Southern Belle Chocolate Praline Pecan Pie
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Description:
Welcome to a dessert that’s as charming as it is delectable! The Southern Belle Chocolate Praline Pecan Pie is an exquisite twist on the classic pecan pie, crafted with a unique combination of ingredients that sets it apart from the rest. This pie omits corn syrup in favor of rich, light brown sugar, giving it a smooth, consistent texture that’s simply irresistible. This pie has become my most requested dessert, often demanding a double batch for family gatherings so everyone can enjoy it. While the base recipe originated with my aunt, I’ve made it my own by adding cocoa, increasing the pecans, and incorporating a touch of Amaretto. It’s a pie that not only satisfies but also impresses, making it a truly cherished creation.
Recipe Category: Pie
Keywords: Dessert, Fruit, Nuts, Less than 4 Hours
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons Amaretto (or increase vanilla extract to 1 tablespoon if omitting)
- 2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped
- 18 pecan halves for decoration
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius), ensuring it is thoroughly heated before you start baking.
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Prepare the Butter: Melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly. Set aside to be incorporated into the pie filling.
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Mix the Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until they are well combined and slightly frothy.
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Incorporate the Brown Sugar: Sift the light brown sugar into the beaten eggs, ensuring there are no lumps. Mix thoroughly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
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Combine Remaining Ingredients: Add the melted butter, evaporated milk, salt, vanilla extract, and Amaretto to the egg and sugar mixture. Mix until everything is evenly combined. If you prefer to skip the Amaretto, simply increase the vanilla extract to 1 tablespoon to maintain the flavor balance.
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Add Pecans: Stir in the coarsely chopped pecans, ensuring they are well distributed throughout the filling.
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Prepare the Pie Crusts: Divide the pie filling evenly between three prepared pie crusts. If using store-bought crusts, ensure they are thawed and ready to hold the rich filling.
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Decorate the Pies: Arrange 6 pecan halves on the top of each pie in a pinwheel pattern for a decorative touch.
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Bake the Pies: Place the pies in the preheated oven. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and continue baking for an additional 35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the tops are golden brown.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the pies to cool completely before serving. This will help the filling set properly and make for cleaner slices.
Enjoy this Southern Belle Chocolate Praline Pecan Pie as a standout dessert for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday feast, or just a sweet treat to end the day, this pie is sure to be a hit! 🍰🌰✨
