Best Old-Fashioned Southern Pecan Pie Recipe

This old fashioned Southern Pecan Pie recipe is a legacy passed down through the generations. This pecan pie recipe, a gift from my great-grandmother, Ma Horton, through the loving hands of my grandmother, captures the essence of the holidays in the Deep South. It’s the epitome of a traditional, mouthwatering Southern pecan pie, creating the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. Let’s get baking!

Southern Pecan Pie

For some reason, folks often like to experiment with the classic pecan pie recipe, introducing various ingredients to create unique versions. While we have a soft spot for the traditional Southern pecan pie, my husband enjoys a slight twist – he tops his slice with a scoop of organic vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

When you delve into my recipes, you’ll notice that I emphasize using “organic, non-GMO” ingredients for specific elements. I do this to ensure clarity in our ever-evolving food landscape. You see, there was a time when I puzzled over why my dishes didn’t quite capture the essence of my Granny’s from my childhood. One day, my husband and I had an enlightening conversation. He remarked, “Perhaps it’s because the ingredients have changed.”

It dawned on us that the ingredients available today differ significantly from what my Granny used. Back then, concerns about GMOs, pesticides, herbicides, and other food supply chain contaminants weren’t even a thought much less the huge concern they are now. Unfortunately, this is the reality of our current food system in the U.S.

If you would like to learn more about GMOs we have an article to help you with that. You can read it here.

As we transitioned from the standard American diet to a non-GMO, organic way of life, one of the first noticeable changes was the quality of ingredients. It’s a transformative shift that brings my recipes closer to the taste of Granny’s – well, at least as close as my culinary skills can muster.

One of the wonderful aspects of crafting homemade dishes, such as Ma Horton’s Southern Pecan Pie Recipe, lies in the personal touch you infuse into every creation. It’s the intangible quality of yourself that enriches the process. The genuine warmth and care you pour into the preparation, driven by your love for nourishing your family become an integral part of the meal.

Even when you meticulously follow age-old family recipes and source high-quality ingredients reminiscent of those available in days past, there remains a subtle yet distinct element that sets your cooking apart – it’s uniquely you!

Enough of me, you want the pecan pie recipe, don’t you?

Ma Horton’s Old-Fashioned Southern Pecan Pie Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup organic, non-GMO corn syrup
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 2  1/2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1  1/2  teaspoons natural vanilla flavoring
• 2 cups pecans – 1 1/2 cup chopped pecans and 1/2 cup halves
• 9″ deep dish pie crust

Instructions

1. Prepare your pie crust
2. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F
3. Mix corn syrup, sugar, butter, and vanilla – use a wooden spoon or electric mixer on low speed.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well between each
5. Stir in the chopped pecans and combine well.
6. You have 3 options with the pecan halves:
   • 1. You can mix them in the filling with the chopped pecans; they usually rise to the top when the pie bakes.
   • 2. You can place them on the bottom of the pie crust and then pour the filling over them, again, they usually rise to the top.
   • 3. This is what I do: I pour the pie filling into the crust and then arrange the pecan halves in a pretty pattern and bake.
7. Pour the filling into prepared pie crust and bake for 60 minutes on the center rack of the oven
8. Check for doneness after 60 minutes by inserting a fork or toothpick (the original recipe said “a piece of clean straw”) into the middle of the pie, if it’s runny cook for 5-minute increments checking after each 5 minutes.
9. You can also check for doneness by thumping the middle of the pie. It should be puffed up and springy when it’s done.

Tips

• Remember the pie will keep cooking for a little while after you take it out of the oven so don’t overcook it. It’s better under than overdone.
• If the pecans on top of the crust start to over-brown you can cover them with parchment paper or foil and continue baking.
• For higher altitudes, decrease the sugar to 2/3 cup and use 3 Tablespoons of melted butter. You may also want to reduce the temperature to 325 degrees F

FAQs

What’s the secret to a perfect Southern pecan pie?

The secret, beyond the quality ingredients, is infusing your pie with a sprinkle of love and cherished memories. Cooking is a journey, and when you pour your heart into it, your pecan pie will become a family treasure.

Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making it from scratch?

Of course, you can! Homemade pie crust has a unique charm, but store-bought crust works just fine for busy days. It won’t be your grandmother’s crust, but it’s a convenient option.

Is it essential to use fresh pecans, or can I use pre-packaged ones?

While fresh pecans are ideal, pre-packaged ones can be a practical choice. Just ensure they’re not stale, and you’ll still have a delightful pie.

How do I keep my pie from being too sweet?

You can adjust the sweetness by reducing the sugar slightly. Taste the filling before pouring it into the crust, and tailor it to your preference. You can always add more but you can’t take it out so start with 1/2 the sugar and go from there.

Can I freeze pecan pie for later?

Absolutely! Pecan pie freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, wrap it carefully, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw and enjoy whenever you crave a slice of Southern comfort.

What’s the best way to serve pecan pie?

Pecan pie is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it at room temperature, slightly warmed, or even with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Any tips for a perfect, flaky pie crust?

The key to a perfect pie crust is keeping your ingredients cold and handling the dough gently and ACV (apple cider vinegar). A chilled dough and a light touch result in a flaky, buttery crust. You can use our recipe for the perfect pie crust with vinegar or if you use Einkorn flour like I do, you can use our Einkorn Pie crust recipe.

How do I prevent my pecan pie from cracking on top?

To avoid cracks, don’t overmix the filling, and make sure not to overbake the pie. It’s okay if the center is a little jiggly; it will set as it cools.

What makes this pecan pie recipe Southern?

This pecan pie embodies Southern tradition with its rich, gooey filling and the sweetness of pecans. It’s a classic dessert that has warmed Southern hearts for generations, making it a delightful addition to any Southern feast.

Can I make this pecan pie recipe in advance for the holidays?

Certainly! Southern pecan pie is an excellent make-ahead dessert. Bake it a day or two before your holiday gathering, and it will taste just as delicious when served as when you first made it. I’m going to say hide it though, if you don’t it may disappear before the party!

How can I store leftover pecan pie?

To store leftovers, if there is such a thing, cover the pie with plastic wrap, in a pie storage container with a lid, or foil and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh and scrumptious for 4-6 days.

Wrap UP

In our Southern Pecan Pie Recipe, we hope you’ve not only found a delicious dessert but also a piece of the South’s rich heritage. This culinary tradition goes far beyond the ingredients; it’s a taste of the love, warmth, and enduring connections that define our Southern way of life.

The classic, mouthwatering flavors of Southern pecan pie, made with love in your very own kitchen, capture the very essence of Southern culture and tradition. Each bite carries with it the echoes of generations before, a taste of history, and a slice of heartfelt nostalgia.

I hope you and your family enjoy Ma Horton’s Old-Fashioned Southern Pecan Pie Recipe as much as we do! Thank you for being a part of our journey, and here’s to many more heartwarming moments at your table.

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