Introduction

Pecan pie is a classic dessert that brings warmth, sweetness, and a little crunch to any table. This Easy Pecan Pie recipe simplifies the traditional approach while keeping all the rich flavors intact. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, family dinner, or just a sweet treat on a cozy evening, this pie will impress with its gooey filling and buttery crust.

My Recipe Story

I have fond memories of pecan pie from my childhood. Every holiday, my grandmother would bake the most incredible pies, and the aroma of caramelized sugar and toasted pecans would fill the kitchen. Over time, I experimented to simplify her recipe, making it more approachable for busy home cooks without losing that authentic, nutty sweetness. This version of Easy Pecan Pie is the result of years of trial and error, balancing sweetness and texture, and it has quickly become a staple in my own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
Quick preparation without compromising flavor.
Perfectly gooey and nutty filling that’s never too sweet.

Beautiful, golden-brown crust that pairs well with the rich filling.
Versatile for holidays, weeknight desserts, or special occasions.
Kid-friendly and easy to serve with minimal cleanup.

Ingredient Breakdown

This recipe relies on just a few core ingredients, making it easy for beginners while still delivering classic pecan pie flavor. Sugar provides the caramelized sweetness that forms the base of the filling, while eggs act as the natural thickener to hold the pie together once baked. Melted butter adds richness and a silky texture that complements the crispiness of the pecans.

Each ingredient plays a role in balancing sweetness and texture. The pecans themselves contribute a nutty flavor and crunchy contrast to the smooth filling. If desired, you can lightly toast the pecans beforehand to enhance their natural aroma and give the pie an extra depth of flavor. Simple pantry staples like vanilla extract or a pinch of salt can also elevate the overall taste without complicating the recipe.

Equipment You’ll Need

9-inch pie pan

Mixing bowls (medium and large)
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

Rubber spatula
Saucepan (optional, for melting butter)
Oven mitts

Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your pie bakes evenly and develops a golden-brown crust. Preparing the oven first saves time and ensures the filling cooks at a steady temperature.
Prepare the pie crust: If you’re using a store-bought crust, place it into your 9-inch pie pan and gently press it against the edges. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges for a decorative touch. If making a homemade crust, roll out the dough to fit your pan and follow the same steps.

Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of sugar, 3 large eggs, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy. Adding melted butter gradually ensures the filling has a rich and creamy consistency.
Add the pecans: Fold 1 cup of chopped pecans into the sugar-egg mixture. Make sure the nuts are evenly distributed so that every slice of pie has a perfect balance of nuts and filling. This step is essential for a uniform texture and flavor.
Pour into the crust: Carefully pour the pecan filling into the prepared pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer. Avoid overfilling, as the pie will rise slightly during baking.

Bake the pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Check the pie around 40 minutes—if the crust edges start browning too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours. This gives the filling time to firm up for clean slices. Serve as is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Variations & Substitutions

You can easily customize this recipe based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. Substitute brown sugar for white sugar to achieve a deeper, molasses-like flavor. For a richer texture, add 1/4 cup of corn syrup or maple syrup to the filling. You can also experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds if pecans are unavailable. For a gluten-free version, simply use a pre-made gluten-free pie crust without altering the filling.

Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

Lightly toast pecans before adding them to the filling to enhance their natural flavor.
Use room temperature eggs for smoother incorporation into the sugar and butter mixture.
If your pie edges brown too quickly, tent them with foil to prevent burning while the filling finishes baking.

Allow the pie to fully cool before slicing to maintain clean, neat slices.
For extra shine on top, brush the crust with a light layer of melted butter or an egg wash before baking.

Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead

Store leftover pecan pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. This makes it easy to prepare in advance for holidays or special events without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Easy Pecan Pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For beverages, consider pairing it with a hot cup of coffee, black tea, or even a glass of bourbon for adult gatherings. Garnishing with a few extra toasted pecans adds both visual appeal and a delightful crunch.

FAQ

Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Bake, cool, and store covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of nut? Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or a nut mix work well if you don’t have pecans on hand.
Why is my pie filling too runny? Make sure you use the correct ratio of eggs to sugar and allow the pie to cool completely. Underbaking or skipping eggs can cause a runny texture.
Can I make a vegan version? You can replace eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer and use dairy-free butter alternatives.

How do I prevent the crust from burning? Cover the edges of the crust with foil halfway through baking to protect them from over-browning.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Pecan Pie recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an unforgettable dessert. With minimal preparation, you can enjoy a pie that’s sweet, nutty, and full of comforting flavors. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers, this pie is sure to become a favorite for holidays, family gatherings, or anytime you want a special treat. Don’t forget to serve it with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the indulgence. Once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.

Easy Pecan Pie

Author: Sarah White
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A simple and delicious pecan pie with a gooey filling and buttery crust, perfect for holidays or anytime you crave a sweet treat.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup sugar
3 large eggs

2 tbsp butter, melted
1 cup chopped pecans
1 tsp vanilla extract

1 pinch of salt
1 9-inch pie crust, store-bought or homemade

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pan, pressing gently and trimming excess edges.
In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
Stir in chopped pecans, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until evenly combined.

Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, covering the edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast pecans lightly before adding. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream. Store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes

Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American