Top 13 Amazing Pecan Pie Recipes for Every Occasion

Nothing beats the rich, nutty sweetness of homemade pecan pie. These incredible recipes transform simple ingredients into dessert masterpieces that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

From classic Southern styles to creative chocolate twists, these pecan pie variations offer something special for every taste preference and skill level.

01. Traditional Southern Pecan Pie

This timeless pecan pie recipe delivers authentic Southern flavor with simple ingredients. The secret lies in using the perfect corn syrup blend for rich, gooey perfection.

Ingredients: 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust, 3 large eggs, 1 cup light corn syrup, ½ cup dark corn syrup, ⅓ cup melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1½ cups pecan halves.

How To Make Traditional Southern Pecan Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan, crimping the edges decoratively. This creates a beautiful presentation and prevents the crust from shrinking during baking.

2. Whisk together eggs, both corn syrups, melted butter, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl until completely smooth. The mixture should be glossy and well-combined without any streaks of egg visible throughout.

3. Arrange pecan halves evenly in the prepared crust, then slowly pour the filling mixture over the pecans. The pecans will naturally float to the surface, creating that classic pecan pie appearance with nuts beautifully distributed on top.

4. Bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken. The top should be golden brown and the filling should no longer look wet or shiny in the center.

02. Chocolate Espresso Pecan Pie

Coffee lovers will go crazy for this sophisticated pecan pie with rich chocolate and espresso flavors. The espresso powder enhances both the coffee and chocolate notes beautifully.

Ingredients: 1 unbaked pie crust, 3 large eggs, ¾ cup dark corn syrup, ¼ cup melted butter, 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder, ½ cup mini chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1¼ cups chopped pecans.

How To Make Chocolate Espresso Pecan Pie

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare your pie crust in a 9-inch pan. Dissolve the espresso powder in 2 tablespoons of hot water, stirring until completely smooth to avoid any bitter granules in the final pie.

2. Beat eggs thoroughly in a large bowl, then whisk in corn syrup, melted butter, dissolved espresso mixture, and vanilla until the filling is completely smooth and glossy throughout.

3. Fold in chocolate chips and chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the filling. Pour the mixture into the prepared crust, ensuring the nuts and chips are spread evenly across the surface.

4. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 25-30 minutes until the center is just set. The filling should be firm but still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken.

5. Cool completely on a wire rack for at least 3 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents it from being too runny when served.

03. Honey Crunch Pecan Pie

This award-winning pecan pie features an incredible crunchy topping that sets it apart from ordinary recipes. The honey adds natural sweetness while bourbon provides sophisticated depth.

Ingredients: 1 unbaked pie crust, 3 eggs, ½ cup honey, ½ cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup melted butter, 2 tablespoons bourbon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1½ cups pecan halves, ½ cup chopped pecans for topping.

How To Make Honey Crunch Pecan Pie

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and use a 10-inch deep-dish pie pan to prevent overflow. The larger size accommodates the generous filling and prevents messy spills in your oven during baking.

2. Whisk eggs until frothy, then blend in honey, brown sugar, melted butter, bourbon, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The bourbon adds incredible flavor depth that complements the honey beautifully.

3. Arrange pecan halves in the bottom of the pie crust, then pour the honey mixture over them. The pecans will float to create a beautiful top layer as the pie bakes.

4. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the center is almost set. Remove from oven and quickly sprinkle chopped pecans over the surface, pressing them gently into the filling for the signature crunchy topping.

5. Return to oven for 10-15 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the center is completely set. Cool for at least 2 hours before serving to allow proper setting.

04. No-Bake Coconut Caramel Pecan Pie

This incredibly easy no-bake pie combines toasted coconut, pecans, and caramel for tropical pecan pie perfection. It’s ready in minutes with no oven required.

Ingredients: 1 prepared graham cracker crust, 8 oz cream cheese softened, 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup toasted coconut flakes, 1 cup chopped pecans, ½ cup caramel sauce, 2 cups whipped topping.

How To Make No-Bake Coconut Caramel Pecan Pie

1. Toast coconut flakes in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until golden brown and fragrant. This step adds incredible nutty flavor and prevents the coconut from being soggy in the finished pie.

2. Beat cream cheese until fluffy and smooth, then gradually add condensed milk, beating until completely combined without any lumps. The mixture should be silky and smooth throughout.

3. Fold in toasted coconut, chopped pecans, and half the caramel sauce until evenly distributed. Gently fold in 1½ cups whipped topping, being careful not to deflate the light, airy texture.

4. Spoon the mixture into the graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Drizzle remaining caramel sauce over the surface and top with remaining whipped topping and extra pecans.

5. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely set and firm. The pie will slice cleanly when properly chilled and set throughout.

05. Corn Syrup-Free Pecan Pie

This simple pecan pie proves you don’t need corn syrup for incredible results. Pure maple syrup and brown sugar create rich, natural sweetness that lets the pecans shine.

Ingredients: 1 unbaked pie crust, 4 large eggs, ¾ cup pure maple syrup, ½ cup packed brown sugar, ¼ cup melted butter, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 cups pecan halves.

