Classic Southern Pecan Pie Delight
Indulge in the rich, sweet, and nutty flavors of this Classic Southern Pecan Pie Delight, a timeless recipe inspired by the legendary Abigail Van Buren, better known as 'Dear Abby'. This decadent pie features a smooth filling made with a harmonious blend of light corn syrup, dark brown sugar, and fresh eggs, all nestled in a perfectly baked 9-inch pie crust. Topped with crunchy pecan halves that add a delightful texture, this pie is the perfect dessert for holiday gatherings or sweet family moments. Jeanne Phillips, daughter of Abby, adds an essential tip for baking: adjust the time based on your oven type, ensuring every bite is a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of comfort.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unbaked 9-inch pie crust
1 (Flaky and chilled, ready for filling)
Light corn syrup
1 cup (Measured)
Dark brown sugar
1 cup (Firmly packed)
Eggs
3 (Slightly beaten)
Butter
1/3 cup (Melted (margarine can be substituted))
Salt
1/3-1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Pure or imitation)
Pecan halves
1 cup (Raw, for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, dark brown sugar, slightly beaten eggs, melted butter, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
3
Pour the pecan pie filling into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust, spreading it evenly.
4
Evenly sprinkle the pecan halves over the top of the filling, ensuring a nice layout for presentation.
5
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the filling is set. Begin testing with a toothpick or knife after 45 minutes; the toothpick should come out clean if the pie is done.
6
If the crust or the top of the pie starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
7
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
8
Serve slices as is or topped with whipped cream for an added layer of deliciousness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Southern Pecan Pie Delight?
It is a rich, sweet, and nutty classic Southern dessert featuring a smooth filling and crunchy pecans.
Who is the inspiration behind this pecan pie recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the legendary Abigail Van Buren, better known as 'Dear Abby'.
What are the main flavors of this pie?
The pie features a harmonious blend of sweet light corn syrup, dark brown sugar, and nutty pecan flavors.
What size pie crust is needed?
The recipe requires a standard 9-inch pie crust.
Should the pie crust be pre-baked?
No, the filling should be poured into an unbaked 9-inch pie crust.
What kind of corn syrup is used in the filling?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of light corn syrup.
Can I use dark brown sugar in this recipe?
Yes, the filling uses 1 cup of firmly packed dark brown sugar for a rich flavor.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe requires 3 eggs that are slightly beaten.
Can I substitute margarine for butter?
Yes, 1/3 cup of margarine can be substituted for the melted butter.
How much salt is recommended?
You should use 1/3 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt, depending on your taste.
What type of vanilla extract can I use?
You can use either 1 teaspoon of pure or imitation vanilla extract.
What kind of pecans should I buy?
The recipe uses 1 cup of raw pecan halves for the topping.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I mix the filling ingredients?
Whisk the syrup, sugar, eggs, butter, salt, and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth.
When should I add the pecan halves?
Sprinkle the pecan halves evenly over the top of the filling after it is in the crust.
How long does the pie need to bake?
Bake the pie for approximately 45 to 50 minutes until the filling is set.
How can I test if the pecan pie is done?
Insert a toothpick or knife after 45 minutes; it should come out clean when the pie is done.
What should I do if the crust browns too quickly?
Loosely cover the pie with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Who is Jeanne Phillips?
Jeanne Phillips is the daughter of Abigail Van Buren and provided essential baking tips for this recipe.
What is the specific baking tip provided by Jeanne Phillips?
She suggests adjusting the baking time based on your specific oven type.
How should the pie be cooled?
Once removed from the oven, allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack.
Can the pie be served warm?
Yes, it can be served warm for a more comforting experience.
What is a recommended topping for this pie?
A dollop of whipped cream is recommended to add an extra layer of deliciousness.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is the perfect dessert for holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
What is the texture of the filling?
The filling is smooth and decadent, providing a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients used to create this pecan pie.
Should the butter be melted before mixing?
Yes, the 1/3 cup of butter should be melted before being whisked into the other ingredients.
How should the filling be distributed in the crust?
Pour the filling into the unbaked crust and spread it evenly to ensure a flat surface for the pecans.
What is the presentation tip for the pecans?
Evenly sprinkle the halves over the top for a beautiful and professional presentation.
What category of food does this recipe belong to?
It is classified as a classic Southern recipe, a nut pie, and a holiday dessert.