What is a pecan pie? The kind that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite. What do you want in a Southern dessert? I know there are a million pecan pie recipes out there, heck, I’ve tried most of them, but this one? This one is pure gold. What is the best balance of gooeyness and crunch? Is there anything more comforting than my Grandma Betty’s apple pie? What is Paula Deen’s Pecan Pie recipe?

What is Paula Deen’s Pecan Pie recipe?

What is the meaning of “what is it”? Think of it as the quintessential Southern dessert, elevated to pure indulgence. What is essentially a buttery, flaky pie crust filled with sweet, gooey custard loaded with crunchy, caramelized onions? Isn’t it the kind of pie that’s rich, decadent, and unapologetically delicious? It’s not light, it’s non-diet-friendly, but it is unbelievably satisfying. Is it homey, comforting, and perfect for holidays, special occasions, or even just a splurge? What is the best thing to do on a Tuesday? My friends always tell me they think of this pie as liquid gold and pecan, because the taste and texture. Is it comforting to feel so comfortable?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Honestly, where do I even begin? This Paula Deen’s Pecan Pie Recipe is practically a guaranteed success every single time. Let me break it down for you:

Flavor:The taste is just amazing. You get the buttery sweetness of the filling, the toasty crunch of pecans, and that hint of spice. What is vanilla that ties it all together? Is it a symphony of flavors that just work together?
Simplicity:What are some of the easiest recipes to make? What are the ingredients for this recipe?
Cost-What are some pantry staples for pecans? Is it possible to make a whole pie out of it?
Versatility: While it’s perfect as is, you can easily customize this pie to your liking. Add a splash of bourbon for a little extra kick, or a pinch of cinnamon for a warm, spicy flavor. The possibilities are endless!

What I love about this is that it always gets rave reviews. I bring this pie to every holiday gathering, and it’s always the first thing to do. What makes this pecan pie recipe special? Is it truly unforgettable? I think it’s the perfect blend of sweetness, butter, and nuts.

How do you make Paula Deen’s Pecan Pie recipe?

Quick Overview

Alright, darlin’, here’s the lowdown. Basically, you’re going to whip up a simple pie crust, mix together a rich and gooey pecan filling, pour it into the crust, and bake it until golden brown and bubbly. The best part? It’s even easier than it sounds! Don’t let the decadent flavors intimidate you – this recipe is totally doable for any home baker. This is a recipe to put on repeat!

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust: What is the recipe?

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt. 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes.
1/4 cup of ice water.

Quality Tips:Make sure your butter is ice cold! This is key to getting a flaky crust. I usually pop it in the freezer for about 15 minutes before I start. I always use unbleached all-purpose flour for the best flavor.

For the Pecan Filling:

1 cup granulated sugar. 1 teaspoon
1 cup light corn syrup. 1 teaspoon salt.
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted.
Three large eggs, lightly beaten.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt.
1 1/2 cups pecan halves. 1 1/4 cups.

Preparation NotesI like to use light corn syrup for that classic pecan pie flavor, but you can use dark corn if you like. If you prefer a deeper, richer taste, then this is the one for As for pecans, make sure they’re fresh and crunchy. I like to toast them in the oven for a few minutes to bring out their flavor even more.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate. I always dust my pie with a little flour, just to be extra sure the pie doesn’t stick. Set aside while you make the crust and filling.

Step 2: Make the Pie Crust

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Set aside. How do you cut butter in a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs? Add the ice water to the dough and mix until smooth. How do you not overmix?

Step 3: Roll Out the Pie Crust

How do you shape dough into a disc? Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Once chilled, roll out dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to the prepared pie plate, trim the edges, and crimp decoratively.

Step 4: Make the Pecan Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the butter, sugar, corn syrup, and salt until smooth. Set aside. Beat in the milk, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Stir in pecan halves.

Step 5: Assemble & Bake

Pour the pecan filling into the prepared pie crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Cool Completely

Remove pie from oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This is important! The filling needs time to set up properly. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it is worth the wait.

