Decadent Nutty Pecan Pie
Indulge in a uniquely crafted pecan pie that strikes the perfect balance between crunchy nuts and a subtle sweetness. Unlike traditional pecan pies, this recipe focuses on the bold flavors of toasted pecans, complemented by a rich, creamy filling that holds everything together. Originating from inspiration taken from a local Creole restaurant in the Washington D.C. area, this pie offers a delightful alternative for those who prefer their desserts not overly sweet. Perfect for festive occasions or as a comforting treat for any day, it's a slice of bliss that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pecan halves
5 1/2 cups (Toast and process until smooth)
All-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (Add to nut paste)
Unsalted butter
12 tablespoons (Brown in a saucepan)
Light brown sugar
1 cup (Packed)
Light corn syrup
3/4 cup (Combine with two tablespoons of additional corn syrup)
Light corn syrup
2 tablespoons (Combine with 3/4 cup of corn syrup)
Large eggs
4 (Lightly beaten)
Vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (Add to filling mixture)
Pie shell
1 (Pre-baked until golden)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Spread 1/2 cup of the pecans evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
3
Once toasted, allow the pecans to cool completely before proceeding.
4
Transfer the cooled pecans to a food processor and process them until they become a smooth, buttery paste.
5
Add the flour to the pecan paste and pulse until well mixed. Set this mixture aside in a large bowl.
6
In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter, stirring frequently, until it foams and turns a light brown color. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
7
In the bowl with the pecan mixture, combine the light brown sugar, corn syrup (both 3/4 cup and 2 tablespoons), lightly beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and the browned butter. Mix until you achieve a smooth and well-blended filling.
8
Carefully fold in the remaining 5 cups of unprocessed pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
9
Pour the nutty filling into a pre-baked pie shell, spreading it out evenly.
10
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. The filling should be slightly puffed, and the crust should be golden brown.
11
Once baked, transfer the pie to a wire rack and allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes.
12
Serve the pie warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
Nutrition Information
27.5g
Fat
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Nutty Pecan Pie?
It is a uniquely crafted dessert that balances crunchy toasted pecans with a rich, creamy filling, offering a less sweet alternative to traditional pecan pies.
How does this recipe differ from traditional pecan pies?
Unlike traditional versions, this recipe focuses on the bold flavors of toasted pecans and features a buttery nut paste to create a more balanced, less sugary profile.
What was the inspiration for this pie?
The recipe was inspired by a local Creole restaurant in the Washington D.C. area.
How many cups of pecans are required in total?
A total of 5 1/2 cups of pecan halves are needed for this recipe.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do I toast the pecans?
Spread 1/2 cup of pecans on a baking sheet and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
What is the purpose of processing some pecans into a paste?
Processing toasted pecans into a smooth, buttery paste helps create a rich and flavorful base for the creamy filling.
What should I add to the pecan paste?
You should add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the pecan paste and pulse until well mixed.
How is the butter prepared for the filling?
The unsalted butter is melted in a saucepan until it foams and turns a light brown color, known as browned butter.
What kind of sugar does this recipe call for?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of packed light brown sugar.
How much corn syrup is used?
The recipe uses a combination of 3/4 cup and 2 additional tablespoons of light corn syrup.
How should the eggs be prepared before adding them?
The four large eggs should be lightly beaten before being combined with the other filling ingredients.
When do I add the vanilla extract?
Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract into the large bowl with the pecan mixture, sugar, syrup, eggs, and browned butter.
How many cups of pecans are folded into the final mixture?
After making the filling base, fold in the remaining 5 cups of unprocessed pecans.
Does the pie shell need to be pre-baked?
Yes, the filling should be poured into a pie shell that has been pre-baked until golden brown.
How long is the baking time for the pie?
The pie should bake in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The filling should be slightly puffed, and the crust should have a golden brown color.
How long should the pie cool after baking?
Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Can the pie be served at room temperature?
Yes, the pie can be served either warm or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
What is the calorie content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is approximately 27.5 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in each slice?
Each slice provides about 5 grams of protein.
Is this recipe good for holidays?
Yes, it is tagged as a holiday dessert and is perfect for festive occasions.
What makes the filling creamy?
The combination of the processed pecan paste, browned butter, and eggs creates the rich, creamy texture.
What is the role of browned butter in the recipe?
Browned butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that complements the toasted pecans.
What should I look for to avoid burning the pecans?
Keep a close eye on them while toasting; they should only stay in the oven until fragrant and lightly browned.
Is this recipe suitable for those who dislike overly sweet desserts?
Yes, it is specifically designed for those who prefer their desserts to have a subtle sweetness rather than being cloying.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 9 ingredients required for this recipe.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The main tags include pecan pie, dessert, nuts, creole, baking, holiday, sweet treats, and decadent.