Homemade Southern Delight: A Classic Pecan Pie Recipe

Pecan pie is a quintessential Southern dessert that brings warmth and sweetness to any occasion. With its flaky crust and rich, nutty filling, this Homemade Southern Delight recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply craving a delicious treat, this classic pecan pie is the perfect choice. Follow along as we guide you through the steps to create your own Homemade Southern Delight.

Ingredients:

• 1 9-inch pie crust, homemade or store-bought
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons dark corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Pie Crust:

1. If using a store-bought pie crust, remove it from the packaging and let it come to room temperature.
2. If making a homemade pie crust, roll out the dough and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges.

3. Toast the Pecans:

1. Spread the pecan halves evenly on a baking sheet.
2. Toast the pecans in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

4. Make the Filling:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the melted butter, evaporated milk, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and granulated sugar.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.

5. Assemble the Pie:

1. Arrange the toasted pecan halves in the bottom of the prepared pie crust.
2. Pour the hot filling mixture over the pecans, ensuring they are evenly coated.

6. Bake the Pie:

1. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and golden brown.
2. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

7. Cool and Serve:

1. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Once cooled, slice the pie into wedges and serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Add Chocolate: For an extra indulgent twist, add a layer of chocolate ganache to the bottom of the pie crust before adding the pecans and filling.
• Use Different Nuts: While pecans are traditional, you can experiment with other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for a unique flavor.
• Add Bourbon: For a boozy kick, add a splash of bourbon to the filling mixture before pouring it over the pecans.

Keto and Low-Carb Version:

To make a keto and low-carb version of this Homemade Southern Delight, you can make the following adjustments:

• Crust Alternatives: Instead of a traditional pie crust made with flour and sugar, use a low-carb almond flour or coconut flour crust.
• Sweeteners: Replace the brown sugar and granulated sugar with keto-friendly sweeteners such as erythritol or stevia.
• Reduce Corn Syrup: Use a sugar-free corn syrup substitute or omit it altogether to reduce the carb content further.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes, you can make this pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply let it come to room temperature before serving or reheat it gently in the oven.
2. How should I store leftovers? Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pie slices on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
3. Can I freeze this pie? Yes, you can freeze this pie for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. Can I use pre-made pie crusts? Absolutely! Pre-made pie crusts are convenient and work well for this recipe. Simply follow the instructions on the packaging for baking or blind baking the crust before adding the filling.
5. Can I make mini pies instead of one large pie? Yes, you can use mini pie dishes or muffin tins to make individual-sized pies. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as smaller pies will cook faster than one large pie.

Homemade Southern Delight is a timeless dessert that captures the essence of Southern hospitality. With its buttery crust, sweet pecan filling, and hints of vanilla and caramel, this pie is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or chilled from the fridge, each bite is a taste of comfort and indulgence. Give this recipe a try and savor the flavors of the South in every delicious slice!