A Slice of Southern Charm: The Ultimate Pecan Pie Recipe
There's nothing quite like a slice of homemade pecan pie to bring a touch of Southern charm to your table. This classic dessert, with rich buttery filling and crunchy pecan topping, is a favorite for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
Whether you're a seasoned baker or trying pie-making for the first time, our step-by-step pecan pie recipe is designed to help you quickly create a show-stopping dessert. You can craft a delicious and visually stunning pie using simple ingredients like pecans, brown sugar, and a hint of vanilla.
This pecan pie recipe will become a beloved kitchen tradition, perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you want to treat yourself to something sweet. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible, timeless dessert!
History of Pecan Pie
Pecan pie has a rich history intertwined with the culinary traditions of the American South. The pecan, native to North America, has been a part of indigenous diets for centuries. However, the pecan pie as we know it today began to take shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The earliest recipes started appearing in cookbooks in the late 1800s. One of the first printed recipes was in an 1898 issue of "The Ladies' Home Journal." However, it wasn't until the 1920s that it became widely popular, largely thanks to the promotion efforts of Karo, a company that produces corn syrup. Karo syrup recipes included pecan pie, and this sweet, gooey ingredient became a staple, giving the pie its distinctive texture and sweetness.
Louisiana is often credited as the birthplace of pecan pie, with its abundance of pecan trees and French culinary influences. Over time, pecan pie became a Southern staple, often associated with holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Despite its relatively recent origins, pecan pie has become a beloved classic, celebrated for its rich, nutty flavor and sweet, custard-like filling. Today, recipe variations abound, but the traditional version remains a cherished part of American dessert traditions.
Pecan Pie Day
July 12th is celebrated as National Pecan Pie Day in the United States, a special day dedicated to enjoying and appreciating this beloved dessert. The origins of this observance have yet to be widely documented. Still, it's likely rooted in the long-standing popularity of pecan pie in American cuisine, particularly in the South, where pecans are abundant.
This day allows people to indulge in pecan pie during the summer, when many fruits are in season, and people are more likely to enjoy homemade baked goods. It’s a day to celebrate its rich history and delicious flavor and perhaps try out new recipes or perfect old favorites. Designating a day specifically for it encourages bakers and dessert lovers to come together and share their love for this classic treat.
5 Fun Facts
- Native Nut: Pecans are the only central tree nut native to North America, making pecan pie a genuinely American dessert. Native Americans were the first to cultivate and utilize pecans long before European settlers arrived.
- Karo Syrup Boost: The popularity of pecan pie surged in the 1920s thanks to Karo syrup, a brand of corn syrup. Karo promoted their syrup as an ideal ingredient for pecan pie, leading to the sweet, gooey filling we associate with today’s pie.
- State Dessert: Pecan pie is so beloved in Texas that it was declared the official state dessert in 2013. Pecans also hold the title of the official state nut of Texas.
- Holiday Favorite: While pecan pie is enjoyed year-round, it is trendy during the holiday season, particularly at Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's a staple at many festive tables, often alongside other traditional pies like pumpkin and apple.
- Variety of Recipes: There are numerous variations of pecan pie, including chocolate pecan pie, bourbon pecan pie, and even pecan pie bars. Each variation offers a unique twist on the classic recipe, catering to different tastes and preferences.
📖 Recipe
Simple Pecan Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ pound butter 1 stick
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup corn syrup
- ¼ tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 eggs
- ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup pecans chopped
- 1 9 inch pie shell uncooked
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. At the same time, you put these ingredients together.
- Finely chop the orange zest and chop the pecans.
- Brown the butter. Here's how. Using a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and cook until the edges turn brown. Be very careful not to burn the butter. The goal is to brown the edges of the butter to give it a nutty flavor. Remove the pan from the stovetop and let it cool a little.
- Combine the rest of the ingredients except for the pie shell & pecans in a large mixing bowl using a whisk to blend all the ingredients.
- Add the butter & pecans, being sure to mix well but don't overwork it.
- Pour this combined mixture into the pie shell and bake for 10 minutes on the center rack. Reduce the heat to 375° F and bake for an additional 35 minutes.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool before slicing it.
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