This Maple Pecan Pie is a sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s rich with maple flavor and crunchy pecans that make every bite special!
Baking this pie fills the kitchen with a cozy aroma that makes you feel right at home. I love serving it with a dollop of whipped cream on top—deliciousness overload! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is key here. Use dark or amber syrup for a richer flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you could substitute with corn syrup, but it won’t have that unique maple taste.
Pecan Halves: These provide the crunchy texture. If you’re nut-free, consider substituting with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Just note, the flavor will shift a bit!
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the saltiness. Coconut oil can be a great dairy-free option if you’d like to make this pie vegan.
Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds a lovely sweetness and depth. If you don’t have it, granulated sugar can work, but the flavor will be less complex.
How Do I Ensure My Pecan Pie Sets Perfectly?
The secret to a great pecan pie is balancing the cooking time and temperature. Overheating can lead to a runny filling, while undercooking creates a soupy pie. Follow these tips for success:
- Keep the oven temperature at 350°F (175°C). Preheating is essential!
- When baking, it’s normal for the filling to jiggle slightly in the center. It will continue to set as it cools.
- If the edges of the crust seem to be browning too fast, cover them with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing. Refrigerating it for a couple of hours strengthens the filling.
With these tips, you’ll have a beautifully baked pie that’s sure to impress everyone at the table! Enjoy making it!
How to Make Maple Pecan Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pie:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 cup pure maple syrup (preferably dark or amber for deep flavor)
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups pecan halves
- Whipped cream for serving (optional)
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious maple pecan pie takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 55 to 65 minutes to bake. After baking, be sure to let it cool for at least 2 hours in the fridge before serving, so the filling sets properly. In total, you’ll be looking at around 3 hours before you can enjoy a slice of this tasty pie!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pie Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grab your pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Take your time to crimp the edges nicely. If you want a crispier crust, you can pre-bake it for about 8 minutes, but this step is totally optional!
2. Mixing the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Make sure everything is mixed until it’s smooth and combined well—you don’t want any lumps in your filling!
3. Arranging the Pecans:
Now, grab those pecan halves! Arrange them evenly on the bottom of the prepared pie crust. This ensures every slice will have those tasty pecans right on the bottom layer!
4. Pouring the Filling:
Carefully pour the maple syrup mixture over the pecans, filling in all the gaps. Take care not to overflow the crust as it can make a mess in the oven!
5. Baking the Pie:
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is set, looks slightly puffed, and jiggles a little in the center. If you see the crust or pecans browning too quickly, cover the edges lightly with foil.
6. Cooling Down:
Once the pie is baked, carefully remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling period is crucial as it allows the filling to set properly.
7. Chilling Before Serving:
After the pie has cooled, pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This step is essential for that perfect slice!
8. Serving the Pie:
When you’re ready to enjoy, slice the pie and serve each piece with some whipped cream on top, plus a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg if you’re feeling fancy!
Enjoy the rich, buttery, crunchy bite of maple-sweetened pecan pie — perfect for holiday tables or whenever you crave a classic comforting dessert!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pie Crust?
Absolutely! A store-bought pie crust can save you time and still taste great. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for any pre-baking if advised!
How Do I Know When the Pie is Done Baking?
The pie is done when the filling is set and slightly puffed but still has a slight jiggle in the center. If the crust starts to brown too much before the filling is ready, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.
Can I Make This Pie in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the pie a day ahead and refrigerate it after cooling. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. For best results, add whipped cream just before serving to keep it fresh.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before slicing or reheat individual slices in the microwave for a warm treat!