Christmas is the time to enjoy gathering, celebrating, and eating delicious food with friends and family. Traditional pecan pie is the ideal dessert to round out your holiday celebration. With its deliciously rich, gooey, delightful filling and flaky buttery crust, this pecan pie recipe will impact your Christmas table. It’s not just an iconic Southern favorite.
However, it’s an enticing treat that will bring people together scrumptiously, bite after bite. Suppose you’re making it for your first time or trying to perfect your baking techniques. In that case, this recipe will ensure that your Christmas celebration is memorable. Let’s make a dessert that you and your family will discuss for a long time!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
The recipe for this pecan pie is made with simple ingredients that are easy to find. They combine to make an exquisite dessert that is both delicious and cozy. The ingredients you’ll need are:
- 1-inch pie-crust (store-bought or homemade, if you like)
- 1.25 cups of corn syrup light (for the gooey texture that is so distinctive)
- 1 cup of granulated sugar (to add sweetness to the mix)
- Three large eggs (to make it easier to bind the filling)
- 1/3 cup of butter that is unsalted melting (for extra richness)
- One teaspoon of vanilla extract that is pure (for some warmth)
- 1.5 cups pecan halves (the main attraction!)
- Salt a little (to help balance the flavors)
Other options include an ounce of bourbon for an extra festive flavor and dark corn syrup to enhance the flavor. Select the best option for your table at Christmas!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to make a delicious pecan pie that is sure to be the star of your Christmas dinner menu:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and let it cool.
- Within a large enough mixing bowl, mix all the ingredients: corn syrup, sugar granulated in a large bowl, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and blended.
- Spread the pecan halves uniformly on top of your pie crust. This will ensure that each slice is covered with the perfectly toasted pecan top.
- Pour the filling over the pecans and make sure it’s spread evenly over every nut.
- The pie should be baked on the middle rack in the oven for 60 to 70 minutes. The filling must be set, but it will still jiggle in the middle when gently shaken.
- Take the pie out of the oven and let it cool completely on the wire rack. This is essential in firming the filling to the proper consistency before cutting.
Tips: To avoid browning too much, Cover exposed areas of the crust with aluminum foil within about 20 minutes of baking.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional value of each piece (based on an 8-piece pie):
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Sugar: 40g
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
Pecan pie can be described as a dessert, but it’s also a Christmas treat worth trying. Take a bite as part of your holiday celebration!
VariationDescription
Chocolate Pecan Pie: A luxurious twist that includes cocoa or chocolate in the filling for an indulgence in taste.
Bourbon Pecan Pie The bourbon flavor adds a zing to the filling, giving the pie a warming, spicy taste that’s perfect for the season of Christmas.
Karo Syrup Pecan Pie Classic light or dark Karo syrup to give a classic Southern taste and texture.
Maple Pecan Pie Substitute maple syrup for corn syrup, bringing a rich, earthy flavor to the mixture.
Mini Pecan Pies Individual portions made from muffin pans are ideal for parties or portion control.
Pecan Pie Brownies: A delicious mix of brownies and a topping of pecan pie to make the ultimate chocolatey, decadent treat.
Salted Caramel Pecan Pie: A sprinkle of salted caramel to offset the sweetness and add some savory.
Vegan Pecan Pie Utilizes plant-based ingredients such as flaxseed and coconut oil to create an egg-free and dairy-free version.
What should you serve with Pecan Pie?
Pecan pie is an excellent match with a wide range of Christmas desserts and drinks. Here are some ideas to add some festive flavor to your dessert tables:
- Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Serve with hot beverages, such as spiced cider, mulled wine, or rich hot chocolate, to get a warm and cozy feeling.
- For those who love coffee, pair it with a robust espresso or a rich latte to counterbalance the tart’s sweetness.
The pecan pie is more delicious and festive!
Festive Toppings to Make Your Pecan Pie Extra Special
Add innovative Christmas-themed toppings to elevate your pecan pie. These suggestions add festive flavor and will make your dessert table more memorable.
- Chocolate Drizzle Make a chocolate drizzle using white or dark chocolate, then drizzle it over the pie for an exquisite and delicious dessert.
- Caramelized Cranberries: Serve your pie with sugared cranberries for the perfect pop of color and an acidic contrast to dessert.
- Edible gold dust: Sprinkle edible gold or silver dust on the pecans for a luxuriant festive look.
- Whipped Cream Stars Pipe whip cream in the form of Christmas trees or stars to add a fun and festive touch.
- Gingerbread Crumbs: Crumble gingerbread cookies over the top to add flavor and a nod to the holiday.
These toppings not only increase the appearance of your pecan pie but can also add a whole new layer of texture and flavor to this traditional holiday dessert. Explore your favorite toppings to make an amazing dessert that stands out!
Pecan Pie Brownies Recipe
Pecan pie brownies mix the rich, creamy taste of the brownies and gooey, nutty top of pecan pie. For making these:
- Mix your favorite brownie mixes or recipes, and grease the batter in the baking dish.
- In another bowl, Mix 1 cup chopped pecans, half cup light corn syrup, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Sprinkle the pecan pie mix onto the brownie batter and spread it evenly.
- Bake at 350 degrees F (175degC) for 35 to 40 minutes until it’s a bit brown or until the topping has set and the edges have a slight crisp.
- Let it cool, slice it into pieces, and enjoy this delicious sweet treat!
These brownies are great for mixing two desserts into a delicious holiday dessert!
The History of Pecan Pie: A Christmas Tradition
Pecan pie Recipe isn’t just a sweet treat; it’s an integral part of American food culture. First introduced in the Southern United States, it has been a regular feature at Christmas tables for more than 100 years. The delicious, buttery pecan-based filling is believed to be a result of French settlers from Louisiana who introduced the native pecans in their recipes. As time passed, it became a popular dessert, especially at times of celebration like Christmas.
Pecan pie today is a symbol of warm family gatherings, warm, as well as Southern hospitality. Whether baking it for the first time or carrying an old family tradition, Its timeless appeal is sure to bring the joy of the Christmas season to every bite. Please make your unique twist on the recipe a part of the family’s Christmas traditions!
Ready to Bake Your Christmas Pecan Pie?
This delicious pecan pie recipe will surely be a favorite of the Christmas season at home. We invite you to share your creations using the hashtag #AidRecipes on social media and share the festive cheer with each bite. Happy holidays from Aid Recipes!
FAQs
Do I have to make pecan pie in advance?
Absolutely! Pecan pie can be prepared up to two days ahead. For those who prefer chilled dessert, keep it chilled at room temperature in a covered container or in the refrigerator.
What can I do to prevent my pie of pecans from becoming too runny?
It is important to bake the pie long enough to allow the center to cool. If it shakes too much after shaking, cook another 5-10 minutes. Cooling thoroughly also helps firm up the filling.
Do pecan pie recipes require refrigeration?
Pecan pie can sit at room temperature for a couple of hours; refrigeration is highly recommended following the time that it is. The eggs that make up the filling are perishable, so placing them in the refrigerator retains their texture and taste and ensures food safety. If you’re serving a pecan pie for a holiday party, You can set it out for as long as 2 hours. Still, you must promptly return any leftovers to the refrigerator.