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If you’re searching for the ultimate pecan pie, look no further than the Pioneer Woman’s pecan pie recipe. My experience making Ree Drummond’s famous pecan pie has been nothing short of dessert nirvana. It’s genuinely the best pecan pie I’ve ever had the pleasure of baking and tasting.
My introduction to this recipe began on Ree Drummond’s blog, The Pioneer Woman. Intrigued by her enthusiastic description and having watched her prepare it on the Food Network, I knew I had to try it. When Thanksgiving rolled around and my family requested pecan pie, it felt like destiny. This was my chance to recreate the Ree Drummond pecan pie magic in my own kitchen.
While I’m no stranger to pie-making—with a repertoire including my blueberry peach pie—pecan pie had been a road less traveled. My previous attempt was decent, but this time, I wasn’t aiming for just “good.” I wanted to bake the definitive pecan pie, and The Pioneer Woman’s recipe seemed like the perfect guide to achieving that goal. You can find Ree Drummond’s original recipe here.
Though I haven’t yet explored pairing it with the whiskey maple cream sauce Ree suggests, it’s absolutely on my list for the next baking session. Ensuring I have those ingredients ready is a priority for future indulgence.
The verdict from my family? This Thanksgiving dessert was a resounding success! It disappeared quickly, leaving everyone craving just one more slice of this pecan perfection.
Unveiling the Allure of Pecan Pie: A Southern Dessert Staple
Pecan pie: the very name conjures images of Southern hospitality and comforting sweetness. This iconic dessert, deeply rooted in American culinary tradition, is more than just a treat; it’s a journey through history and regional flavors. As a food enthusiast with a love for both historical context and easy-to-follow recipes, I was eager to delve into the fascinating story behind this beloved holiday classic.
The Pecan: An American Native
Let’s begin with the star ingredient – the pecan. Remarkably, the pecan is the only major tree nut indigenous to North America. Long before European settlers arrived, Native American tribes, such as the Algonquins and Choctaws, cherished pecans. They incorporated them into various dishes, including early forms of nut pies, showcasing their culinary versatility.
The pecan pie recipe as we recognize it today emerged in the late 19th century. Interestingly, its origin wasn’t in the pecan-rich South, but rather in Illinois. From there, the recipe migrated southward to Texas and the Deep South, regions that would wholeheartedly embrace it and make it their own.
Exploring Regional Pecan Pie Variations
What makes pecan pie so captivating is its adaptability and evolution across different regions of the United States. Each area has infused its unique character into this classic dessert, resulting in a delightful array of variations:
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Southern Pecan Pie: This is the quintessential pecan pie, embodying the rich, gooey, and deeply nutty flavors we associate with the South. It’s characterized by a generous filling of pecans, eggs, sugar, and corn syrup, all enveloped in a flaky, buttery crust. Often adorned with pecan halves on top for added texture and visual appeal, this version sets the standard for pecan pies everywhere.
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Texas Pecan Pie: Texans have added their signature touch to pecan pie by incorporating chocolate chips, giving rise to the celebrated Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie. This variation offers a harmonious blend of the pecan’s natural nuttiness and the decadent sweetness of chocolate. For those who appreciate the marriage of sweet and savory notes, the Texas pecan pie is an undeniable delight.
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Derby Pie from Kentucky: While technically a close relative rather than a true pecan pie, Derby Pie warrants mention. This Kentucky specialty shares similarities, featuring pecans and chocolate chips, but with the distinctive addition of Kentucky bourbon. It’s a favored dessert, particularly during the Kentucky Derby, adding a spirited twist to the pecan pie concept.
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Mississippi Mud Pie: Taking pecan pie in a decidedly decadent direction is the Mississippi Mud Pie. This variation amplifies the richness with a chocolatey base and often incorporates marshmallows for an extra layer of sweetness and texture. Though a departure from tradition, it’s an irresistible choice for those who adore the combination of pecans and chocolate with a gooey, marshmallow-y element.
Pecan pie, in its many forms, is more than just a dessert. It’s a slice of American culinary heritage, reflecting the blending of cultures and regional preferences. Whether you prefer the timeless Southern pecan pie, championed by recipes like The Pioneer Woman’s pecan pie recipe, or the chocolate-infused Texas version, or perhaps the bourbon-kissed Derby Pie, there’s a pecan pie variation to satisfy every palate.
So, grab a fork, indulge in a slice, and savor not just the delicious flavors but also the rich history baked into every bite of this American classic. And remember, pecan pie is best enjoyed shared – with friends, family, and perhaps a good story about its fascinating past.
Alt text: A delectable slice of Pioneer Woman’s pecan pie showcasing the rich pecan filling and flaky crust.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour (Cooling)
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
My take on The Pioneer Woman’s pecan pie recipe is, unequivocally, the best pecan pie I’ve ever created. The balance of sweetness, nuttiness, and buttery richness is simply unmatched.
Pioneer Woman’s Pecan Pie Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe, adapted from The Pioneer Woman, makes creating a truly exceptional pecan pie surprisingly straightforward. Here’s how to bring this Southern dessert masterpiece to life in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust (refrigerated section) – for ease and convenience
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten – the binding agent for the perfect texture
- 1 cup granulated sugar – for classic sweetness
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar – adding depth and molasses notes
- 1 cup corn syrup – essential for that signature gooeyness
- ½ teaspoon salt – to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors
- ⅓ cup salted butter, melted – for richness and a buttery aroma
- ¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract – enhancing the overall flavor profile
- 4 oz chopped pecans – providing nutty texture throughout the pie
- 4 oz pecan halves – for an elegant topping and concentrated pecan flavor
Alt text: Ingredients laid out for Pioneer Woman pecan pie recipe, featuring pecans, eggs, sugars, butter, vanilla, and pie crust.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gently place the pre-made pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges to create a decorative finish.
- Layer the Pecans: Evenly distribute the chopped pecans and pecan halves across the bottom of the prepared pie crust. Setting the pecans at the base ensures they are perfectly embedded in the filling.
- Whisk the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, and salt until well combined. Gradually whisk in the melted butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Pour and Bake: Carefully pour the prepared filling mixture over the pecans in the pie crust, ensuring even distribution. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. The pie is ready when the filling is set around the edges and almost no longer jiggly in the very center. If the crust edges begin to brown too quickly, protect them by loosely covering with foil.
Alt text: Pioneer Woman’s pecan pie baking in the oven, showing golden brown crust and bubbling pecan filling.
Recipe Notes for Pecan Pie Perfection
- Cooling is Key: Allow the pecan pie to cool completely at room temperature before slicing and serving. This cooling period is crucial for the filling to fully set and achieve the desired texture. Patience is a virtue when it comes to pecan pie!
- Recipe Inspiration: This recipe is lovingly adapted from The Pioneer Woman’s pecan pie recipe, found on her blog and in her cookbooks. For the original recipe and more from Ree Drummond, visit The Pioneer Woman’s Pecan Pie Recipe.
Alt text: A tempting slice of freshly baked Pioneer Woman pecan pie on a plate, ready to be enjoyed.
Recommended Products for Pecan Pie Baking
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
To make your pecan pie baking even easier, here are a few recommended products:
[Link to Pie Plate on Amazon]
[Link to Vanilla Extract on Amazon]
[Link to Pre-made Pie Crust on Amazon]
Nutritional Information:
This Pioneer Woman pecan pie recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
Serving Size: 1 slice
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 622
Total Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 24g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 337mg
Carbohydrates: 77g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 64g
Protein: 6g
