Pioneer Woman’s cooking style is real charming and heart warming and it changed alot of kitchens in America. Ree Drummond is the face behind the Pioneer Woman brand and she got a bunch of folks really into her comfort food and the stories she tells. Among all her comfort food she’s known for pecan pie its like a big hit in southern cooking and other parts of America. This rich pie full of nuts is a must have at holidays and get togethers cause it just feels like home and makes everybody smile. The sweet filling thats gooey with crunchy pecans gives you a nice balance thats hard to say no to.
In this piece we’ll look at where pecan pie came from and how people change it up, plus I got a step by step recipe thats kinda like Pioneer Woman’s version. You’ll see instructions for making this dessert and tips to help make it come out right every time. It dosent matter if your really good at baking or just starting out, this guide should give you what you need to bake a perfect pecan pie.
What is Pecan Pie?
Pecan pie is an old school American dessert with a sweet filling made mostly from pecans eggs butter and a sweetener like corn syrup. It’s known for a gooey custard type texture with the nuts giving it a nice crunch. Pecan pie goes back over a hundred years especially in the southern US where pecans grow all over. Over time it got super popular and now you see it at Thanksgiving potlucks family dinners you name it.
Even the classic version got a bunch of variations to suit different tastes. Some people add chocolate or bourbon or a bit of spice to mix it up. But no matter what twist you try havent changed the main hero which is the pecan. Pecans dont only give the pie that special taste and texture, theyre also full of vitamins minerals and good fats so you get a bit more than just sugar in your slice. It might be a treat but it’s got some perks too.
Pioneer Woman’s Pecan Pie: Overview
Ree Drummond (people call her Pioneer Woman) is now a name everyone knows if you like cooking blogs and shows. She’s got this down to earth vibe and she mixes in stories that feel like youre hanging out at her house. She’s all about comfort food and real hearty meals thats why tons of home cooks across the country get inspired by her. Her pecan pie is one of those recipes you just gotta try cause it shows her home style cooking at its best.
Her pecan pie recipe is loved because its simple but packs a ton of nutty flavor and sweetness. You only need a few ingredients and you still get a pie that tastes rich and balanced. Ree always talks about kindness and how fun it is to share food, so her pecan pie dont feel like just dessert, it’s the heart of family get togethers. Whether youre making it for Turkey day or just a random weekend, Pioneer Woman’s pecan pie is all about southern tradition and home cooking that make everyone happy.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Pecan Pie
Here are the things you need to make Pioneer Woman’s pecan pie. Its a small list of simple ingredients for the filling and the crust:
Main Ingredients
- Pecans: They give the pie its nutty flavor and crunchy texture thats so important.
- Corn syrup: This is the main sweetener, it makes it sweet and smooth.
- Brown sugar and granulated sugar: These add more sweetness and depth to the flavor.
- Eggs: They hold the filling together so it dont fall apart.
- Butter: Adds creaminess and a rich taste to the filling.
Crust Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Base for a flaky crust.
- Salt: Brings out the crust flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Makes the crust rich and tender.
- Ice water: Helps the dough come together and stay cool.
If you want a twist try adding vanilla extract for more flavor or chocolate chips if you want a fun variation.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Pioneer Woman’s Pecan Pie
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecans, chopped
Directions
1. Prepare the Pie Crust
First get your pie crust ready. You can buy one in the store or make it from scratch. If you make it, mix the flour and salt in a bowl then cut in the butter until its like coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water while you stir only until the dough holds together. Roll it out on a floured surface to fit your pie dish. Dont overwork the dough if you want it flaky. Then bake the crust for 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until its lightly golden.
2. Make the Filling
In a big bowl whisk the corn syrup, brown sugar and granulated sugar till smooth. Crack in the eggs, pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract then keep whisking until its all mixed and creamy. Dont forget to scrape the bowl sides so everything combines well. The filling should be thick and smooth.
3. Assemble the Pie
Scatter the chopped pecans over the pre-baked crust. Gently pour the filling over the nuts making sure they get covered. The pecans will float to the top as the filling settles so try to spread it even for a uniform bake.
4. Baking Instructions
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Put the pie in the oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes. Watch it near the end it should puff up and set. To check if its done gently shake the pie; if it wiggles a bit but isnt liquid then its ready.
5. Cooling and Serving Suggestions
After baking let the pie cool on a rack for at least 2 hours. This helps the filling to set. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. Top it with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for extra yum.
pioneer woman pecan pie
Equipment
- 1 9-inch pie pan
- 1 mixing bowls
- 1 whisk
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 rolling pin if making crust from scratch
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups pecan halves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined and smooth.
- Stir in the pecan halves until they are evenly distributed in the mixture.
- Pour the pecan filling into the unbaked pie crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is slightly browned.
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Serve the pecan pie at room temperature or slightly warmed, optionally adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
