Pecan Pie is a classic Southern dessert that’s known for its rich, gooey filling and crunchy pecan topping. Its history dates back to the early 20th century, with the earliest known recipes appearing in Texas cookbooks in the 1920s.
Recipe: Perfect Pecan Pie
Ingredients:
- 1 unbaked pie crust
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Recipe Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges.
- Spread the pecan halves evenly over the pie crust.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Pour the mixture over the pecans in the pie crust, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Gently tap the pie dish on the counter to release any air bubbles and settle the mixture.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center of the pie is set. You can insert a toothpick into the center – if it comes out mostly clean, the pie is done.
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Time Needed:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 45-50 minutes
- Cooling Time: 2 hours (approx.)
This classic Pecan Pie is perfect for various occasions, especially during the fall and holiday season. Its combination of sweet, nutty flavors and textures make it a favorite among dessert enthusiasts. Enjoy your homemade pecan pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!
Here are the nutrition facts and health information for a typical slice of Pecan Pie:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate for 1 slice, 1/8th of a pie):
- Calories: 500
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 62g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 45g
- Protein: 5g
Health Information:
- Pecan Pie is a rich and indulgent dessert with a high calorie and sugar content. A single slice can contribute a significant amount of calories and sugars to your daily intake.
- The high fat content is primarily from the pecans and butter in the recipe. While nuts are a good source of healthy fats, they are calorie-dense, so portion control is important.
- The pie contains a substantial amount of added sugars from ingredients like corn syrup and granulated sugar. Consuming too much added sugar can have negative effects on health.
- Due to its high sugar and calorie content, Pecan Pie should be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet.
- If you’re concerned about health, you might consider options like reducing sugar content, using healthier fats, or opting for alternative sweeteners to make a lighter version of this dessert.
Remember that nutritional values can vary based on the specific recipe and portion size, so it’s important to read labels and be mindful of portion sizes when enjoying this dessert.