Southern Pecan Pie Recipe (2024)

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posted by divas can cook on Nov 16, 2010 (updated Mar 7, 2024) 34 comments »

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4.82 from 11 ratings

Pecan pie is such a simple pie to make yet so many people seem to struggle with getting the right balance of sweetness, the perfect firm, yet soft texture and the right nut-to-filling ratio. Yep, sometimes the easiest recipes can be a pain in the ass!

This homemade pecan pie recipe (with a few personal alterations) has been in our family for as long as I can remember. It’s a trusty old standby that hasn’t let me down yet. When newbies to the family taste it for the first time it gets a lot of “now that’s a pecan pie!” remarks. This recipe gets passed around a lot during the holidays and somewhere got the name “Ova Yonda Pecan Pie”. I’ve tried other pecan pies and this one continues to be my favorite. Easy, pure comfort.

What I love about this pecan pie recipe is that it starts with a flavorful, homemade crust that goes so well with pecan pies. The filling sets to perfection with a sweetly balanced caramel vanilla flavor. The toasted pecans are crunchy (none of those chewy pecans here!) It’s just a simple, well-balanced pecan pie.

Southern Pecan Pie Recipe (1)

Southern Pecan Pie AKA Ova’ Yonda Pecan Pie

Watch me make this fabulous southern pecan pie from start to finish


Southern Pecan Pie Recipe (2)

Get the Recipe: Southern Pecan Pie Recipe

Servings: 6 -8

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Ingredients

  • 1 Homemade Buttery Pie Crust, see recipe
  • 1/2 cup of light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup dark corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon Mexican vanilla extract
  • 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 3 eggs, slightly beaten
  • 1- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven to 350

  • Step 1.) In a large bowl combine, dark & light corn syrup, white sugar, dark brown sugar and salt.

  • Step 2.) Stir until combined.

  • Step 3.) Mix in vanilla.

  • Step 4.) Mix flour into the melted butter until combined and pour into mixture.

  • Step 5.) Stir to combine.

  • Step 6.) Add in slightly beaten eggs.

  • Step 7.) Mix the eggs into the mixture until well combined. Step 8.) Pour the mixture into the pie crust.

  • Step 9.) Top with chopped pecans

  • Step 10.) Bake for 30-45 minutes.

Notes

Note* How to toast pecans for pecan pie: Spray a cookie sheet generously with cooking spray. Spread the pecans into a single layer. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 5 minutes or just until you are able to smell the pecans aroma. Be careful not the burn them. Yuck!

Note*The pie will be slightly jiggly when removed from the oven. I usually cook for 45 minutes and the filling is soft and set when completely cooled. Let the pie set before cutting. I don't cut the pie until it's completely cooled and set. (personal preference)

Note*You can also mix the pecans in the batter. When putting them on the top like I do, the pie may puff up while baking. It will fall and settle as it cools so don't be alarmed.

Note*If the crust starts to get too brown, you can cover the edges of the crust with foil. I never do this when I'm using the recipe for the homemade pie crust listed above.

Note*Oh yeah, you can also use whole pecans if you'd like. I can't use them because for some reason they remind me of bugs and makes my skin crawl (don't ask. I told you I was weird) And it's easier to cut!

Author: Divas Can Cook

Tried this recipe?Mention @divascancook on Instagram or tag #divascancook.

Note* How to toast pecans for pecan pie: Spray a cookie sheet generously with cooking spray. Spread the pecans into a single layer. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 5 minutes or just until you are able to smell the pecans aroma. Be careful not the burn them. Yuck!

Note*The pie will be slightly jiggly when removed from the oven. I usually cook for 45 minutes and the filling is soft and set when completely cooled. Let the pie set before cutting. I don’t cut the pie until it’s completely cooled and set. (personal preference)

Note*You can also mix the pecans in the batter. When putting them on the top like I do, the pie may puff up while baking. It will fall and settle as it cools so don’t be alarmed.

Note*If the crust starts to get too brown, you can cover the edges of the crust with foil. I never do this when I’m using the recipe for the homemade pie crust listed above.

Note*Oh yeah, you can also use whole pecans if you’d like. I can’t use them because for some reason they remind me of bugs and makes my skin crawl (don’t ask. I told you I was weird) And it’s easier to cut!

Desserts/Snacks Holiday Soul Food Classics Southern Classics Thanksgiving

originally published on Nov 16, 2010 (last updated Mar 7, 2024)

34 comments Leave a comment »

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34 comments on “Southern Pecan Pie Recipe”

Leave a comment »

  1. Meagain Reply

    It is fabulous. We all love your recipe(s). My oven acts a little wonky so I cooked it 10-15 minutes longer. It’s barely loose in the center and still absolutely amazing. Thank you

  2. Melanie Reply

    hi so i always follow all your recipes step by step and they always come out fabulous however this one i have no clue where i went wrong it was a total moosh it never firmed up it was water and i baked it for 45mins please advice?

