Classic Southern Pecan Pie

Pecan pie on tablecloth
John Block / Getty Images
  • 85 mins
  • Prep: 25 mins,
  • Cook: 60 mins
  • Yield: 8 Servings
Ratings (20)

By Diana Rattray

Updated 10/03/17

This old-fashioned Southern pecan pie is a traditional Thanksgiving pie.

The pecan pie -- also known as Karo pie -- was originally introduced in 1902 by the company that makes Karo corn syrup. It has become a much-loved pie, always a favorite on the holiday dessert table.

This is a classic pecan pie, made with a homemade butter and shortening pastry. You can also use a frozen unbaked pie shell or use a refrigerated crust.

What You'll Need

  • Pastry (or ready-made unbaked 9-inch pie shell)
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 6 ounces
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 4 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/3 cup chilled vegetable shortening
  • 3 to 5 tablespoons ice water
  • Filling
  • 1 cup light or dark corn syrup
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 large eggs, slightly beaten
  • 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
  • 1 pie shell, unbaked, 9-inch

How to Make It

Pastry

  1. Combine the flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar; blend well. Add the pieces of butter and shortening and work with a pastry blender until the mixture forms crumbs. Some crumbs should be large, about the size of peas. If you use a food processor, pulse for about 5 to 7 times.
  2. Work about 3 tablespoons of ice water into the mixture, then more water, about 1 teaspoon at a time, until the dough begins to hold together when a little is squeezed.
  1. Turn the mixture out onto a floured surface and press to form a flattened disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 to45 minutes.
  2. Roll the dough out into a circle about 2 inches larger than the pie plate (upside-down measurement). Fit it into the pie plate and flute the edge as desired. Refrigerate until you are ready to fill the pie.
     

Filling

  1. Heat the oven to 350° F (180° C/Gas 4).
  2. In a large bowl, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, salt, butter, and vanilla; mix until smooth and well blended.
  3. Add the slightly beaten eggs and blend well; stir in pecans.
  4. Pour the pecan mixture into the chilled, unbaked pie shell.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the filling is set. Check the pie for over-browning after about 40 minutes. If necessary, cover the crust edge with a pie shield or homemade foil ring to prevent excessive browning.
  6. Cool pecan pie thoroughly and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
     

Tips and Variations

  • If you are using a frozen pie shell, place it on a baking sheet before you add filling. It's much easier to move to and from the oven that way.
  • Walnut Pie - Replace the pecans with the 1 1/2 cups of coarsely chopped walnuts.
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
Calories 800
Total Fat 50 g
Saturated Fat 16 g
Unsaturated Fat 22 g
Cholesterol 116 mg
Sodium 694 mg
Carbohydrates 85 g
Dietary Fiber 4 g
Protein 8 g
(The nutrition information on our recipes is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. Individual results may vary.)