Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Recipe: The Ultimate Guide to Southern Baking Perfection

Pecan pie. Just the name conjures up images of cozy holidays, family gatherings, and the irresistible aroma of sweet, nutty goodness baking in the oven. And when it comes to classic American desserts, the Pioneer Woman’s pecan pie recipe stands out as a truly exceptional choice. Having personally experienced the joy of baking this pie, I can confidently say it’s become my go-to recipe, surpassing any pecan pie I’ve ever made.

My journey with the Pioneer Woman pecan pie started like many others – drawn in by Ree Drummond’s warm, approachable style both on her blog and her popular Food Network show. When Thanksgiving rolled around and I was tasked with bringing dessert, her pecan pie recipe immediately came to mind. It felt like destiny, a sign that it was time to try my hand at creating the Ree Drummond pecan pie magic.

While I’ve baked my fair share of pies over the years, including a memorable blueberry peach pie, pecan pie was somewhat uncharted territory. My previous attempt was decent, but this time, I was aiming for more than just “good.” I wanted to recreate the legendary Ree Drummond pecan pie experience. And let me tell you, it delivered in spades! My family devoured it at Thanksgiving, and it’s been a requested dessert ever since. I’m even planning to try her whiskey maple cream sauce next time for an extra layer of indulgence.

Image of a slice of rich and gooey Pioneer Woman pecan pie with pecan halves on top, showcasing its classic Southern appeal.

A Taste of History: Unpacking Pecan Pie’s Southern Roots

Before we dive into the recipe itself, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind this iconic dessert. Pecan pie is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a slice of American culinary heritage deeply rooted in the South.

The star of the show, the pecan, boasts a fascinating origin story. Did you know that the pecan is the only major tree nut native to North America? Long before European settlers arrived, Native American tribes like the Algonquins and Choctaws thrived on pecans, incorporating them into their diets and even crafting simple nut pies.

Interestingly, the pecan pie recipe as we recognize it today didn’t emerge until the late 19th century. Surprisingly, its birthplace wasn’t the pecan-rich South, but rather the northern state of Illinois. From there, the recipe journeyed southward to Texas and the Deep South, where it truly flourished and became a regional icon.

Regional Pecan Pie Variations: A Delicious American Journey

One of the most delightful aspects of pecan pie is its adaptability and the regional twists it has acquired across the United States. Each area has lovingly embraced this dessert, adding its unique signature to create a diverse and delicious pecan pie landscape.

Southern Pecan Pie: This is the quintessential pecan pie, the gold standard against which all others are measured. Imagine a rich, gooey filling brimming with pecans, eggs, sugar, and corn syrup, all nestled within a perfectly flaky pie crust. Often adorned with a decorative arrangement of pecan halves, it’s the epitome of Southern comfort food. This is the classic pecan pie experience, and the Pioneer Woman’s recipe beautifully captures this tradition.
Texas Pecan Pie: Texans, known for their bold flavors, have put their stamp on pecan pie by adding chocolate chips. The result? The irresistible Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie. This variation is a harmonious marriage of nutty pecans and decadent chocolate, creating a sweet and savory symphony in every bite. If you’re a chocolate lover, this twist is a must-try.
Derby Pie from Kentucky: While technically not a pecan pie, Derby Pie deserves a mention as a close and equally delicious cousin. This Kentucky specialty features pecans and chocolate chips, but with a spirited addition – a splash of Kentucky bourbon. It’s a beloved dessert, particularly during the excitement of the Kentucky Derby, adding a touch of Southern charm and warmth.
Mississippi Mud Pie: For those seeking ultimate indulgence, Mississippi Mud Pie takes pecan pie to a whole new level of richness. This decadent creation is intensely chocolatey, often featuring a fudgy base and a generous topping of marshmallows. While departing from the traditional pecan pie, it’s a heavenly option for those who adore the combination of pecans and chocolate in a truly decadent dessert.

Whether you lean towards the timeless Southern pecan pie, like the Pioneer Woman’s recipe, or crave the chocolatey allure of the Texas version, there’s a pecan pie variation to satisfy every palate. So, grab a fork, savor a slice, and embark on a delicious journey through American dessert traditions. And always remember, pecan pie is best enjoyed shared with loved ones, accompanied by good company and stories.

Jump to Recipe

Ree Drummond’s Pecan Pie Recipe: Step-by-Step to Sweet Success

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter – the recipe that has won me over: The Pioneer Woman’s pecan pie. It’s surprisingly simple to make, and the results are simply outstanding.

Image showcasing the key ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s pecan pie, including pecans, eggs, butter, sugar, corn syrup, and pie crust, emphasizing the simplicity of the recipe.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour (cooling)
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Yields: 8 servings

Ingredients

1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch), refrigerated
3 large eggs, beaten
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
1 cup corn syrup
½ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup salted butter, melted
¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 ounces pecans, chopped
4 ounces pecan halves, for topping

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pre-made pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges decoratively.
Nutty Base: Evenly distribute the chopped pecans and pecan halves across the bottom of the pie crust. Set aside.
Whisk the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, salt, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
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, or until the pie is set and almost no longer jiggly in the center. If the crust edges begin to brown too quickly, protect them by loosely covering with foil.
Cool Completely: Remove the pecan pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature before serving. This cooling time is crucial for the filling to set properly and achieve the perfect gooey texture.

Notes

Crust Perfection: Using a pre-made pie crust makes this recipe incredibly convenient. However, for a truly homemade touch, feel free to use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe.
Nutty Texture: The combination of chopped and halved pecans provides a wonderful textural contrast in the pie.
Cooling is Key: Resist the temptation to slice into the pie while it’s still warm. Cooling allows the filling to set to the ideal consistency.
Serving Suggestions: Enjoy your Pioneer Woman pecan pie as is, or elevate it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra special treat, consider trying Ree Drummond’s Whiskey Maple Cream Sauce recipe!
Recipe Inspiration: Adapted from The Pioneer Woman’s pecan pie recipe.

Image of a delectable slice of Pioneer Woman pecan pie, highlighting its gooey filling, pecan topping, and inviting golden-brown crust, perfect for inspiring readers to bake.

Nutrition Information (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

Why This Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Recipe is a Must-Try

The Pioneer Woman pecan pie recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s the simplicity of the ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary. It’s the rich, buttery, nutty, and perfectly sweet flavor that dances on your palate. It’s the comforting aroma that fills your kitchen, evoking feelings of warmth and nostalgia.

This recipe is a winner because it’s:

Easy to Follow: Perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Incredibly Delicious: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Classic and Timeless: A taste of Southern tradition that never goes out of style.
Versatile: Enjoy it warm or cold, plain or with toppings – it’s always delightful.

Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, a holiday gathering, or simply craving a taste of Southern comfort, the Pioneer Woman pecan pie recipe is your answer. It’s a recipe that deserves a place in every baker’s repertoire. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience pecan pie perfection! Let me know in the comments how your Pioneer Woman pecan pie turns out!