Authentic Pecan Pie Recipe
Southern United States, United States of America
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Introduction & history
A southern specialty, this pie is synonymous with not only the American South, but also with Thanksgiving celebrations as a dessert that is served at the end of a Thanksgiving dinner. To prepare, a pie crust is filled with a custard made with eggs, butter, and corn syrup, then garnished with a topping of whole pecans and baked until set. Various recipes substitute corn syrup with either molasses, maple syrup, or sugar, while pecans, either ground or whole, are sometimes added to the custard to act also as a thickener. Additional flavorings may include bourbon, dark rum, vanilla, or cinnamon. For serving, pie slices are plated and enjoyed with either a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
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Cooking tips
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pie crust
The role of pastry is to provide a contrasting savory flavor to the overly sweet filling. It is not uncommon for recipes to instruct the use of ready-made shortcrust pastry or to additionally enhance the taste and texture of pastry by adding cheese or eggs. One method that will ensure that both the sides and the bottom of the crust are properly baked is to first pre-bake the pie crust before adding ... Read more -
pecans
When it comes to nuts, they can be chopped or used whole, although the latter might be harder to slice through. However, most chefs advise a combination of the two. And while not all recipes recommend this step, for a more pronounced flavor, the pecans should be toasted before use. -
additional ingredients
Liqueurs like dark rum or bourbon or various seasonings such as vanilla, cinnamon, or lemon zest are added to provide additional flavor. Also, recipes will frequently include extra ingredients like coconut or chocolate. -
corn syrup substitutes
In case you can't get hold of corn syrup you can help yourself with substitutes. One can of light corn syrup equals to 1 ¼ cups (250g) of sugar dissolved in ¼ cup (60 ml) of hot water. The same goes for dark corn syrup, only use brown sugar instead. Dark corn syrup can also be replaced with honey. However, in that case, a cup of honey equals a can of syrup.
Recipe variations
Bourbon Pecan Pie
PREP 45min
COOK 45min
RESTING 2h 30min
READY IN 4h
A bourbon-spiked filling is the key feature of this pecan pie recipe, which also gives instructions on how to make the pie crust from scratch.
Ingredients
Bourbon Pecan Pie
PIE CRUST
1 ¼ cups (150g) all-purpose flour
¼ tsp fine sea salt
10 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
2 to 4 tbsp ice water, as needed
FILLING
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup (200g) sugar
½ cup (165g) light corn syrup
½ cup (165g) dark corn syrup
⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp bourbon
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
1 ¼ cups (180g) coarsely chopped pecans
Preparation
Bourbon Pecan Pie
The first step is to prepare the pie crust. Combine flour and salt, then add the butter. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until you get a mass that resembles a coarse meal.
At this stage, start adding water, a tablespoon at a time, while continuously kneading to form a dough.
Transfer to a floured surface, shape into a ball, and then flatten into a disc. Tightly cover with cling film and place in the refrigerator to cool for at least an hour.
To make the pie, first, set the oven to preheat to 375°F/190°C.
Next, take the dough out of the refrigerator and place it on a lightly floured surface, then roll with a rolling pin until about 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter.
Transfer to a pie pan. Using a fork, prick the pastry at 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) intervals, then arrange the pecans on the bottom.
To make the filling blend all the remaining ingredients and pour into the pie shell all over the pecans.
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until just set around the edges. The center should stay slightly undercooked because it will continue to set while it cools.
Once baked, place on a rack and leave to cool before serving.
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