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There is something truly irresistible about a Decadent Pecan Pie with Brown Sugar Recipe—it’s the perfect blend of rich, buttery crust, gooey brown sugar filling, and crunchy toasted pecans that come together in pure harmony. This pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate that wraps you in warm, nutty sweetness and a buttery finish that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe will become your go-to for indulgence that feels classic but with a homemade heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and even the beautiful golden color of your pie. From the flakiness of the crust to the lush sweetness of the brown sugar filling, every component is essential for this masterpiece.
- 2 cups flour (spooned and leveled): The foundation for a tender and flaky crust that holds all the delicious filling.
- 1 & 1/2 tablespoons sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to the crust without overpowering the pie.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the richness of the pie.
- 1/2 cup butter (chopped; 1 stick): Key for that luscious, buttery crust texture everyone craves.
- 6 tablespoons butter-flavored Crisco: Helps create a tender crust with a slight flakiness that melts in your mouth.
- 1/2 egg: Binds ingredients beautifully for a cohesive dough.
- 1/4 cup ice water: Keeps the dough cool and manageable for rolling out.
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick): Enriches the filling with creamy richness for an indulgent bite.
- 3 large eggs: Provide structure and silkiness to the filling.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds delicate sweetness and helps set the filling.
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed): The star player for that deep caramel flavor and gooey texture.
- 1/2 cup corn syrup: Gives the filling its signature glossy finish and chewiness.
- 1 tablespoon milk: Adds moisture for a smooth, custardy filling.
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons vanilla: Infuses the filling with warm, aromatic depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweet flavors while balancing the richness.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the filling with a subtle zing.
- 1 tablespoon flour: Helps the filling set nicely without becoming too dense.
- 1/2 cup toffee bits: Adds a delightful crunchy surprise and extra buttery notes.
- 2 cups pecans (chopped, toasted if you want!): Provides essential nutty crunch and flavor.
- 1/2 cup flour (for topping): Key for creating the crumbly topping that adds texture.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed; for topping): Enhances the topping with caramel sweetness.
- 1/4 cup cold butter (half stick; for topping): Creates that golden, buttery crumble that crowns the pie exquisitely.
How to Make Decadent Pecan Pie with Brown Sugar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Begin by mixing 2 cups flour, 1 & 1/2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Cut in the chopped butter and butter-flavored Crisco until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Then, whisk the half egg and add it to the mixture along with 1/4 cup ice water, stirring until the dough just comes together. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to ensure a flaky crust when baked.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat 3 large eggs gently. Add 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup corn syrup, and 1 tablespoon milk. Blend in 1 & 1/2 teaspoons vanilla, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon flour. Melt 1/2 cup butter and carefully stir it in. Finally, fold in the toffee bits and chopped pecans. This filling is where the magic happens, balancing gooey sweetness with a rich nutty crunch.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Roll out the chilled dough to fit your pie pan, pressing it gently to form the crust. Pour the luscious pecan filling evenly over the crust base. For the topping, combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/4 cup cold butter (cut into small pieces). Use your fingers to crumble the mixture over the top of the pie to create a buttery, textured crown that bakes to a golden perfection.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pie for approximately 67 minutes or until the filling is set and the topping is golden brown. Keep an eye on the edges of the crust; if they start to darken too fast, cover them loosely with foil. Once baked, allow the pie to cool completely—this lets the filling thicken just right while locking in all those incredible flavors.
How to Serve Decadent Pecan Pie with Brown Sugar Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully atop a slice of this Decadent Pecan Pie with Brown Sugar Recipe, creating a contrast between warm and cold that’s pure bliss. Alternatively, a dollop of freshly whipped cream dusted with cinnamon can add a light, creamy touch that enhances the nutty sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair your pecan pie slice with a warm cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate for an indulgent afternoon treat. If you’re serving it as part of a dessert spread, fresh berries or a citrus salad can refresh the palate and provide a nice contrast to the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual mini pecan pies in ramekins for a charming twist on this classic. Drizzle a little caramel or chocolate sauce over the slices for a decadent finish. You can even sprinkle some extra toasted pecans and finely grated orange zest on top to add a festive flair that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stored tightly in the refrigerator, leftover slices of your Decadent Pecan Pie with Brown Sugar Recipe will stay fresh for up to four days. Make sure to cover the pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out while preserving all the great texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this pie freezes wonderfully. Wrap cooled whole pies or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil to avoid freezer burn. When frozen, the pie can stay good for up to two months without losing that signature gooey texture and buttery crust.
