Introduction
Pecan Pie with Brown Sugar Syrup is a rich, decadent dessert that embodies Southern comfort baking at its finest. The pie features a buttery, flaky crust filled with a luscious, gooey filling made from brown sugar syrup, butter, and vanilla, then studded with toasted pecans that turn crisp and golden as the pie bakes.
This pie is especially popular during Thanksgiving and Christmas, but its nutty, caramel-like sweetness makes it a dessert worth enjoying year-round. It strikes the perfect balance between chewy, crunchy, and smooth, with the pecans adding texture against the velvety brown sugar filling.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s simple yet indulgent. The filling is made with ingredients most kitchens already have—brown sugar, butter, eggs, and pecans—yet the result feels elegant and special. I love how the syrup caramelizes while baking, giving the pie a sweet, slightly toasty flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery crust.
The glossy top layer of pecans always looks impressive, and the combination of crunchy nuts with a gooey, caramel-like base is pure bliss. Plus, the aroma of brown sugar and pecans baking together is irresistible—it makes the whole house smell cozy and welcoming.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
This pie is a must-try because:
- It’s a holiday classic that deserves a place at every festive table.
- The flavor is rich, nutty, and caramel-like, making it unique compared to other pies.
- It’s easy to prepare—even beginner bakers can achieve great results.
- It pairs beautifully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of bourbon caramel.
It’s the kind of dessert that makes guests stop after the first bite and say, “Wow.”
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Chilling time: 30 minutes (for pie dough if homemade)
- Cooking time: 50–55 minutes
- Total time: ~1 hour 45 minutes
Servings and Calories
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories per serving: ~480–520 kcal (depending on crust thickness and sugar content)
Course and Cuisine
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American (Southern Classic)
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust (or use store-bought)
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3–5 tbsp ice water
For the Brown Sugar Syrup Filling
- 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ¾ cup light corn syrup (or golden syrup for variation)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Pecan Layer
- 1 ½ cups pecan halves
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in the cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water a tablespoon at a time until dough just comes together.
- Form into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Roll Out and Fit the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle.
- Fit into a 9-inch pie dish, trim excess, and crimp edges.
Step 3: Prepare the Brown Sugar Syrup Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add beaten eggs, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
- Spread pecan halves evenly in the pie crust.
- Pour brown sugar syrup filling over the pecans.
- Arrange a few extra pecans on top for presentation if desired.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 50–55 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- If crust browns too quickly, cover edges with foil.
- Cool at least 2–3 hours before slicing to allow filling to set.
How to Serve
Serve slices at room temperature or slightly warm with:
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- A drizzle of caramel or bourbon sauce
Recipe Tips
- Lightly toast pecans before adding them for extra depth of flavor.
- For a flakier crust, keep all ingredients cold and don’t overwork the dough.
- If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce brown sugar slightly and increase pecans.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing—it will hold together better.
Variations
- Chocolate Pecan Pie: Add ½ cup melted semisweet chocolate to the filling.
- Bourbon Pecan Pie: Add 2 tbsp bourbon for a smoky, adult-friendly twist.
- Maple Pecan Pie: Replace corn syrup with pure maple syrup for natural sweetness.
- Nut Mix Pie: Use a combination of walnuts, hazelnuts, and pecans.
Freezing and Storage
- Room Temperature: Store covered at room temp for up to 1 day.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze baked pie (whole or slices) for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight and warm before serving.
Special Equipment Needed
- 9-inch pie dish
- Rolling pin
- Pastry brush
- Mixing bowls and whisk
Conclusion
Pecan Pie with Brown Sugar Syrup is a dessert that celebrates simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. With its rich caramel-like filling, buttery crust, and crunchy pecans, it’s a classic that belongs at every holiday table. Easy to prepare yet indulgent and impressive, this pie is the perfect way to end a meal with warmth, sweetness, and Southern charm.
Pecan Pie with Brown Sugar Syrup
Description
Pecan Pie with Brown Sugar Syrup is a rich, decadent dessert that embodies Southern comfort baking at its finest. The pie features a buttery, flaky crust filled with a luscious, gooey filling made from brown sugar syrup, butter, and vanilla, then studded with toasted pecans that turn crisp and golden as the pie bakes.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust (or use store-bought)
For the Brown Sugar Syrup Filling
For the Pecan Layer
Instructions
-
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water tablespoon at a time until dough just comes together. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
-
Step 2: Roll Out and Fit the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Fit into a 9-inch pie dish, trim excess, and crimp edges.
-
Step 3: Prepare the Brown Sugar Syrup Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add beaten eggs, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt. Mix until well combined.
-
Step 4: Assemble the Pie: Spread pecan halves evenly in the pie crust. Pour brown sugar syrup filling over the pecans. Arrange a few extra pecans on top for presentation if desired.
-
Step 5: Bake: Bake for 50–55 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. If crust browns too quickly, cover edges with foil. Cool at least 2–3 hours before slicing to allow filling to set.
