Buttery Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Recipe

Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Recipe: A Cozy Homestyle Treasure

A legendary pecan pie transforms ordinary dessert moments into extraordinary culinary memories.

Southern kitchens have long whispered the secrets of this delectable creation.

Buttery pecans nestle into a golden, caramelized landscape of sweet indulgence.

Deeply rooted in comfort and tradition, this pie tells a story of generational love and culinary craftsmanship.

Layers of rich, velvety filling complement the robust crunch of perfectly toasted nuts.

Subtle hints of caramel and brown sugar dance across your palate with each tantalizing bite.

Fall head over heels for a dessert that promises pure, unfiltered deliciousness.

Keeping It Fresh: Tips for Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie

  • Preserve Your Pecan Pie Perfection: Smart Storage Solutions
  • Refrigerate freshly baked pie within 2 hours of cooling to maintain its delicious flavor and texture. Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Extend Enjoyment: Refrigeration Strategy
  • Store pecan pie in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the pie in its original baking dish or transfer to an airtight container to protect its delicate crust and filling.
  • Freeze for Future Cravings
  • Wrap the completely cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its original taste and texture.
  • Slice and Serve with Confidence
  • When ready to enjoy, bring refrigerated pie to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Cut clean slices using a sharp knife wiped between each cut for picture-perfect presentation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 525 kcal

Servings: 8

Main Components of Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie

For Pie Crust:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for a more natural flavor and better texture.
  • Unsalted Butter: Cold and high-quality butter creates flakier, more delicate pastry layers.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pie crust.
For Sweet Filling Base:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Select fresh, moisture-free sugars for smooth blending.
  • Corn Syrup: Look for pure, light corn syrup without additives for classic pecan pie sweetness.
  • Eggs: Use fresh, room-temperature eggs for better incorporation and texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Choose pure vanilla extract for rich, authentic flavor.
  • Unsalted Butter: Opt for high-fat content butter for deeper richness.
  • Salt: Balances and elevates the sweet filling's complexity.
For Nutty Topping:
  • Pecans: Select fresh, crisp pecans without any rancid smell or visible mold for maximum crunch and flavor.

Helpful Gear for Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie

  • 9-inch pie pan: Essential for shaping and holding the delicious pecan pie.
  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all filling ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Crucial for blending the syrup mixture until glossy and well-combined.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Help ensure precise ingredient quantities.
  • Cutting board: Useful for chopping pecans evenly.
  • Knife: Needed for chopping nuts and slicing the finished pie.
  • Wire rack: Great for cooling the pie and allowing air circulation.
  • Aluminum foil: Helps prevent over-browning during baking.
  • Oven: Where the magic of baking happens at 350°F.

Preparation Guide for Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie

Preparation Guide for Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie
  • Craft the Pie Shell

Roll out chilled dough into a pie pan, creating elegant crimped edges with gentle pinches around the rim. The delicate crust sets the stage for a mouthwatering dessert.

  • Prepare the Flavor Base

Whisk together sugars, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl until the mixture transforms into a silky, glossy liquid that promises pure indulgence.

  • Build the Pecan Foundation

Scatter chopped pecans across the pie shell’s bottom, then slowly pour the luscious syrup over them, ensuring every nut gets beautifully coated in sweet goodness.

  • Bake with Precision

Slide the pie into a preheated 350°F oven, initially covering it with foil to protect the delicate surface. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes, watching carefully to prevent over-browning.

  • Perfect the Finish

Check the pie’s center – it should have a subtle wobble but look mostly set. If needed, return to the oven for a final 10-20 minutes. Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack, letting the filling settle into a divine, creamy texture.

Smart Ideas for Customizing Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie

Smart Ideas for Customizing Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie
  • Boost Your Pecan Pie Perfection
  • Enhance Nutty Flavor: Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before adding to the pie. This simple step intensifies their natural richness and adds a deeper, more complex taste.
  • Swap Sugar Creatively: Replace corn syrup with maple syrup or honey for a unique twist. Each alternative brings its own distinctive sweetness and subtle flavor profile to the classic recipe.
  • Master Crust Protection: Use pie crust shields or aluminum foil strips to prevent edges from burning during the longer baking process. Carefully wrap the rim loosely to allow heat circulation while preventing over-browning.
  • Serve with Flair: Pair warm slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. A light dusting of sea salt on top can elevate the dessert's flavor complexity and provide a delightful contrast to the sweet filling.

Presentation Tips for Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie

  • Serve with Creamy Companions
  • Top each slice with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or freshly whipped cream to balance the pie's rich, sweet flavors and add a cool, silky contrast.
  • Pair with Warm Beverages
  • Complement the pecan pie with a steaming mug of dark roast coffee or a smooth bourbon to enhance the nutty, caramel-like undertones and create a cozy dessert experience.
  • Create Elegant Presentation
  • Dust the pie with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving, and garnish with a few whole pecans arranged artfully on top to elevate the visual appeal and add a delightful crunch.
  • Add Seasonal Flair
  • During holiday gatherings, serve the pie on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks or a sprig of fresh rosemary to create a festive and inviting dessert display that captures the warmth of the occasion.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Buttery Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Recipe

Buttery Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Rich pecan pie highlights Southern baking traditions with buttery, caramelized pecans nestled in a flaky crust. Sweet layers of nutty goodness invite you to savor classic comfort on your plate.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup pecans (chopped)
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 pie crust (unbaked)
  • 1 cup corn syrup (light)
  • 1 cup sugar (granulated)
  • 3 tbsps sugar (brown)
  • ⅓ cup butter (salted, melted)
  • ¾ tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Carefully place the chilled pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan, creating an elegant crimped edge design.
  2. Oven Setup: Position the oven rack centrally and preheat to 350°F, establishing the optimal baking environment.
  3. Filling Creation: Whisk together sugars, salt, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl until achieving a smooth, homogeneous mixture that gleams with caramel-like potential.
  4. Pecan Arrangement: Spread chopped pecans evenly across the pie shell’s base, creating a delectable foundational layer.
  5. Filling Distribution: Gently pour the syrupy mixture over pecans, ensuring complete and uniform coverage throughout the shell.
  6. Initial Baking: Cover the pie with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes, protecting the delicate surface from premature browning.
  7. Final Browning: Remove foil and continue baking for 20-40 minutes, monitoring the pie’s color and checking for a slight center wobble that indicates perfect doneness.
  8. Cooling Process: Transfer the pie to a wire rack, allowing it to rest and set completely for several hours or ideally overnight, which helps the filling achieve its signature luscious texture.
  9. Serving: Slice into elegant wedges and present at room temperature, showcasing the pie’s rich, caramelized filling and perfectly toasted pecans.

Notes

  • Chill the Crust: Refrigerate pie dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent shrinkage and ensure a flaky texture during baking.
  • Prevent Burning: Use aluminum foil strategically to shield delicate pecans and crust edges from excessive heat and browning.
  • Test for Doneness: Gently shake the pie pan to check filling consistency; a slight wobble indicates it needs more baking time.
  • Room Temperature Resting: Allow pie to cool completely for several hours or overnight to help filling set and develop rich, deep flavors.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 525
  • Sugar: 58 g
  • Sodium: 174 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 66 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 186 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star