Our Favorite Pecan Pie Recipes of All Time

We’ve been avoiding the obvious for a long time: Pecan pies. When we first began writing content for our all-things-pecan blog, we decided to punt the pecan pie topic down the road. Pecan pie recipes are just so obvious, after all. But now we’ve covered quite a few pecan recipes. From sweet to savory, you now have a taste of all the different ways pecans can be used in recipes.

So, now that we’ve provided you with a healthy number of unexpected pecan recipes, let’s take it back to the beginning and share our favorite pecan pie recipes. But first, how about some helpful pecan pie tips and tricks?

Pecan Pie Tips and Tricks

1. Should You Toast the Pecans?

The short answer is yes! Toasting nuts adds a big flavor boost and alters the texture of the pecan pie. Consider toasting the nuts in butter to give them an even richer, bolder flavor. Just don’t leave them on too long because no one wants burnt pecans in their pecan pie.

2. Should You Blind Bake the Crust?

We don’t recommend blind baking for these recipes. The pecan pie spends nearly an hour in the oven, giving it plenty of time to turn golden brown. And if you notice the edges of the crust browning too quickly, make an easy pie crust shield. You don’t have to worry about this compromising the “homemade” feel of your pecan pie.

3. Must You Use Corn Syrup?

We recommend you do NOT use corn syrup. Instead, use maple syrup, which is less rich and adds more flavor.

4. Should You Temper the Eggs?

Avoid scrambling the eggs by not adding them too quickly to your hot pie mixture. To prevent scrambling, add a touch of the hot pie filling to the eggs and whisk quickly (this is called tempering), then add that back into the mixing bowl. Be sure to keep whisking until done.

5. How Do You Keep the Pecan Pie?

Once done (which you can gauge using the classic toothpick test), you can refrigerate your pecan pie. You can even freeze it! Bake your pie and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap—two layers are best. Then, pop the pie in the freezer for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy the pie, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or gently heat it up in a 300ºF oven for about 20 minutes.

Those are the top tips and tricks you need to know to make an amazing pecan pie. Are you ready to take a dive into some of your sweet and delicious pecan pie recipes? Let’s do it!

1. Classic Pecan Pie

We’ve got to start with the very classic and well-known standard pecan pie recipe. This recipe is the one everyone’s grandmother knows and taught them. It will bring warmth to your belly and a sweet taste to your mouth. It’s a recipe you’ll never forget. Invite friends and family over and treat them to some classic homemade pecan pie!

Ingredients

Dough for single-crust pie

• 1/2 cup butter

• 2-1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans

• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar

• 3/4 cup maple syrup

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 3 large eggs, beaten

• 2 tablespoons whiskey or bourbon, optional

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• Optional: Whipped cream and ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step One

Preheat the oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, roll your dough to a 1/8-in.-thick circle; then transfer it to a 9-in. pie plate. Trim the crust to 1/2 in. beyond the rim of the plate; flute edge. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.

Step Two

In a Dutch oven or large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the pecans; cook, stirring constantly, until very fragrant and the pecans start to brown, 4-5 minutes. Remove the pecans with a slotted spoon, reserving butter in the pan. Stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. In a bowl, whisk a small amount of the hot mixture into eggs; return all to the pan, whisking constantly. Stir whiskey, if desired, and vanilla into the brown sugar mixture; stir in the pecans and pour into the crust.

Step Three

Bake the pie until a knife or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, should be around 55-60 minutes. Cover the edge with foil during the last 30 minutes to prevent over-browning if necessary. Cool on a wire rack. If desired, top with whipped cream and cinnamon. Refrigerate the leftovers.

2. Bourbon-Infused Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie

Who doesn’t like the idea of adding bourbon to their pecan pie? We love the idea! It’s like rum cake… but better! And this bourbon-infused chocolate chip pecan pie has just about everything you could ever want or need in a pecan pie. It’s got a delicious crust, delightful pecans, and rich chocolate chips. It’s going to set your sweet tooth alight!

Ingredients

Pastry for single-crust pie (9 inches)

• 3 large eggs

• 3/4 cup sugar

• 3/4 cup dark corn syrup

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1 tablespoon bourbon

• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

• 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons sweetened shredded coconut, divided

• 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Step One

Preheat your oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to a 1/8-in.-thick circle then transfer it to a 9-in. pie plate. Trim the pastry to 1/2 in. beyond the rim of the plate; flute edge.

Step Two

In a large bowl, beat your eggs, sugar, corn syrup, butter, and bourbon until it’s all quite blended. Stir in the chocolate chips, 1 cup of coconut, and pecans. Pour it all into the pastry shell and sprinkle with the remaining coconut.

Step Three

Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes or until the filling is set and the coconut is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack; serve or refrigerate within 2 hours.

3. Caramel Apple Pecan Pie

We’ve got to end today’s pecan pie extravaganza with a truly unique variety, a caramel apple pecan pie. Does that not sound amazing or what? After all, who doesn’t like caramel apples? And of course, we all love pecan pie. Now combine the two and you’ve got a true culinary treat. Delight the family with this incredibly delicious pecan pie recipe.

Ingredients

Dough for single-crust pie:

• 7 cups sliced peeled tart apples (about 6 medium)

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3/4 cup chopped pecans

• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar

• 3 tablespoons sugar

• 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1/4 cup caramel topping, room temperature

• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Streusel topping:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 6 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

• 2/3 cup chopped pecans

• 1/4 cup caramel topping, room temperature

• Whipped cream, optional

Instructions

Step One

Preheat your oven to 350°. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to a 1/8-in.-thick circle then transfer to a 9-in. deep-dish pie plate. Trim crust to 1/2 in. beyond the rim of plate; flute edge. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.

Step Two

In a large bowl, toss the apples with lemon juice and vanilla. Mix your pecans, sugars, cinnamon, and cornstarch then add them to the apples and toss to combine.

Step Three

Spread the caramel topping onto the bottom of the crust. Fill it with the apple mixture and drizzle with butter.

Step Four

For streusel topping, mix your flour and sugar. Cut in the butter until crumbly; stir in pecans. Sprinkle over the filling.

Step Five

Bake on a lower oven rack until the filling is bubbly, 65-75 minutes. Drizzle it with caramel topping. Cool on a wire rack. If desired, serve with whipped cream and additional caramel topping.

Is your mouth now watering for an amazing pecan pie? Have we got your sweet tooth singing to you from inside your mouth? Well, it’s got us too. Now get out of here and go make a delicious pecan pie!