This easy pecan pie recipe delivers that perfect balance of sweet, gooey filling and crunchy pecans nestled in a flaky, buttery crust. The combination of light corn syrup and brown sugar creates that signature gooey texture without being overwhelmingly sweet, while the pecans toast beautifully as the pie bakes.
Pie crust shield or aluminum foil to protect crust edges
Wire cooling rack
Baking sheet to catch drips
Ingredients
1unbaked 9-inch pie crusthomemade or store-bought
3large eggsroom temperature
1cuplight corn syrup240ml
¾cuppacked light brown sugar150g
¼cupgranulated sugar50g
4tablespoonsunsalted butter57g, melted and slightly cooled
1½teaspoonspure vanilla extract
½teaspoonsalt
2cupspecan halves200g
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and position rack in lower third. If using homemade crust, roll out to 12 inches diameter, transfer to pie dish, trim leaving ½ inch overhang, fold under, and crimp edges.
In a large bowl, whisk eggs until beaten and frothy. Add corn syrup, brown sugar, and granulated sugar, whisking for 1 minute until smooth and sugars dissolve.
Slowly pour melted butter into egg mixture while whisking continuously. Add vanilla extract and salt, whisking until fully incorporated and mixture is smooth and glossy.
Spread pecan halves evenly across bottom of chilled pie crust. Pour filling mixture over pecans, allowing it to settle around them naturally.
Place pie crust shield or aluminum foil ring over crimped edges to prevent over-browning. Set pie on baking sheet and place on lower oven rack.
Bake for 55-60 minutes until edges are set and puffed, and center jiggles only slightly when gently shaken. Internal temperature should reach 200°F.
Remove from oven and place on wire rack. Remove crust shield after 15 minutes and cool completely at room temperature for at least 3 hours before slicing.
Notes
Use room temperature eggs for smoother incorporation into the filling and better texture.
Let melted butter cool for 5 minutes before adding to prevent cooking the eggs.
Chill the prepared crust for 15 minutes before adding filling to help prevent a soggy bottom.
The center should jiggle slightly like Jell-O when done—it will firm up as it cools.
If pecans are stale, toast them at 350°F for 5-7 minutes before using for better flavor.
For cleaner slices, dip knife in hot water and wipe clean between cuts.
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 4 days, bringing to room temperature before serving.
Freeze baked and cooled pie for up to 3 months wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Substitute dark corn syrup for deeper molasses flavor if preferred.
For bourbon pecan pie variation, replace 2 tablespoons corn syrup with bourbon.