Food and Recipes Desserts Pies Texas Pecan Pie 5.0 (2) 1 Review This pie's straight shoot flavor is exactly what pecan lovers are looking for. By Southern Living Test Kitchen Southern Living Test Kitchen The Southern Living Test Kitchen has been publishing recipes since 1970, four years after the first issue of Southern Living Magazine appeared on newsstands. The Southern Living Test Kitchen team includes a team of professionals with deep expertise in recipe development, from pastry chefs and grilling experts to nutritionists and dietitians. Together, the team tests and retests, produces, styles, and photographs thousands of recipes each year in the state-of-the-art test kitchen facility located in Birmingham, Alabama. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on November 24, 2023 Rate PRINT Share Close Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer Active Time: 20 mins Total Time: 2 hrs Servings: 8 Pecans are a Southern staple, but Texas takes it to a whole other level. The pecan tree is native to 152 of its counties, and the state produces over 70 million pounds of nuts a year. So of course, Texans are picky about their pecan pie, too. This classic Texas pecan pie doesn't have any bells or whistles, but its straight shoot flavor is exactly what pecan lovers are looking for. With a fudgy texture and just the right ratio of nuts, the only trick to this recipe is finding the best quality, freshest nuts available. If you aren't sure about the ones sitting at your local supermarket, try ordering them straight from the source online, since many pecan growers sell them directly to consumers. We promise this pie won't steer you wrong. Why Is Texas Known for Pecan Pie? Pecan pie is famous in Texas, so much so that it was officially declared the state dessert in 2013. Being that Texas is one of the country’s top pecan-producing states, the abundance of pecans has always meant an abundance of great pecan-laden desserts, particularly pecan pie. Ingredients for Texas Pecan Pie To make this classic pie, you'll need: Refrigerated piecrusts: A quick shortcut for a flaky crust; or make your own. Granulated sugar: Sweetens the pie filling. Substitute with light brown sugar for deeper notes of caramel. All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling. Table salt: Enhances the flavor of the filling and balances the sweetness. Large eggs: Binds and sets the filling for clean slices. Light corn syrup: Helps keep the filling from crystallizing for the smoothest, fudgiest texture. Unsalted butter: Adds richness. Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor. Chopped pecans: For a classic pecan pie filling. Can swap with pecan halves if desired. How To Make Texas Pecan Pie This pie comes together in under 20 minutes for a decadent dessert you'll be proud to serve. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started: Step 1. Fit piecrust into a 9-inch pie plate; fold edges under, and crimp. Step 2. Whisk together sugar, flour, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk in eggs, corn syrup, butter, and vanilla until blended. Stir in pecans. Pour into piecrust.Step 3. Bake on bottom rack of oven preheated to 425°F for 10 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°F; bake until center is set, about 30 minutes more. Cool on a wire rack. How To Make Texas Pecan Pie Ahead Pecan pie is a great make-ahead dessert. Prepare and bake this pie up to two days in advance, then cool, wrap, and refrigerate until ready to serve. You can also freeze this pie for up to three months. Thaw overnight if frozen, then bring to room temperature or warm lightly before serving. How To Store Leftover Texas Pecan Pie Refrigerate leftover Texas pecan pie for up to five days, or freeze for up to three months in a freezer-safe airtight container. Bring to room temperature or warm lightly before serving. More Pecan Pie Recipes You'll Love From chocolate pecan pies to pecan pie bars, there's no shortage of delicious pecan pie recipes: Best Pecan Pie Utterly Deadly Southern Pecan Pie Pecan Pie Bars Double-Decker Pecan Cheesecake Pie Double-Chocolate Pecan Pie German Chocolate-Pecan Pie Pecan Pie Brownies Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse. Ingredients 1/2 (14.1-oz.) pkg. refrigerated piecrusts (1 piecrust) 1 cup granulated sugar 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 1/8 tsp. table salt 4 large eggs 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1/2 cup (4 oz.) unsalted butter, melted 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2 cups chopped pecans Directions Fit piecrust into pie plate: Preheat oven to 425°F. Fit piecrust into a 9-inch pie plate, pressing into bottom and up sides. Fold edges under, and crimp, if desired. Make pie filling: Whisk together sugar, flour, and salt in a medium bowl. Whisk in eggs, corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla; stir vigorously until blended. Stir in pecans. Pour mixture into piecrust. Bake pie: Bake pie on bottom rack of preheated oven 10 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°F; bake until center is set, about 30 minutes more. Cool completely on a wire rack, about 1 hour. Frequently Asked Questions Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light for Texas pecan pie? For a more robust, toasty flavor and deeper color, you can swap the light corn syrup for dark if preferred. What's the thickening agent in pecan pie? The eggs in the pecan pie filling help it to set. How do you know when pecan pie is ready? When pecan pie is done baking, it should be set in the center. If it still jiggles in the center, leave it in for additional time. Does Texas pecan pie need to be refrigerated? Pies with eggs in the mix can sit out for up to two hours while serving, but be sure to refrigerate after that point. Rate It Print Additional reporting by Katie Rosenhouse Katie Rosenhouse Follow us Katie Rosenhouse is a pastry chef and food writer with over 15 years of experience in the culinary arts. She's worked as a pastry chef in some of the finest restaurants in New York City, as a culinary instructor, and as a recipe developer. learn more