Pecan Pie with Brown Sugar Filling

Servings: 8 Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins Difficulty: Beginner
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Introduction

Pecan pie is one of the most iconic American desserts, especially popular during Thanksgiving and Christmas. With its rich, buttery filling, crunchy pecans, and golden flaky crust, it offers the perfect blend of sweetness and texture. This particular version uses brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor that balances beautifully with the nuttiness of pecans.

The pie is simple to prepare, yet feels indulgent and festive. It’s the kind of dessert that instantly makes a holiday table feel complete.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s sweet but not overly cloying, thanks to the richness of brown sugar. The filling has a smooth, custard-like texture that pairs perfectly with the crisp, toasted pecans on top. Each bite is buttery, nutty, and comforting.

Another reason I adore it is because pecan pie is deeply nostalgic—it reminds me of family gatherings, laughter, and cozy evenings during the holidays. It’s one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug in pie form.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

  • Classic holiday dessert that’s always a crowd favorite.
  • Beautiful presentation—those glossy pecans on top make it look elegant.
  • Rich, buttery, nutty flavor with caramel notes from brown sugar.
  • Surprisingly easy to make with minimal ingredients.
  • Make-ahead friendly—perfect for stress-free entertaining.

Preparation & Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 55 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: ~3 hours 10 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

  • Servings: 8 slices
  • Calories per Serving: ~480 kcal

Cuisine & Course

  • Cuisine: American (Southern classic)
  • Course: Dessert

Ingredients

For the Pie Filling:

  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup corn syrup (light or dark, depending on preference)
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups pecan halves

For the Crust:

  • 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

Simple Cooking Directions

  1. Prepare pie crust in pie dish.
  2. Mix filling ingredients until smooth.
  3. Stir in pecans.
  4. Pour into crust and bake until set.
  5. Cool completely before serving.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

  1. Prepare the Pie Crust
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Place pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
  2. Make the Filling
    • In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
  3. Add the Pecans
    • Stir in pecans until well coated in the mixture.
  4. Assemble the Pie
    • Pour filling into prepared crust. Arrange some pecans on top for a beautiful pattern if desired.
  5. Bake the Pie
    • Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggles when gently shaken.
    • If the crust browns too quickly, cover edges with foil.
  6. Cool the Pie
    • Allow to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling firm up.

How to Serve

  • Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
  • Pair with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
  • A hot cup of coffee or spiced tea balances the sweetness perfectly.

Additional Recipe Tips

  • Use toasted pecans for extra depth of flavor.
  • For a richer taste, use dark corn syrup instead of light.
  • Don’t overbake—the pie should be just set, not dry.
  • Cool completely before cutting to avoid a runny filling.

Variations

  • Chocolate Pecan Pie: Add ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips.
  • Bourbon Pecan Pie: Add 1–2 tablespoons bourbon for warmth.
  • Maple Pecan Pie: Replace corn syrup with maple syrup.
  • Mini Pecan Pies: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.

Freezing & Storage

  • Refrigeration: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
  • Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

Special Equipment Needed

  • 9-inch pie dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Aluminum foil (optional for crust edges)

Conclusion

Pecan Pie with Brown Sugar Filling is a holiday classic that never goes out of style. With its gooey, caramel-like filling, crunchy pecans, and flaky crust, it’s the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether you serve it with whipped cream or ice cream, this pie is guaranteed to be the highlight of your dessert table.

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Pecan Pie with Brown Sugar Filling

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 55 mins Total Time 1 hr 10 mins
Servings: 8 Calories: 480 kcal

Description

Pecan pie is one of the most iconic American desserts, especially popular during Thanksgiving and Christmas. With its rich, buttery filling, crunchy pecans, and golden flaky crust, it offers the perfect blend of sweetness and texture.

Ingredients

For the Pie Filling:

For the Crust:

Instructions

  1. repare the Pie Crust : Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
  2. Make the Filling : In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
  3. Add the Pecans : Stir in pecans until well coated in the mixture.
  4. Assemble the Pie : Pour filling into prepared crust. Arrange some pecans on top for a beautiful pattern if desired.
  5. Bake the Pie : Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggles when gently shaken. If the crust browns too quickly, cover edges with foil.
  6. Cool the Pie : Allow to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling firm up.
Keywords: Pecan Pie with Brown Sugar Filling
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! Pecan pie is great for making 1–2 days in advance. Store in the fridge until serving.

Q: Why is my pecan pie runny?

It likely wasn’t baked long enough. The center should jiggle slightly but not be liquid.

Q: Can I use dark brown sugar?

Yes! It will add even richer molasses flavor.

Q: Do I need to pre-bake the crust?

No, it bakes along with the filling.

Samantha Doe Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I'm Samantha, a full-time food blogger, mother of 2 beautiful daughters and a lovely wife. I live in New Jersey with my family. Loves traveling, sharing new recipes, and spending time with my family.

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