Best Pecan Pie

pecan pie in a glass pie dish on a wood surface with a tan towel, pecans, a serving spatula, plates and forks surrounding it

5 from 2 ratings

Just one bite of this pecan pie and you'll know exactly why it's my family's favorite! Keep reading and I'll be your pecan pie coach, walking you through my 6 fool-proof steps to pie perfection.

Prep Time10

Cook Time1 5

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: pecan pie

Servings:

Author: Beth

Equipment

Ingredients

Homemade Pie Crust
or store bought pie crust

Pie Filling

⅓ cup (76g) butter melted
1 tsp cornstarch
½ cup (107g) brown sugar
½ tsp salt
1 cup (236ml) corn syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 large eggs
2 ½ cups (285g) pecans

Instructions

Pie Crust

Follow our Homemade Pie Crust instructions to make a homemade crust. Once the crust is assembled and fluted in the pie pan, place it in the refrigerator while you prepare the pie filling.
Homemade Pie Crust, or store bought pie crust

Filling

Position your oven rack in the bottom ⅓ of your oven and preheat the oven to 350º.
Whisk the cornstarch into the melted butter.
1/3 cup (76g) butter, 1 tsp cornstarch
In a larger mixing bowl whisk the brown sugar, salt, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and melted butter mixture. Add in the eggs and whisk again.
1/2 cup (107g) brown sugar, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup (236ml) corn syrup, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 3 large eggs
Pour the pecans into the unbaked pie crust. Spread into an even layer.
2 ½ cups (285g) pecans
Pour the filling over the pecans. The pecans will slowly rise to the surface.
Place the pie in the oven and bake for 35 minutes. Check the pie every 20 minutes to see if the crust is becoming too brown. If so, cover the edge with a crust protector. Bake for 60-75 minutes. To determine if the pecan pie is done, use one of these methods.
Visual Inspection: Check the color of the pie. The crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be set. The pecans on the surface may darken a bit, but they should not be burned or overly toasted.
The "Jiggle" Test: Gently tap the side of the pie dish, or give it a light shake. The center of the pie should have a slight jiggle, similar to a gentle wave. It should not be liquidy or overly wobbly. The outer edges of the filling should appear slightly puffed and set.
Toothpick or Knife Test (Optional): If you're uncertain, you can also insert a toothpick or a thin knife into the center of the pie, about an inch from the edge. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If there's liquid filling on the toothpick or knife, the pie needs more time.

Nutrition