How To Make Corn Syrup-Free Pecan Pie

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare your favorite homemade pie crust in a 9-inch pan. Make sure the crust edges are well-crimped to prevent shrinking and create an attractive finished appearance.

2. Beat eggs thoroughly in a large bowl until light and frothy. Slowly whisk in maple syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.

3. Arrange pecan halves in an even layer in the prepared crust. For a thicker consistency, use extra pecans to create multiple layers of nuts throughout the filling.

4. Pour the maple mixture over the pecans, ensuring all nuts are coated. Gently tap the pan to release air bubbles and help the filling settle evenly around the pecans.

5. Bake for 50-55 minutes until the center is set and no longer jiggles when gently shaken. The top should be golden brown and the filling should be firm throughout.

06. Sweet Potato Pecan Pie

Two beloved Southern desserts unite in this spiced sweet potato pecan pie topped with caramelized pecans. The combination creates layers of flavor that complement each other perfectly.

Ingredients: 1 unbaked pie crust, 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes, 3 eggs, ½ cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1½ cups pecan halves, 2 tablespoons bourbon.

How To Make Sweet Potato Pecan Pie

1. Roast sweet potatoes at 400°F for 45 minutes until tender, then mash until completely smooth. This method creates better flavor than boiling and prevents excess moisture in the filling.

2. Beat mashed sweet potatoes with eggs, brown sugar, cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well-spiced. The filling should be creamy without any lumps.

3. Pour sweet potato mixture into the prepared crust and smooth the surface. Arrange pecan halves decoratively on top, pressing them slightly into the filling so they stay in place during baking.

4. Toss remaining pecans with bourbon and a tablespoon of brown sugar, then scatter over the pie for extra caramelized flavor. This creates beautiful contrast and enhanced nuttiness.

5. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes, then reduce to 350°F and continue baking for 35-40 minutes until the center is set and pecans are golden brown and fragrant.

07. Upside-Down Apple Pecan Pie

This creative twist combines classic apple pie with crunchy pecans in an impressive upside-down presentation. The caramelized pecan topping becomes the stunning bottom layer when inverted.

Ingredients: 2 pie crusts, 6 large apples peeled and sliced, 1 cup chopped pecans, ½ cup butter, ¾ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup honey, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon vanilla, ¼ teaspoon salt.

How To Make Upside-Down Apple Pecan Pie

1. Line a deep-dish pie pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving overhang for easy removal. This prevents the pecan mixture from sticking when you invert the finished pie.

2. Melt butter in a saucepan and stir in brown sugar, honey, and salt until smooth. Bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat and stir in pecans and vanilla until well-coated.

3. Spread the pecan mixture evenly in the prepared pan, then place one pie crust over the pecans, pressing gently to adhere. This will become the bottom crust after inverting.

4. Toss sliced apples with cinnamon and arrange them over the crust in overlapping layers. Cover with the second crust, sealing and crimping the edges to prevent filling from leaking.

5. Cut steam vents in the top crust and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce to 375°F for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and apples are tender.

6. Cool for 10 minutes, then run a knife around edges and carefully invert onto a serving plate. Remove parchment paper to reveal the beautiful caramelized pecan topping.

08. Maple Pecan Pie

Pure maple syrup creates incredible depth in this fall-perfect pecan pie. The natural maple flavor pairs beautifully with toasted pecans for an authentic seasonal dessert.

Ingredients: 1 unbaked pie crust, 3 large eggs, 1 cup pure maple syrup, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1¾ cups pecan halves, 2 tablespoons maple sugar.

How To Make Maple Pecan Pie

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare your pie crust, whether homemade or store-bought. Make sure the edges are well-formed to contain the generous maple filling during baking.

2. Lightly toast pecan halves in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly darkened. This enhances their natural nuttiness and prevents them from becoming soggy in the pie.

3. Whisk eggs until frothy, then slowly add maple syrup, melted butter, vanilla, and salt, beating until the mixture is smooth and glossy throughout without any streaks.

4. Arrange toasted pecans in the pie crust and pour the maple mixture over them. Sprinkle maple sugar on top for extra maple flavor and a beautiful caramelized finish.

5. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown. The filling should be firm when gently shaken and no longer appear wet or shiny.

09. Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

Rich chocolate and smooth bourbon elevate this decadent pecan pie to new heights. The combination creates sophisticated flavors that bourbon lovers will absolutely adore.

Ingredients: 1 unbaked pie crust, 3 large eggs, ¾ cup dark corn syrup, ⅓ cup melted butter, 3 tablespoons bourbon whiskey, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla, ½ cup mini chocolate chips, 1½ cups pecan pieces.

How To Make Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare your pie crust in a 9-inch pan. Whisk cocoa powder with a small amount of the corn syrup until smooth to prevent lumps in the final filling.

2. Beat eggs thoroughly, then whisk in remaining corn syrup, melted butter, bourbon, cocoa mixture, and vanilla until completely smooth and well-combined. Taste and adjust bourbon to your preference.

