As the holiday season approaches, few desserts capture the warmth and sweetness of the festivities quite like pecan pie. Whether it’s a family gathering, a Thanksgiving feast, or a Christmas celebration, pecan pie adds that comforting touch to any meal. In 2024, there are fresh twists on the classic recipe, making it easier than ever to create a perfect pie for your holiday table.
In this article, we’ll dive into the best holiday pecan pie recipes for 2024, offering a blend of traditional and modern versions. These recipes are designed to be easy to follow, customizable, and sure to impress your family and friends.
1. Classic Pecan Pie
Ingredients:
- 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges for a decorative look.
- Mix the Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add Pecans: Stir in the pecan halves so they are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Fill the Pie: Pour the filling into the pie crust. Arrange some pecan halves on top if you want a decorative finish.
- Bake: Place the pie on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the filling is set. You can cover the edges of the crust with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool before slicing. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic touch.
2. Chocolate Pecan Pie
This variation is a chocolate lover’s dream, adding a rich layer of cocoa to the traditional recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 9-inch pie crust
- 3/4 cup corn syrup
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out your pie crust and place it in a pie dish.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Add Chocolate: Stir in the chocolate chips and pecan halves.
- Bake the Pie: Pour the mixture into your pie crust. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes until the center is set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool before serving. The chocolate chips melt into a gooey center that complements the crunch of the pecans.
3. Bourbon Pecan Pie
Adding a splash of bourbon gives this pecan pie a warm, toasty flavor that pairs perfectly with the richness of the nuts.
Ingredients:
- 1 9-inch pie crust
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the pie crust in a pie dish.
- Make the Filling: In a bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, bourbon, and vanilla extract.
- Add Pecans: Fold in the pecan halves, then pour the mixture into your prepared pie crust.
- Bake: Bake the pie for 50 to 55 minutes, checking the edges of the crust halfway through. If they start to brown too quickly, cover with foil.
- Cool and Serve: Cool the pie completely before serving. The bourbon enhances the sweetness of the filling, making each bite deeply flavorful.
4. Maple Pecan Pie
For those who prefer a natural sweetener, this recipe replaces corn syrup with maple syrup, giving the pie a more complex and aromatic flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 9-inch pie crust
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pie crust in a pie dish.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Add Pecans: Stir in the pecan halves and pour the filling into the crust.
- Bake: Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the center is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool before serving. The maple syrup adds a deep, rich sweetness that complements the pecans beautifully.
5. Vegan Pecan Pie
For a plant-based twist on the traditional pecan pie, this recipe eliminates eggs and dairy without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 9-inch vegan pie crust
- 1 cup maple syrup or agave syrup
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup almond or soy milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and roll out your vegan pie crust into a pie dish.
- Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the syrup, brown sugar, melted coconut oil, almond milk, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add Pecans: Stir in the pecans and pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake: Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the center is firm and the crust is golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool before serving. The coconut oil and almond milk add a creamy texture, making it a perfect dessert for vegans and non-vegans alike.
6. Pecan Pie Bars
If you’re looking for an easier-to-serve version of pecan pie, try making pecan pie bars. These are great for potlucks and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecan halves
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in butter until crumbly. Press into a greased 13×9-inch baking dish.
- Bake the Crust: Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Make the Filling: Whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in pecans and pour over the warm crust.
- Bake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling is set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bars cool completely before cutting into squares. These portable bars are perfect for sharing!
FAQs
- Can I freeze pecan pie?
Yes, pecan pie freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. - How do I know when my pecan pie is done?
The pie is done when the center is slightly jiggly but mostly set. It will firm up as it cools. The crust should be golden brown. - Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light corn syrup?
Yes, dark corn syrup will give the pie a richer flavor, while light corn syrup keeps it more traditional. - What can I substitute for corn syrup?
Maple syrup, honey, or agave syrup are good substitutes for corn syrup in pecan pie recipes. - Can I make pecan pie without eggs?
Yes, you can make vegan pecan pie by using substitutes like flaxseed meal mixed with water or cornstarch to mimic the binding effect of eggs.