Few desserts can capture the heart and soul of Southern hospitality like a classic Easy Southern Pecan Pie. This timeless confection combines crunchy, buttery pecans nestled into a gooey, caramel-like filling all hugged by a flaky crust. With its rich flavor and irresistible texture, it’s the ultimate comfort sweet, equally at home for holiday gatherings or simple weeknight treats. If you’re after a fuss-free showstopper that makes every bite feel like a warm hug, this Easy Southern Pecan Pie will quickly become your treasured go-to recipe.

Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Southern Pecan Pie comes together with just a handful of familiar ingredients, each playing a key role. The beauty of this classic lies in the synergy of simple pantry staples transforming into a golden, decadent masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to make your pie truly shine:

Unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust: This ready-made or homemade crust forms the foundation for the pie, holding all that glorious filling.
Light corn syrup: The secret to that signature gooey texture, it gives the pie its classic sweetness and sheen.
Packed light brown sugar: Opt for fresh sugar to infuse deep, molasses-like undertones into every bite.
Large eggs: These bind everything together and add a rich, custardy mouthfeel.
Unsalted butter (melted): Melted butter brings lusciousness and helps create a perfectly set filling.
Vanilla extract: A bit of vanilla balances sweetness and enhances the pie’s warmth.
Salt: Just enough to round out the flavors and keep the sweetness in check.
Pecan halves: The star of the show! For extra nuttiness, toast these for a few minutes before adding.

How to Make Easy Southern Pecan Pie

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab your 9-inch deep-dish pie crust—homemade or store-bought works beautifully—and fit it snugly into your pie dish. For a classic touch, crimp the edges for a decorative border that also helps catch any bubbling filling.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, packed brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until completely smooth and well blended. Take your time here to ensure everything is thoroughly combined; this is what gives the Easy Southern Pecan Pie its silky, luscious texture.

Step 3: Add the Pecans

Stir those beautiful pecan halves right into the filling mixture. The nuts should be evenly coated and distributed. If you toasted your pecans, let them cool slightly before adding for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the filled pecan mixture into your prepared pie crust, smoothing the nuts out if you want an even top. Slide the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is just set and the top gleams a deep golden-brown. If you notice the crust browning too quickly, loosely cover the edges with foil to protect that perfect finish.

Step 5: Cool Completely

Once baked, let your Easy Southern Pecan Pie cool on a wire rack. This patience pays off—you want the filling to set up completely for clean, irresistible slices. Enjoy the anticipation while the aroma fills your kitchen!

How to Serve Easy Southern Pecan Pie

Garnishes

A dollop of pillowy whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on a warm slice takes this dessert to new heights. For a fun twist, sprinkle a little cinnamon or a light drizzle of caramel sauce over the top; both play beautifully with the toasted pecan flavors.

Side Dishes

Pairing Easy Southern Pecan Pie with a mug of bold coffee or a glass of cold milk is a classic for a reason. During the holidays, try serving it alongside fresh citrus salads or tangy cranberry sauce to balance out the sweetness and richness of the pie.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, cut smaller wedges and arrange them on a platter with fresh berries or candied orange peel. Individual tartlets using the same filling are perfect finger food for parties. Or, for a rustic look, serve straight from the pie dish on a wooden board with vintage pie servers—let your guests help themselves!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Southern Pecan Pie is never a bad thing! Cover it and keep it at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate it for longer freshness. The flavors only deepen over time, making those next-day slices extra tempting.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then stash in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to treat yourself or surprise guests with a ready-made dessert.

Reheating

If you prefer your pie warm, gently reheat slices in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. This revives the crust and filling perfectly—add your favorite topping and enjoy as if freshly baked!

FAQs

Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?

Absolutely! Dark corn syrup will give your Easy Southern Pecan Pie a deeper, more robust flavor and a slightly darker appearance. It’s a personal preference, and both versions are delicious.

Can I make this pie without corn syrup?

While corn syrup is traditional for achieving that iconic texture, you can use golden syrup or a combination of maple syrup and honey. The filling may be a bit softer, but it will still taste fantastic.

Why did my pie filling turn out runny?

A runny filling usually means the pie was slightly underbaked or not allowed to cool and set fully. Be sure to bake until the center is set and let it cool completely before slicing for best results.

Can I use chopped pecans instead of halves?

Definitely! Chopped pecans will disperse more evenly throughout the filling, giving a different but equally tasty texture. Just be sure to use the same amount by volume.

What’s the best way to toast pecans?

Spread the pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once. Watch closely—they go from golden to burnt in a flash. Let them cool before mixing into your Easy Southern Pecan Pie filling.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as effortlessly elegant as it is delicious, it’s time to give Easy Southern Pecan Pie a spot in your kitchen traditions. Trust me, the first slice will have everyone coming back for more—so don’t be surprised if it disappears in a flash!

Easy Southern Pecan Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, nutty sweetness of this Easy Southern Pecan Pie. A classic dessert that embodies the flavors of the South, this pie is simple to make and a sure crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust:

1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust

Filling:

1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup packed light brown sugar
3 large eggs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups pecan halves

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Prepare Pie Crust: Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges.
Mix Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until well combined.
Add Pecans: Stir in the pecan halves, then pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust.
Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Cover edges with foil if crust browns too quickly.
Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast the pecans before adding.
This pie is delicious served warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American