Southern Classic Pecan Pie Squares

Uncle Bill’s Southern Style Pecan Pie

Description:
Delight in the rich, nutty flavor of Uncle Bill’s Southern Style Pecan Pie, a beloved dessert that has been perfected over many years. This recipe transforms the traditional pie into an elegant casserole dish, allowing for easy serving and sharing with family and friends. Baked to a golden brown with a luscious filling and a crumbly, buttery crust, this pecan pie is perfect for large gatherings and festive occasions. Its creamy filling, studded with both chopped and whole pecans, pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making it a surefire hit for any dessert table.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups graham wafer crumbs
• 1 1/4 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 6 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 6 large eggs
• 1 1/3 cups light corn syrup
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 cup whole pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your crust will set perfectly as you prepare the rest of the pie.

2. Prepare the Crust:
   In a mixing bowl, combine the graham wafer crumbs, vanilla wafer crumbs, and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors and textures. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter or margarine and add it to the crumb mixture. Using a pastry blender, work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Prepare the Casserole Dish:
   Lightly spray a 9″ x 13″ x 2″ deep, oven-proof casserole dish with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Dust the inside of the dish with 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, shaking out any excess flour to ensure a thin, even coating.

4. Press the Crust:
   Spoon the crumb mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Using a potato masher with square slots, press the crumbs firmly into the bottom of the dish to form a 1/4-inch thick crust. With a rounded spoon, press the crumb mixture 3/4 of the way up the sides of the dish to about 1/4-inch thickness. This will create a crust that holds the filling beautifully.

5. Bake the Crust:
   Place the dish in the preheated 400°F oven and bake for 15 minutes. This initial baking step will set the crust and give it a golden color.

6. Prepare the Filling:
   While the crust is baking, prepare the pie filling. In a large bowl, combine the dark brown sugar and flour, mixing until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking each addition until smooth and fully incorporated. Stir in the corn syrup, melted butter, salt, and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is well blended.

7. Add Pecans:
   Fold in the chopped pecans and raisins (if using), ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the filling mixture.

8. Assemble the Pie:
   After the crust has baked and set, layer the bottom of the crust with 1 cup of whole pecans. These pecans can be placed randomly; the uneven pattern adds a rustic charm to the pie. Carefully spoon the prepared filling mixture over the whole pecans. It’s perfectly fine if some of the pecans float to the surface.

9. Bake the Pie:
   Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake the pie for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the filling is slightly puffed and golden brown. The pie should have a beautiful caramelized top, and a knife inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

10. Cool and Serve:
    Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Once completely cooled, refrigerate the pie until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to cut into squares.

11. Garnish and Enjoy:
    Serve the pie chilled or at room temperature, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence. Enjoy the sweet, nutty delight of this classic Southern dessert with your loved ones!

Cooking Time:

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 520.2
• Fat: 30.3 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 74.5 mg
• Sodium: 229.4 mg
• Carbohydrates: 62.3 g
• Fiber: 3.1 g
• Sugar: 27.7 g
• Protein: 5.4 g

This pecan pie recipe yields approximately 16 servings, perfect for sharing at gatherings, holidays, or any special occasion. Enjoy the rich, buttery goodness that makes Uncle Bill’s Southern Style Pecan Pie a true classic! 🥧✨