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Classic Kentucky Pecan Pie Recipe – Easy Gooey Homemade Filling

Kentucky pecan pie - featured image

This Classic Kentucky Pecan Pie features a gooey homemade filling, crisp pecans, and a buttery crust. It’s a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup light or dark corn syrup
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups pecan halves
  • 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Set your rack in the lower third of the oven.
  2. Prepare the pie crust: If using store-bought, let it come to room temperature for 10 minutes. If homemade, roll out and fit into your 9-inch pie plate, crimp edges as desired.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, and brown sugar until smooth and well blended (about 1-2 minutes).
  4. Stir in melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Add bourbon and cinnamon if using. Whisk until combined.
  5. Fold in the pecan halves gently with a spatula or spoon until evenly coated.
  6. Pour the filling into your pie crust. Spread pecans evenly and arrange a few on top for decoration if desired.
  7. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check at 50 minutes; edges should be set and center slightly jiggly.
  8. If crust edges brown too fast, cover with foil or a pie shield.
  9. Cool the pie completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.
  10. Slice and serve with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, toast pecans lightly before adding. Use room temperature eggs for best results. Blind bake the crust for 10 minutes for a crisper bottom. Let the pie cool completely before slicing for neat pieces. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze slices for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: pecan pie, Kentucky dessert, holiday pie, southern baking, gooey filling, Thanksgiving, Christmas, classic pie, homemade dessert