Pecan Pie doesn’t often jump out at me on the Thanksgiving dessert table. But, once I started using brown butter in my pecan pie I can’t get enough! If you’ve never tried brown butter before, you are MISSING OUT! Browning your butter adds a nutty, sweet flavor to the buttery base. The best part is that brown butter is so easy to make and yet it adds so much flavor!
Ingredients for Brown Butter Pecan Pie
Pie crust – Make it easy and buy a frozen pre-made pie crust or make a homemade pie crust from a homemade pie dough. Pecans – Roughly chop the nuts in a food processor or place the pecan in a Ziploc bag and use a rolling pin to crush the pecans. The rough chop gives the best texture. Brown Butter – Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan until it is golden brown. Eggs – Whisk together the eggs in a medium bowl. Karo syrup – This light corn syrup will hold together without caramelizing the pie filling. Brown sugar – Add in the sweetness and make this dessert the best. It even gives the filling a maple syrup type flavor. Sweet but not too overly sweet. Vanilla – Just a teaspoon vanilla extract gives it a sweet and woody flavor. Salt – Just a pinch of salt! Cinnamon – Brings a little sweet and a hint of spice. Whipped cream – Top it off and enjoy the perfect combination!
How to Make Brown Butter Pecan Pie
Prepare your pie crust. Make it if you’re using a homemade crust or take it out to thaw if you are using a premade frozen crust. Grease the pie dish you are using. Press the crust into the pie pan. Make the brown butter. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it is melted continue whisking it and stirring it. It will bubble up and then slowly turn golden brown. Take it off the heat as soon as you see golden brown, otherwise the butter will burn. Pour the chopped pecans evenly over the bottom of the pie crust. In a large bowl, mix eggs, Karo syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until combined. Add browned butter. Stir to combine. Pour the brown butter mixture over the pecans. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until filling has set up. If the crust looks like it’s cooking too fast, then I cover it with foil. You will know the pie is done when the edges are set and the middle has a slight jiggle but not too much. You can also check with a thermometer – the middle of the pie should be 200 degrees. Let the pie cool completely before serving. Warm pecan pie will be too runny.
Tips for Pecan Pie
The baking time for pecan pie filling can vary depending on your oven. Usually 40-50 minutes will do the trick, but check with a thermometer to make 100% sure. Pecan pie should be 200 degrees Fahrenheit. I don’t find that blind baking is necessary for this pie, but you can blind bake to be safe. Blind baking is when you partially bake the pie crust before adding the filling. Press the pie crust into the pie dish and cover with parchment paper. Add pie weights or dry beans to weigh the crust down so it doesn’t puff up. Toast your pecans for a more earthy flavor and delicious texture to your pie.
Top It Off
This pie goes great with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Try it with our homemade vanilla ice cream for a real treat! I used chopped pecans because that is what I had on hand, but you can also use pecan halves or whole pecans. You can also make your own pie crust, or try our Perfect Pie Crust recipe. Or try drizzling a few tablespoons of homemade caramel sauce over the top of each slice. Yum! READ MORE: 25+ Thanksgiving Pies and Desserts
Make your Pecan Pie Ahead
This pecan pie is the perfect dessert to make ahead of time and save in the refrigerator up to two days. You can even get ready for the holidays a month earlier and freeze this pie. Cover whole pie or even by the slice in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for three to five days. When ready to serve, set out thaw to room temperature.
More Delicious Pie Recipes from Favorite Family Recipes
Pies make the very best kinds of desserts! You can make them ahead, and there’s always something for everyone. From apple pie to pumpkin pie to everything in between, try some of our family’s most cherished pie recipes:
Costco Peanut Butter Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe Mixed Berry Pie Dutch Apple Pie Pumpkin Pie Recipe Key Lime Pie Chocolate Satin Pie Island Pecan Pie Mom’s Famous Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe
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