Reheating
To enjoy your leftover pie warm, gently reheat slices in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps the crust flaky and restores the filling’s luscious gooeyness without making it soggy—perfect for that just-baked enjoyment all over again.
FAQs
Can I toast the pecans before adding them?
Absolutely! Toasting pecans enhances their natural nutty flavor and adds a lovely crunch that complements the soft filling beautifully. Just toast them lightly in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant.
Is it okay to substitute corn syrup?
While corn syrup contributes to the pie’s classic sticky texture, you can swap it with maple syrup or honey if desired. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different—maple syrup adds a subtle earthiness, while honey gives a floral note.
What can I use instead of toffee bits?
If you don’t have toffee bits on hand, chopped caramel candies or even crushed butterfinger bars can be a fun substitute, adding a similar crunchy sweetness that melds well with the pecans and brown sugar filling.
How do I prevent the crust edges from burning?
To keep your crust edges from burning, cover them with a strip of foil or use a pie crust shield halfway through baking. This protects the delicate pastry while allowing the filling to cook perfectly.
Can I make the crust in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the pie crust dough a day ahead. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated. This actually helps the dough relax and results in an even flakier crust when rolled out and baked.
Final Thoughts
This Decadent Pecan Pie with Brown Sugar Recipe is truly a heartwarming dessert that feels like a special hug from the inside out. From the buttery crust to the rich, nutty filling crowned with a crumbly topping, it’s a slice of pure joy that you’ll love sharing with family and friends. Give it a try—you’ll soon discover why it becomes a beloved classic for any season.
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Decadent Pecan Pie with Brown Sugar Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 67 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Pecan Pie with Brown Sugar recipe features a flaky homemade crust filled with a rich, sweet, and buttery pecan filling sweetened with brown sugar, corn syrup, and a hint of lemon juice. Crunchy toffee bits and toasted pecans add an extra layer of texture and flavor, making this dessert a perfect indulgence for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- 2 cups flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter (chopped, 1 stick)
- 6 tablespoons butter-flavored Crisco
- 1/2 egg
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Pecan Pie Filling
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/2 cup toffee bits
- 2 cups pecans (chopped, toasted if desired)
For the Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup cold butter (half stick)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cut in 1/2 cup chopped butter and 6 tablespoons butter-flavored Crisco using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Lightly beat 1/2 egg and mix in with 1/4 cup ice water, then gradually add to dry ingredients until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disk, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll Out and Assemble Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie pan. Trim and flute the edges as desired.
- Make the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour and 1/4 cup packed brown sugar. Cut in 1/4 cup cold butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Prepare the Pecan Pie Filling: In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over low heat. In a large bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup corn syrup, 1 tablespoon milk, 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon flour until smooth. Slowly whisk in the melted butter until fully incorporated.
- Add Pecans and Toffee Bits: Stir in 2 cups chopped toasted pecans and 1/2 cup toffee bits into the filling mixture evenly.
- Fill the Pie Crust and Top: Pour the pecan filling into the prepared pie crust. Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the filling to add texture and sweetness.
- Bake the Pie: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on the center rack and bake for approximately 60 to 67 minutes, or until the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center and the topping is golden brown. If edges brown too quickly, use a pie shield or aluminum foil to protect them.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack to set before slicing. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled for best flavor.
Notes
- Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds depth to the pie.
- If you don’t have butter-flavored Crisco, you can substitute all shortening or all butter, though the texture may vary slightly.
- Using fresh lemon juice brightens the sweetness and balances the richness.
- Make sure not to overbake the pie to avoid drying out the filling.
- Pie can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