  3. Rhonda Jefferson Reply

    I followed the instructions to the recipe. I let my pie cool like suggested, but it was not firm. What did I do wrong? Please help.

  4. twinfrenzy Reply

    Made this pie again and still perfect!! I follow the recipe exactly. I even use your pie crust recipe. Delicious!! Thank you so much.

  5. Sherrell Reply

    I made this pie this weekend and it looked beautiful. I let it cooled completely. When I cut into it, it was liquid inside. What did I do wrong? Help, Help!

Leave a Reply

Southern Pecan Pie Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between southern pecans and regular pecans? ›

Northern varieties have been selected or bred to ripen their nuts by or before the first hard freeze each year. Southern varieties have been selected or bred to fit the conditions of a longer season with more heat and humidity.

How do you keep pecan pie from being runny? ›

Additional tips for preventing a pecan pie that is too runny include: toasting the pecans, properly folding the pecans into the filling, and baking a cold pie.

What is a good substitute for corn syrup in pecan pie? ›

For every one cup of corn syrup that the recipe calls for, use one cup of maple syrup instead. The great thing about maple syrup is it has some nutritional benefits. Maple syrup contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, such as Vitamin B6, calcium, niacin, potassium, and riboflavin.

Which state is known for pecan pie? ›

Why is pecan pie famous in Texas? Texas pecan pie has been a tradition for more than 100 years, and the pie was officially named the state dessert in 2013. Along with Georgia and New Mexico, Texas is one of the nation's top three pecan-producing states. Not surprisingly, pecan is also the state nut and tree of Texas.

What do Southerners call pecans? ›

Here is a list based on popularity: pee-KAHN — most dominant phrasing nationwide. PEE-can — most dominant on the east coast. pick-AHN — popular in areas like Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Mississippi.

How do Southerners pronounce pecan? ›

Common Pronunciations

Here are the most common ways pecan is pronounced: pee-KAHN: This seems to be the most popular pecan pronunciation nationwide. puh-CON (or puh-KAHN): A variation on the above pronunciation that's used in southern areas of the U.S. like Alabama and the Carolinas.

Why did my pecan pie come out hard? ›

Pecan pie can become hard if it is left in the oven for too long or at a higher temperature than necessary. This could happen due to an inaccurate cooking time, temperature or failing to cover with aluminum foil for part of the baking time.

Should pecan pie jiggle when done? ›

If the filling is flowing in a wavy movement from the center to the edge, your pie isn't set quite yet. Wait for the moment when the center of your pecan pie gives you just a little jiggle, like the stable but slightly wiggly movement of Jell-O when you give it a gentle shake.

Can I leave pecan pie out overnight to cool? ›

How Long Can Pecan Pie Be Left at Room Temperature? Pecan pies can stay on the counter for up to two hours before they need to be refrigerated, according to the FDA. After two hours at room temperature, your food is at risk for harmful bacteria growth.

Is Karo syrup the same as corn syrup? ›

Karo syrup is a popular brand of corn syrup, which is obtained from corn starch that is derived from maize. It is a concentrated solution of several sugars, such as glucose (dextrose), derived from corn starch. Because of various sugars, corn syrup has a naturally mild sweet taste.

Is Aunt Jemima syrup the same as corn syrup? ›

Aunt Jemima is a fenugreek-flavored corn syrup.

Why is my pecan pie foamy? ›

To correct a runny filling, cover the pie with foil and place it back in the oven until at 425 to 450 F for about 12-15 minutes. Why is my filling foamy? Over-mixing the filling creates air bubbles which creates the foam. Take care to just whisk the filling until combined.

What is Louisiana State pie? ›

The official state meat pie shall be the Natchitoches Meat Pie. Its use on official documents of the state and with the insignia of the state is hereby authorized.

What pie is Texas known for? ›

While pumpkin pie gives pecan pie a run for its money at Thanksgiving, and apple pie, blueberry pie, key lime pie, and other flavors all have their fans in Texas, pecan pie is the No. 1 pie in the state.

Is pecan pie a southern thing? ›

It is commonly served at holiday meals in the United States and is considered a specialty of Southern U.S. origin. Most pecan pie recipes include salt and vanilla as flavorings.

What is the best tasting variety of pecan? ›

The Elliot variety is one of the most flavorful pecans and a favorite with Georgia Pecan Growers. Elliot pecans produce an oilier meat than other varieties which give it the rich flavor.

What are the two types of pecans? ›

A native pecan often has thicker shells and smaller nuts, while improved varieties tend to have more delicate shells and larger nuts. Another clue in identifying different pecan varieties is the nut shape and kernel appearance.

Is pecan or pecan Southern? ›

A lot of people say that southerners pronounce it as “Pa-kawn,” while northerners pronounce it as “PEE-can.” But in a survey which the National Pecan Shellers Association carried out, it was discovered that 70% of northerners and 45% of southerners pronounced it as “PEE-can.”

Which state produces the best pecans? ›

Beyond that, Georgia is the home of the National Nut Growers Association, which was established in Albany in 1901. Georgia pecans are the best you'll find anywhere.

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