This old-fashioned southern pecan pie recipe is the holiday classic that everyone loves with plenty of crunchy pecans surrounded by gobs of sweet goo. AND you'll learn the secret to never over or under-baking this classic southern dessert again!
Toast the pecans for a few minutes in the oven being careful not to scorch them; set aside.
Mix the eggs well, add the corn syrup and melted butter.
Add the white sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt; beat well.
Stir in the pecans.
Pour the pecan pie filling into the pie shell.
Bake for 1 hour at 350F. You may need to let it bake 5 more minutes. Pie will still be jiggly - it will register 185- 200F on an instant read thermometer when done.
Refrigerate overnight!!!!!
Serve or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
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Notes
You can add a tablespoon of bourbon if you want. It gives it a nice flavor twist.
Make sure everything is at room temperature except the pie crust.
Freeze the pie crust while you are making the filling.
By using a combination of finely chopped pecans, coarsely chopped pecans, and pecan halves there are plenty of pecans in every bite.
I mixed the pecans in with the sugar and egg mixture just before putting it in the pie crust. I was not sure that they would float to the top but they did just fine.
Toast the pecans to get the most flavor.
Use light brown sugar so it adds flavor but doesn't overpower the flavor of the pie.
Once you put the filling together bake it immediately or it will sort of separate when baking.
If the crust starts to get too brown cover it with aluminum foil.
Don 't over bake this pie. It will register 195 - 200F on a insta-read thermometer when it is done. Overbaking will ruin the gooey filling.
An overcooked pecan pie gets hard and grainy.
Make the pie a day ahead of time for best flavor.
Store finished pie in the refrigerator but let it come to room temperature before serving.