There are two things in life I take very seriously: dessert and nostalgia. And if there’s one recipe that brings both together in the most delicious way, it’s the Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie. This isn’t just any pie—it’s the best pecan pie recipe ever, filled with rich, gooey goodness, buttery pecans, and a flaky crust that melts in your mouth. And the best part? It’s easy to make and doesn’t require that infamous Karo syrup, making it a pecan pie without Karo syrup that still holds all the flavor you crave.
The Sweet Inspiration Behind This Recipe
I can still remember the first time I tasted pecan pie. It was a crisp fall evening, the kind where the leaves crunch under your boots, and the air smells like cinnamon and woodsmoke. My grandmother had just pulled a golden-brown masterpiece from the oven, and the scent alone made me weak in the knees. One bite, and I was hooked for life. The caramelized pecans, the rich, velvety filling—it was pure, buttery magic.
Years later, I tried to recreate that memory, but let me tell you, finding the perfect pecan pie recipe is no small feat. Some were too runny, others too firm, and most used ingredients I wasn’t a fan of (looking at you, corn syrup). That’s when I stumbled upon Pioneer Woman recipes, and let me tell you, it was a game changer. Ree Drummond has a way of making classic Southern comfort food feel approachable, and this Southern pecan pie recipe is no exception. I tweaked a few things here and there to make it even more foolproof, and now, it’s a staple at every holiday gathering, particularly for Thanksgiving recipes.
So, if you’re looking for the best pecan pie recipe ever that’s easy to whip up, deliciously nostalgic, and an absolute showstopper on your dessert table, you’ve come to the right place. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, I’ll even let you in on a little secret—this pie pairs beautifully with a Pioneer Woman chocolate pie for a dessert spread that will make your guests swoon.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
1. A True Southern Classic
There’s something deeply comforting about a classic Southern pecan pie recipe. It’s rich, nutty, and just the right balance of sweet and buttery. Every bite feels like a warm hug from a Southern grandma, even if you don’t have one.
2. No Corn Syrup Needed
Many pecan pie recipes rely on corn syrup, but not this one! Instead, we use brown sugar and maple syrup, which gives it a deeper, more complex flavor that isn’t just sweet but incredibly rich and caramel-like.
3. Foolproof and Easy to Make
This easy pecan pie recipe comes together in just 20 minutes of prep time. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a total newbie, you’ll be able to pull this off with no problem.
4. The Perfect Holiday Dessert
Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion—this pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of dessert that has people sneaking back for seconds (and thirds).
5. That Buttery, Flaky Crust
Using the Pioneer Woman pie crust recipe (or your favorite homemade crust) ensures that this pie has the perfect contrast of textures: crisp and flaky on the bottom, gooey and nutty on top.
6. Versatile and Customizable
Want to mix things up? Add a drizzle of chocolate for a hint of richness or swap in bourbon for an extra kick. This pie can be whatever you need it to be!
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Pecan Pie Recipe
For the Filling:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups pecans, roughly chopped
For the Crust:
- 1 pre-made or homemade Pioneer Woman pie crust recipe
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tablespoon bourbon (for a deeper, smokier flavor)
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (for a Pioneer Woman chocolate pie twist)
Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rolling pin (if making homemade crust)
- 9-inch pie pan
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil or pie crust shield
How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Pecan Pie Dish (Step-by-Step Instructions)
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Roll out your pie dough and gently place it into a 9-inch pie pan, crimping the edges decoratively.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, maple syrup, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth and combined.
- Add the Pecans: Stir in the chopped pecans, making sure they are evenly coated in the filling mixture.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. If using, sprinkle chocolate chips on top or mix in bourbon.
- Bake: Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 50-55 minutes. Cover the edges with foil if the crust is browning too quickly.
- Cool & Serve: Let the pie cool completely before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly, giving you perfect slices.
Notes & Tips
1. Crust Protection is Key
Pecan pies bake for a while, which can lead to over-browned crust edges. Using a pie crust shield or foil strips will keep it golden and flaky, not burnt.
2. Let it Cool Fully
I know, the temptation to cut into a fresh, warm pie is real. But letting it cool completely ensures the filling sets properly, so you get clean slices instead of a runny mess.
3. Make Ahead for Convenience
This pie stores beautifully. You can make it a day ahead and keep it at room temperature, covered. This actually helps the flavors deepen overnight.
4. Add a Chocolatey Twist
For a richer pie, mix in dark chocolate chips before baking. This gives you a Pioneer Woman chocolate pie and pecan pie hybrid that’s out of this world.
5. Use High-Quality Pecans
Fresh, high-quality pecans make a world of difference. Toasting them lightly before adding to the filling enhances their nutty flavor.
6. Pair it with Ice Cream
Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
Macronutrient Count Per Serving
- Calories: 480
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sugar: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
Bonus Pro Tips for the Recipe
1. Toast the Pecans First
Toasting your pecans before adding them to the filling brings out their natural oils and enhances their deep, nutty flavor. Just a few minutes in a dry skillet or oven does the trick.
2. Don’t Overbake
Pecan pie continues to set as it cools. If the center still has a slight jiggle when you take it out of the oven, that’s perfect! Overbaking can lead to a dry and overly firm texture.
3. Use a Pie Shield
The edges of your pie crust can brown too quickly. A pie shield or foil strips around the edges will prevent burning while the filling sets properly.
4. Chill for the Best Slices
For clean, picture-perfect slices, chill the pie for a few hours before cutting. This helps the filling firm up and prevents messy servings.
5. Experiment with Flavor Variations
Try adding a splash of bourbon for depth, or a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. A few chocolate chips mixed in can also give it a Pioneer Woman chocolate pie twist!
6. Serve It Warm with Ice Cream
Pecan pie is best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast between the warm filling and cold topping is unbeatable.
Pie Curiosities: Your Questions, Answered!
1. What Can I Serve with Pecan Pie?
A classic Southern dessert like this pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a balanced holiday spread, serve alongside pumpkin pie or a Pioneer Woman chocolate pie.
2. How Can I Make This Recipe Even Easier?
Use a store-bought pie crust to cut down on prep time. You can also mix the filling in a single bowl for fewer dishes!
3. Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Pecan pie tastes even better the next day. Store it covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
4. Can I Freeze Pecan Pie?
Yes! Bake the pie, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
5. What Can I Use Instead of Maple Syrup?
Honey or agave syrup can work as substitutes, though maple syrup adds a distinct depth of flavor. Brown sugar alone will also do the trick.
6. How Do I Know When the Pie Is Done?
A properly baked pecan pie should have a set edge but a slightly wobbly center. Stick a knife in the filling—if it comes out mostly clean, it’s ready.
