Name: Paula Deen's Pecan Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1.5 cups granulated sugar; 0.5 cups light corn syrup; 1 tsp salt; 1 cup butter, melted; 4 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 4 cups pecan halves; 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust

What is a pecan pie? What is Southern comfort? Growing up, my grandma always made pecan pie for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The smell of it baking would fill the whole house, a sweet smell that meant family was close. Is there a good time ahead? What is Paula Deen’s Pecan Pie recipe? What is the best movie that lives up to the hype? If you’re a fan of other classic pies, like apple or pumpkin, get ready to meet your new favorite. This one’s rich, gooey, and packed with pecans – basically, pure perfection!

What is Paula Deen’s Pecan Pie recipe?

Paula Deen’s Pecan Pie Recipe is, at its heart, a Southern treasure. What is essentially a sweet custard filling, loaded with crunchy pecans, baked in flaky pie crust? Think of it as the ultimate indulgence, a comforting and elegant treat. Is the name “pecan pie” self-explanatory? What makes Paula Deen’s recipe different? What is the best way to put pecans and sugar in a pie shell? It’s about creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. What is that one more slice feeling?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, honey, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Paula Deen’s Pecan Pie Recipe.
First, the flavor is just incredible. It’s sweet, but not cloyingly so, with a rich, buttery taste that’s perfectly balanced by the nutty crunch of the pecans. I tested a lot of pecan pies before settling on this one, but some were either too bland, or the pecans tasted slightly bitter after baking. Paula Deen’s recipe avoids all of these issues.
Second, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Don’t let the “pie” part intimidate you. Even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you can totally nail this recipe. I swear, the hardest part is waiting for it to cool!
Third, it’s cost-efficient. Pecans can be a bit pricey, but compared to buying a bakery-made pecan pie, this is a steal. Plus, you control the quality of the ingredients.
Finally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream (my personal favorite!), or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream. It’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. What I love most about this is that it makes you feel like you’re celebrating, even on a regular Tuesday.

How do you make Paula Deen’s Pecan Pie?

Quick Overview

How do you make a Pecan Pie? How do I make a pie crust? How do you make the pecan-filled filling? What is the best way to bake a crust? The beauty of this method is that it’s straightforward and forgiving. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you can achieve amazing results. What is the key to follow the steps carefully and don’t be afraid to experiment with your own little things?

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust: What is the recipe?
* 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes.
* 1/4 cup ice water

For the Filling:
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1 cup light corn syrup
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease a 9-inch pie plate. How do you remove pie crust? I always dust mine with flour after greasing, just to be extra safe! Make sure the oven is fully heated before you put the pie in, to avoid a soggy bottom.

Step 2: Make the Pie Crust

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside. What is the best way to cut butter into small pieces using a pastry blender or your fingers. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix, as this will result in a tough crust. I always chill my butter first, sometimes even popping it in the freezer for 10 minutes. How do you keep the crust nice and flaky?

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into 12 inch circles. Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared pie plate. Trim the edges and crimp them decoratively. Is it possible to make a pretty pattern using tweezers or by pinching the edges with your fingers? If the dough starts to tear, just patch it up with a little extra dough. Nobody will notice!

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk until well combined. Gently fold in the pecan halves. Don’t overmix, just make sure everything is evenly distributed. I like to use a rubber spatula for this step, to avoid deflating the batter.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the pecan filling into the prepared pie crust. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. To prevent the crust from browning too quickly, you can cover the edges with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. I usually use pie shields, but foil works just as well. The center should still have a slight jiggle, but not be liquidy. It will continue to set as it cools.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This is important, as the filling needs time to set up properly. If you try to slice it while it’s still warm, it will be a gooey mess (though still delicious!). I usually make mine the day before I plan to serve it, to give it plenty of time to cool.

Step 7: Slice & Serve

Once the pie is completely cooled, slice it into wedges and serve. I like to serve mine with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. What are some good side dishes to serve with caramel sauce? If you like a quick snack, you can warm it up in the microwave for 2 minutes before serving. What are some decaden

What should I serve it with?

What is a good recipe for pecan pie? What are the right accompaniments?For Breakfast:What is a good way to start the day with coffee? The richness of the pie balances perfectly with the bitter sweetness of coffee.For Brunch:Serve alongside a platter of fresh fruit and marmalade for an elegant brunch spread. The sweet pie complements the tartness of the fruit and the bubbly mimosa.As Dessert:What are some good pairings with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream? What are some good ways to serve it with caramel sauce?For Cozy Snacks:What’s a good comfort food? A glass of milk or Hot Chocolate? My family loves to eat it while watching movies during the holidays. What is the best way to create a warm, cozy atmosphere?

How do I make Paula Deen’s Pecan Pie?

What is the best way to take pecan pie to the next level? What are some tips for pecan pie perfection?Pecan Prep:How do you toast pecans before adding them to the filling? What is the best way to add crunch to a cookie? If you like to bake cookies on a baking sheet, spread them out and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily.Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the filling, as this can result in a tough pie. Just mix until the ingredients are combined, and then gently fold in the pecans.
Crust Customization:If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add a tablespoon of bourbon or rum to the filling. What are the best ways to add flavor to pecans?Ingredient Swaps: You can substitute maple syrup for the corn syrup in the filling. This will give the pie a slightly different flavor, but it’s still delicious. I’ve also tested this with almond milk instead of dairy milk. The consistency was a little thinner but the flavor was surprisingly delicious, and my lactose-intolerant friends absolutely loved it.
Baking Tips: If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. This will prevent it from burning. Also, check the pie for doneness by inserting a knife into the center. If it comes out clean, the pie is done.
I learned the bourbon trick by accident one year when I’d added it to my eggnog and forgot I already put it in the pie. It was surprisingly delicious, so now I add it every time.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Proper storage is key to keeping your pecan pie fresh and delicious.
Room Temperature: You can store pecan pie at room temperature for up to 2 days, as long as it’s covered tightly. This will prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: Pecan pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze pecan pie for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight.
Glaze Timing Advice: I don’t typically glaze my pecan pie, but if I did, I would add it just before serving, or right after baking. Adding it before storing could make the crust soggy.
When I freeze my pecan pie, I like to slice it into individual portions first. That way, I can just thaw out a slice or two whenever I have a craving!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

You can substitute a gluten-free pie crust for the regular one. Look for a high-quality gluten-free blend with xanthan gum for best results. I’ve found that a mixture of almond flour and tapioca flour works well, but the texture will be slightly different.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

Wait, there’s no zucchini in this recipe!

Can I make this as muffins instead?

While you could theoretically bake the filling in muffin tins, it wouldn’t be quite the same as pecan pie. The crust is an integral part of the experience. However, you could try making mini pecan tarts using mini muffin tins for a similar effect. Reduce the baking time accordingly.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

You can reduce the amount of sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar is important for the texture of the filling. You can also try using a combination of sugar and a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey. Start by reducing the sugar by 1/4 cup and see how you like it.

What can I use instead of the corn syrup?

Light or dark corn syrup helps create the texture of the pie. But if you want to avoid the corn syrup, you can substitute it with maple syrup or golden syrup. The flavor will be different, but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, y’all! Paula Deen‘s Pecan Pie Recipe, a true Southern classic that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s rich, gooey, and packed with pecans – the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought pecan pie again. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other Southern-inspired desserts. Happy baking, and can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you have any tips or variations of your own, I’d love to hear them!