The Irresistible Pecan Pie Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of buttery pastry, sweet and sticky filling, and crunchy pecans in a pecan pie. Every time I take a bite, I’m transported back to my childhood, sitting around the kitchen table with my family during Thanksgiving. This beloved dessert has become a tradition in many American households, and its origins can be traced back to the southern United States.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted cold butter, cut into small pieces
• 2-3 tablespoons ice cold water

For the filling:

• 1 cup dark corn syrup
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted melted butter
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Crust

Start by making the crust. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.

2. Rolling and Placing the Crust

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disc. Roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle and carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish. Press the dough into the bottom and sides of the dish, trimming any excess dough hanging over the edge. Crimp the edges of the crust using your fingers or a fork to create a decorative pattern.

3. Preparing the Filling

In a medium bowl, whisk together the dark corn syrup, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Stir in the pecan halves, ensuring they are evenly coated with the mixture.

4. Baking the Pie

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the filling into the prepared crust, spreading the pecans evenly. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly jiggles in the center.

5. Serving and Enjoying

Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely before serving. Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed, and top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Variations and Tips:

If you’d like to add more depth of flavor to your pecan pie, you can toast the pecans before incorporating them into the filling. Simply spread the pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant.

To add an interesting twist to your pecan pie, you can also incorporate chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate over the finished pie for a delightful combination of flavors.

Nutritional Facts: