pecan pie is even better with something creamy on the side or a little drizzle over the top. Here are a few simple pairings that go especially well with its sweet, buttery filling.

• Whipped Cream – Light and fluffy, it balances the rich pecan filling.
• Vanilla Ice Cream – Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the crunchy pecans.
• Butter Pecan Ice Cream – Brings out even more buttery, nutty flavor.
• Salted Caramel Sauce – Adds a sweet-and-salty touch to every slice.

Find the printable recipe card below, and save or share this recipe for the holidays. With its sweet filling and crunchy pecans, this pecan pie is one you’ll want to make again and again. Happy baking, friends!

Variations

A few small changes can give this classic pie a new flavor.

• Chocolate Pecan Pie: Stir chocolate chips into the filling before pouring it into the crust for a rich, chocolatey twist.
• Bourbon Pecan Pie: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling for a deeper flavor that pairs well with the brown sugar and pecans.
• Maple Pecan Pie: Replace a small portion of the corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a subtle maple flavor that complements the pecans.

More Fall Pies to Try!

• Homemade Pumpkin Pie Recipe
• Whipped Brown Sugar Pecan Pie
• Cranberry Fluff Pie
• Pumpkin Cream Pie
• Perfect Sweet Potato Pie
• Buttery Apple Pie Recipe

Storage and Reheating

Store pecan pie in an airtight container or cover the pie dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 3–4 days.

Serve chilled or let a slice come to room temperature. To warm it, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Can I Freeze Pecan Pie?

Yes! Pecan pie freezes well, making it a great dessert to prepare ahead of the holidays.

• To Freeze: Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• To Thaw: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving.
• To Reheat: Microwave individual slices in 30-second intervals until warm.

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tag me @laurens_latest.