3. Stir in chocolate chips and pecan pieces, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling. If the mixture seems too thin, add extra pecans to achieve the perfect consistency.

4. Pour the mixture into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula. The pecans and chocolate chips should be evenly distributed across the surface for consistent flavor in every bite.

5. Bake for 50-55 minutes until the center is set and the top is firm to the touch. The bourbon flavor will mellow during baking while the chocolate becomes rich and fudgy.

10. Mini Pecan Tassies

These adorable bite-sized pecan tarts deliver all the flavor of traditional pecan pie in perfect individual portions. They’re ideal for holiday parties and bake much faster than full-sized pies.

Ingredients: 3 oz cream cheese softened, ½ cup butter softened, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 egg, ¾ cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, ⅔ cup finely chopped pecans, pinch of salt.

How To Make Mini Pecan Tassies

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy, then gradually mix in flour until a soft dough forms. Shape into 24 small balls and press each into mini muffin cups, forming small tart shells.

2. Beat egg with brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth and well-combined. The mixture should be glossy and free of any sugar granules for the best texture.

3. Divide chopped pecans evenly among the tart shells, filling each about half full. Pour the egg mixture over the pecans, filling each shell about ¾ full to prevent overflow.

4. Bake at 325°F for 20-25 minutes until the filling is set and the pastry is lightly golden brown. The centers should be firm and no longer jiggly when done.

5. Cool in pans for 5 minutes, then carefully remove to wire racks. These tassies are delicious warm or at room temperature and store well for several days.

11. Layered Chocolate Pecan Delight

This impressive layered dessert combines pecan crust with creamy chocolate and vanilla layers. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd and requires no special pie-making skills.

Ingredients: 2 cups chopped pecans, ½ cup melted butter, 2 cups flour, 8 oz cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 cups whipped topping, 2 boxes chocolate pudding mix, 2 boxes vanilla pudding mix, 4 cups milk.

How To Make Layered Chocolate Pecan Delight

1. Mix chopped pecans, melted butter, and flour until well-combined. Press firmly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer that extends slightly up the sides for a proper crust foundation.

2. Bake the pecan crust at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden brown and set. Cool completely before adding the next layer to prevent melting the cream cheese mixture.

3. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and 1 cup whipped topping until fluffy and well-combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled pecan crust as the second layer.

4. Prepare chocolate pudding according to package directions, then spread over the cream cheese layer. Repeat with vanilla pudding, creating distinct layers that showcase beautifully when sliced.

5. Top with remaining whipped topping and sprinkle with extra chopped pecans for garnish. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until all layers are set and firm before serving.

12. Cocoa Powder Pecan Pie

Unsweetened cocoa powder adds rich chocolate flavor without overwhelming sweetness to this sophisticated pecan pie. The result is perfectly balanced with deep, complex chocolate notes.

Ingredients: 1 unbaked pie crust, 3 large eggs, ¾ cup light corn syrup, ½ cup sugar, ⅓ cup melted butter, 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1½ cups pecan halves.

How To Make Cocoa Powder Pecan Pie

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare your pie crust in a 9-inch pan. Sift cocoa powder to remove any lumps, ensuring a smooth chocolate flavor throughout the finished pie.

2. Beat eggs until frothy, then whisk in corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, sifted cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt until the mixture is completely smooth without any cocoa streaks visible.

3. Arrange pecan halves in the prepared crust in an attractive pattern. Pour the chocolate mixture slowly over the pecans, allowing it to settle around and between the nuts evenly.

4. Bake for 50-55 minutes until the center is set and the top has a slight sheen. The cocoa creates a beautiful dark color while keeping the sweetness perfectly balanced.

5. Cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. The cocoa flavor will deepen as it cools, creating rich chocolate notes that complement the pecans beautifully.

13. Caramel Candy Pecan Pie

Melted caramel candies create incredible richness in this indulgent pecan pie variation. The caramel adds luxurious texture and deep, buttery sweetness that makes this pie absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients: 1 unbaked pie crust, 30 wrapped caramel candies, ¼ cup heavy cream, 3 large eggs, ½ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt, 1¾ cups pecan halves.

How To Make Caramel Candy Pecan Pie

1. Unwrap caramel candies and melt them with heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and creamy. This creates the perfect caramel base without any lumps or hard pieces.

2. Let melted caramel cool slightly, then whisk in eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until completely combined. The mixture should be smooth and glossy throughout without any streaks.

3. Arrange pecan halves in the prepared pie crust, creating an even layer that covers the bottom completely. Pour the caramel mixture over the pecans, ensuring all nuts are well-coated.

4. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 25-30 minutes until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken.

5. Cool completely before serving to allow the caramel to set properly. The finished pie will have incredible caramel flavor with perfectly tender pecans throughout every slice.

Final Thoughts

These thirteen pecan pie recipes offer incredible variety for every taste preference and skill level. From classic Southern traditions to creative modern twists, each recipe delivers exceptional results.

Whether you prefer traditional corn syrup versions or innovative flavor combinations, these recipes will inspire your baking adventures and create memorable desserts for any occasion.