A warm, freshly baked pecan pie with a golden crust and glistening caramel filling, topped with whole and chopped pecans, shot from directly above.

Easy Pecan Pie Recipe (Classic Holiday Dessert)

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A flaky homemade crust paired with a luscious, sweet filling and crunchy pecans—this easy pecan pie recipe is a showstopper for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy family gathering! If you’ve only tried pumpkin or apple, let this classic pecan pie steal the spotlight this season.

A delicious slice of pecan pie topped with whipped cream on a white plate, with a fork and scattered pecans.
Indulge in a perfect slice of homemade pecan pie, generously topped with fluffy whipped cream. A sweet and nutty delight for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie

A holiday tradition: Every slice of this classic pie delivers nostalgia, warmth, and an irresistible blend of creamy richness and crisp nuts. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or tasting it for the first time, pecan pie always impresses with its inviting look and sweet depth of flavor.

Effortless preparation: Using a store-bought or homemade crust, this recipe comes together in minutes, letting you focus on celebrating rather than stressing in the kitchen.

Unbeatable texture: The secret to perfect pecan pie is just the right mix of Karo light corn syrup and brown sugar—the silky filling hugs the pecans for melt-in-your-mouth bites, while the crust stays tender.

Ingredients

Overhead view of pecan pie ingredients including unbaked pie crust, pecans, butter, sugar, eggs, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla on white.
Gathering all the delicious ingredients for a homemade pecan pie! This flat lay captures the essence of baking prep, ready for a warm dessert.
  • 1 unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups chopped pecans (reserve 8-10 whole for topping)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional for serving: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

How To Make Pecan Pie

Close-up of a pie crust generously filled with numerous chopped pecans, showcasing their varied brown and beige textures.
Get ready to bake a delicious pecan pie! This close-up shows a buttery, fluted pie crust brimming with perfectly chopped pecans. The perfect start to a warm, comforting dessert.
  1. Prepare the crust: Lay the pie dough in a 9-inch pie dish; chill until ready to fill.
  2. Mix the filling: In a large bowl, whisk eggs, then stir in corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon until smooth.
  3. Add pecans: Scatter 2 cups chopped pecans (reserving 8-10 for garnish) in the crust. Pour the filling over the top.
  4. Decorate: Arrange whole pecans in a circular pattern on top, gently pressing them into the filling.
  5. Bake: Bake at 350ºF for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is just set with a slight jiggle. Shield with aluminum foil halfway through to prevent burning.
  6. Cool: Place pie on a wire rack to set completely before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie

  • Slight jiggle in the center means it’s done—overbake and you risk a dry filling.
  • Chop your own pecans for freshness or use store-bought chopped nuts for convenience.
  • For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of sea salt to the filling before baking.
  • Serve slices topped with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for a festive touch.

Storage & Freezing

  • Refrigeration: Wrap cooled pie loosely and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Once fully cooled, wrap in plastic and foil, then freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does pecan pie need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because it contains eggs, store leftovers in the refrigerator after serving for a couple of hours.

Can you freeze pecan pie?
Absolutely! Freeze it properly and enjoy up to a month—just beware of slight texture changes if you freeze longer.

Is it better with light or dark corn syrup?
Light corn syrup keeps the flavor mellow and lets the brown sugar’s caramel notes shine; use dark corn syrup if you prefer a richer, deeper taste.

Filling the Gap

In comparison with other recipes like Pecan Pie Bars and Chocolate Pecan Pie, this classic pecan pie stands out with its pure, timeless flavor profile and simplified prep—no chocolate, no shortbread crust, just the authentic pie you crave for the holidays. For bar or chocolate variations, check out those internal links for easy twists!

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