Nothing says Southern comfort quite like a perfectly baked pecan pie, with its gooey filling and buttery crust topped with toasted nuts.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at this classic dessert for the first time, these six exceptional recipes will help you create the pecan pie of your dreams.
From traditional versions that highlight pure maple syrup to innovative twists featuring chocolate and bourbon, you’ll discover variations to suit any taste.
We’ll explore foolproof techniques, expert tips, and time-tested recipes that consistently deliver outstanding results your family and friends will rave about.
Classic Southern Pecan Pie with Bourbon

Treat yourself to the ultimate comfort dessert that combines the richness of pecans with the warmth of bourbon.
This classic Southern pecan pie features a buttery, flaky crust filled with a perfectly sweet and gooey center that’s enhanced with a touch of Kentucky bourbon, creating an irresistible combination that’s perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients:
• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
• 3 cups pecan halves
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup dark corn syrup
• ⅔ cup dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
Steps:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Roll out your pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, bourbon, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until well combined.
Step 4: Arrange 2 cups of pecans in the bottom of the pie crust.
Step 5: Pour the filling mixture over the pecans.
Step 6: Top with remaining pecans in a decorative pattern.
Step 7: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 8: Cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving.
Pro Tip: To prevent the crust from burning, cover the edges with aluminum foil halfway through baking. For the perfect slice, let the pie cool completely and use a sharp knife dipped in hot water between cuts.
No-Corn-Syrup Maple Pecan Pie

Transform your holiday dessert table with this perfectly sweet and nutty maple pecan pie that doesn’t rely on corn syrup.
This classic pie features pure maple syrup, creating a more natural, complex sweetness that perfectly complements the toasted pecans and buttery crust.
Ingredients:
• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup pure maple syrup (dark grade preferred)
• ⅔ cup packed brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups pecan halves
• 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Step 3: Arrange 1½ cups of pecans in a single layer on the bottom of your pie crust.
Step 4: Pour the maple mixture carefully over the pecans.
Step 5: Top with remaining pecans in a decorative pattern.
Step 6: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 7: Cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving.
Pro Tip: To prevent the crust edges from burning, cover them with aluminum foil after the first 20 minutes of baking. For the best texture, let your eggs and maple syrup come to room temperature before mixing.
Chocolate-Drizzled Pecan Pie

Indulge in this irresistible twist on a classic Southern favorite.
This chocolate-drizzled pecan pie combines the rich, nutty goodness of traditional pecan pie with an elegant drizzle of dark chocolate that takes it to the next level.
Perfect for holidays or special occasions, this dessert will surely become your new go-to recipe.
**Ingredients:**
• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
• 3 cups pecans, roughly chopped
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• ⅔ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 4 oz dark chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
**Instructions:**
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Line your pie dish with the unbaked crust and crimp the edges.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until well combined.
Step 4: Stir in the chopped pecans and pour the mixture into your prepared crust.
Step 5: Bake for 40-45 minutes until filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 6: Cool completely on a wire rack (about 2 hours).
Step 7: Melt chocolate chips with heavy cream in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
Step 8: Drizzle the chocolate mixture over the cooled pie in a decorative pattern.
Pro Tip: To prevent the crust edges from over-browning, cover them with aluminum foil halfway through baking. Always let your pie cool completely before adding the chocolate drizzle, or it will melt and run off the surface.
Brown Butter Salted Pecan Pie

Transform your traditional pecan pie into an extraordinary dessert with this elevated recipe.
The brown butter adds a rich, nutty dimension while the perfect balance of salt enhances the sweetness of the filling. This showstopper dessert will become your new holiday favorite.
Ingredients:
• 1 unbaked pie crust
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 3 cups pecan halves
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup dark corn syrup
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1½ teaspoons sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
Step 2: Brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Step 3: Toast pecans on a baking sheet for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
Step 4: Whisk eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
Step 5: Slowly stream in the cooled brown butter while whisking constantly.
Step 6: Arrange 2 cups of pecans in the pie crust, pour the filling mixture over them, then top with remaining pecans.
Step 7: Bake for 45-50 minutes until filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 8: Cool completely on a wire rack for at least 3 hours before serving.
Pro Tip: To prevent the crust from burning, cover the edges with aluminum foil during the last 20 minutes of baking. For the perfect slice, refrigerate the cooled pie for 30 minutes before cutting.
Gluten-Free Honey Pecan Pie

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this delightful gluten-free honey pecan pie that combines the rich, nutty flavor of pecans with the natural sweetness of honey.
This twist on the classic pecan pie eliminates gluten without sacrificing taste or texture, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients:
• 1 gluten-free pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 3 cups pecan halves
• 3/4 cup honey
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup corn syrup
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Press your gluten-free pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, honey, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
Step 4: Stir in 2 cups of pecans into the mixture.
Step 5: Pour the filling into your prepared pie crust.
Step 6: Arrange the remaining pecans on top in a decorative pattern.
Step 7: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly jiggly in the center.
Step 8: Let cool completely for at least 2 hours before serving.
Pro Tip: To prevent the crust edges from burning, cover them with aluminum foil halfway through baking. You can test if the pie is done by gently shaking it – the center should wobble slightly but not be liquid.
Caramel-Topped Deep Dish Pecan Pie

Elevate your traditional pecan pie game with this show-stopping Caramel-Topped Deep Dish Pecan Pie.
This decadent dessert combines the rich, gooey goodness of classic pecan pie with an extra layer of homemade caramel on top, all nestled in a buttery deep-dish crust.
Perfect for holidays or special occasions, this pie will leave your guests asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
• 1 deep-dish pie crust (9-inch)
• 4 cups pecan halves
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup dark corn syrup
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the caramel topping:
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pie crust in a deep-dish pie pan.
Step 2: Toast pecans on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
Step 3: Whisk eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Step 4: Arrange 3 cups of pecans in the pie crust, pour filling over them.
Step 5: Bake for 50-60 minutes until filling is set but still slightly jiggly.
Step 6: For the caramel, heat sugar and water in a saucepan until amber-colored.
Step 7: Remove from heat, carefully stir in cream and butter until smooth.
Step 8: Cool caramel slightly, pour over pie, and top with remaining pecans.
Pro Tip: To prevent the crust from over-browning, cover the edges with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking. Always let the pie cool completely (about 2 hours) before adding the caramel topping to ensure it sets properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a classic pecan pie filling perfectly gooey?
The perfect combination of corn syrup, eggs, and butter creates that signature gooey texture. Using light and dark corn syrup together adds depth while maintaining the ideal consistency.
How can you prevent your pie crust from getting soggy?
Blind bake your crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling. Brushing the pre-baked crust with egg white creates a barrier that keeps it crisp.
What’s the ideal baking temperature and time for pecan pie?
Bake your pecan pie at 350°F (175°C) for 50-55 minutes. The filling should be set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center when done.
How do you keep pecans from burning on top of the pie?
Cover the pie edges with foil after 30 minutes of baking. You can also arrange the pecans in a single layer to ensure even browning.
What’s the secret to achieving the perfect pecan pie texture?
Toast your pecans before adding them to enhance flavor, and avoid overmixing the filling. Let the pie cool completely for at least 2 hours to achieve the right consistency.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve explored these six delectable pecan pie recipes, you can confidently choose the perfect version for your next gathering.
Remember to toast your pecans for enhanced flavor, avoid overmixing the filling, and always check your pie’s doneness with a gentle shake.
Whether you prefer the classic version or want to experiment with bourbon or chocolate variations, the key lies in quality ingredients and patience.
Don’t forget to let your pie cool completely before serving for the perfect slice every time.