Texas Pecan Pie Recipe: Best Southern Recipe for Pecan Pie posted by Something Swanky Pin Share Tweet Email Jump to Recipe SomethingSwanky is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. If there’s one thing that’s synonymous with the Lone Star State, it’s the Texas pecan pie. This classic recipe, often served at Thanksgiving dinner, is a favorite among many, and for good reason. Today, I’ll be sharing the secrets behind the perfect Texas pecan pie recipe. I’ll share the tips and techniques that make it so special, along with a little history and some fun facts! A Brief History of the Texas Pecan Pie While the pecan tree has been around in North America since the late 1800s, the first pecan pie recipe didn’t make its way into Texas cookbooks until the 1930s. The pecan, being native to the southern United States, quickly became a staple ingredient in many southern recipes. In fact, the pecan is the state nut of Texas and the pecan pie has been declared the official state pie. Ingredients: The Heart of a Perfect Pecan Pie The heart of any Texas pecan pie recipe lies in its ingredients. The filling typically consists of brown sugar, dark corn syrup (or sometimes light corn syrup for a milder flavor) or our recommended corn syrup substitutes, and of course, the star of the show, pecan halves. Using fresh pecans, whether they be halves or pecan pieces, can really elevate the taste of your pie. The Secret to a Delicious Nut-filled Pie The secret to a perfect pecan pie lies in the balance between the gooey filling and the crunchy pecans. While some prefer to mix the pecans into the syrup mixture, a rule of thumb for the perfect Texas pecan pie is to carefully arrange the pecan halves on the top of the pie. As the pie bakes, these pecans rise to the top, creating a delicious nut-filled crust on top of the gooey pecan filling. Crust: The Foundation of Your Texas Pecan Pie The crust is the foundation of any pie, and this holds true for the Texas pecan pie. The best pie crust recipe would typically involve combining flour, salt, and unsalted butter at room temperature in a food processor. Add a little bit of ice water, and voila! You have your pie crust. Remember, nobody likes a soggy bottom, so it’s essential to pre-bake your pie crust for about 10-15 minutes before adding the filling. And don’t forget to use the right pie pan. Baking: The Final Frontier The perfect pecan pie is baked until the filling is set and the crust is a beautiful golden brown. This usually happens at an oven temperature of around 350 degrees F. But here’s a tip – if you notice the edges of your pie crust browning too quickly, cover them with a little aluminum foil to prevent burning. Once baked, let the pie cool on a wire rack before slicing into it. Variations of the Classic Texas Pecan Pie While the classic Texas pecan pie recipe is a crowd-pleaser, there are plenty of variations to explore. There are fudge pecan pies, pecan pie bars, and even a chocolate version for those with a sweet tooth. Another popular variant is adding a dash of bourbon or maple syrup to the filling for an extra layer of flavor. The possibilities are endless! Serving Your Pie: The Perfect Finale Now that your perfect pecan pie is ready, it’s time to serve it. While the pie itself is incredibly flavorful, adding a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of dark Karo syrup can really tantalize the taste buds. Trust me, this will leave your guests looking forward to the next time they can enjoy your Texas pecan pie. Conclusion: The Texas Pecan Pie Experience Be it the gooey filling, the crunchy pecans, or the flaky crust, every element of a Texas pecan pie recipe contributes to a unique and unforgettable experience. So, whether you’re a Texan hosting a holiday dinner or just a pie lover looking to try out new recipes, the Texas pecan pie is a classic that’s worth perfecting. The next section will be about the recipe itself, which I’m sure you’re eager to try out. But for now, I hope you’ve gained a deeper appreciation of this beloved southern pecan pie. Continue to Content Classic Texas Pecan Pie Recipe Yield: 8 Servings Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Additional Time: 2 hours There's nothing quite like a slice of sweet, nutty and scrumptious pecan pie, especially when it's a classic Texas-style version. This easy-to-make pie is rich, decadent, and bursting with flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want to treat your family to a delicious dessert. Print Ingredients 1 cup of light corn syrup 1 cup of granulated sugar 1/4 cup of brown sugar 3 large eggs 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon of salt 1 and 1/2 cups of Texas pecans, roughly chopped 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust Instructions Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).In a large bowl, combine the light corn syrup, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix well until the sugars are fully dissolved.Beat the eggs slightly in a separate bowl. Then, add them to the sugar mixture, stirring until well combined.Add the melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt to the mixture. Stir until these ingredients are thoroughly mixed in.Stir in the chopped Texas pecans. Make sure all the pecans are coated with the mixture.Pour the pecan mixture into the unbaked pie crust. You can arrange a few more pecans on top for a prettier presentation if you like.Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with foil.Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving to let the filling set up.Slice and serve as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. Notes This pie can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. Nutrition Information: Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1 Amount Per Serving: Calories: 520Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 320mgCarbohydrates: 68gNet Carbohydrates: 65gFiber: 3gSugar: 50gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: 6g