Step 7: Slice & Serve

Once the pie is completely cooled, slice it into wedges and serve. I love to serve mine with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla Ice Cream. What are some good reasons to eat it on its own?

What to Serve It With

What are some good ideas for a pecan pie recipe by Paula Deen? What is the best way to take it over the top?

For Breakfast:Can you serve a slice of pecan pie with coffee? What’s a good way to start the day?

For Brunch: Serve it alongside other brunch favorites like quiche, muffins, and fresh fruit. It adds a touch of Southern charm to any brunch spread.

As Dessert: This pie is the perfect ending to any meal. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat. A glass of milk works too!

For Cozy Snacks: Sometimes you just need a little something sweet in the afternoon. A slice of pecan pie with a cup of tea is the perfect way to satisfy your cravings.

My family tradition is to have a slice of pecan pie after Thanksgiving dinner, it’s the perfect way to end a wonderful celebration! And you would not believe the amount of conversations I’ve had over this pie – so many! It’s truly a staple in my family.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Paula Deen’s Pecan Pie Recipe

Okay, y’all, listen up! I’ve made this pie more times than I can count, so I’ve learned a few tricks along the way:

Cold Butter is Key: I cannot stress this enough! Cold butter is essential for a flaky pie crust. Make sure your butter is ice cold before you start, and don’t overwork the dough.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together, and then chill it in the refrigerator.
Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the filling will bring out their flavor and add a nice crunch. Just pop them in the oven for a few minutes until they’re lightly toasted.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking the pie will result in a dry filling. The filling should be set but still a little jiggly in the center. It will continue to set as it cools.
Cool Completely: Let the pie cool completely before slicing and serving. This will allow the filling to set up properly.
Bourbon Boost: Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the filling for a little extra warmth and flavor. It’s totally optional, but I highly recommend it!

I learned the hard way that overbaking this pie is a big no-no. The first time I made it, I left it in the oven a little too long, and the filling was dry and crumbly. Trust me, you want that gooey, custardy texture! I also experimented with different types of nuts, but pecans are definitely the way to go. They just have that perfect flavor and texture that complements the sweet filling so well.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat your pecan pie:

Room Temperature: You can store pecan pie at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil to keep it from drying out. I always find that the freshness fades a little after day 1.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can keep pecan pie in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any odors. It always amazes me how well the pie holds its flavor in the fridge!

Freezer Instructions: Pecan pie can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Glaze Timing Advice: I usually don’t glaze my pecan pie, but if you do, I recommend adding the glaze just before serving. This will keep it from getting sticky or soggy during storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the crust with a gluten-free blend. Look for one that contains xanthan gum for the best texture. You might need to add a little extra liquid to the dough, as gluten-free flours tend to be drier. I’ve tested it with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, and it worked wonderfully!

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

Whoops, sorry! That must have been left over from my zucchini bread recipe! Pecans don’t need peeling, just a quick check to make sure there’s no shell fragments hiding in your batch.

Can I make this as muffins instead?

While this recipe is specifically for a pie, you could try adapting the filling for mini pecan tarts! Use pre-made mini tart shells, fill them with the pecan mixture, and bake for a shorter amount of time (around 20-25 minutes). Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

If you prefer a less sweet pie, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling by 1/4 cup. You can also substitute some of the corn syrup with maple syrup for a more complex flavor. I actually tested it once with honey, and it was still great!

What can I use instead of the glaze?

This recipe doesn’t actually use a glaze, but if you’re looking for extra pizazz, try dusting the cooled pie with powdered sugar or serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Caramel sauce is another delicious option!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my darlings! This Paula Deen’s Pecan Pie Recipe is more than just a dessert, it’s a slice of Southern comfort that you can share with your loved ones. It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. If you love this pie, you might also enjoy my recipe for sweet potato pie – it’s another Southern classic that’s perfect for the holidays! I hope you give this recipe a try, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Happy baking, y’all! And please, leave a comment below and let me know what you think – especially if you add your own little twist!