This Maple Pecan Pie is a rich, comforting dessert featuring the warm flavors of maple syrup and crunchy pecans, all wrapped in a flaky crust. It’s a perfect dessert for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings. The use of pure maple syrup enhances the nutty flavor of the pecans, creating a beautifully balanced sweetness.
Did You Know?
Why Maple Syrup Is a Great Substitute for Corn Syrup in Pecan Pie
Maple syrup brings a natural sweetness with a touch of caramel flavor, making it an excellent choice for pecan pie. Unlike corn syrup, maple syrup is unprocessed and contains trace minerals, adding depth and subtle complexity to the pie without being overly sweet. Plus, it pairs beautifully with the earthy flavor of pecans, making each bite deliciously rich and satisfying.
Yield
8 servings
Ingredients
For the Filling
1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
1 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
3 large eggs
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups pecan halves
For the Pie Crust
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
2-4 tablespoons ice water
Instructions
Make the Pie Crust
In a medium bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cold butter, and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the butter is the size of small peas. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring until the dough just begins to hold together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes. Roll the dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter on a floured surface, then transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate, trimming and crimping the edges as desired.
Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined. Whisking by hand helps keep the filling smooth without adding too many air bubbles, ensuring a rich and creamy texture.
Assemble the Pie
Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, crimping the edges as desired. Arrange the pecan halves evenly in the pie crust. Pour the filling mixture over the pecans, ensuring they are well coated and evenly distributed. Gently press down on the pecans to make sure they’re fully covered by the filling for a beautiful top layer once baked.
Bake
Place the pie on the center rack of the oven. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed. To prevent over-browning, you may cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking. Give the pie a gentle shake to test doneness. If the center moves slightly but appears set, it’s ready to cool.
Cool
Remove from the oven and let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to fully set and reach the perfect texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 480, Protein: 6g, Carbohydrates: 60g, Fiber: 2g, Net Carbohydrates: 58g, Fat: 25g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 85mg, Sodium: 150mg, Sugars: 40g, Glycemic Index: Medium
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
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Use Pure Maple Syrup
Maple syrup can be more costly, so buy it in bulk or look for sales to save on this high-quality ingredient. -
Store Pecans Properly
Pecans stay fresh longer when stored in the fridge or freezer, as their natural oils can go rancid over time. -
Freeze Leftover Pie
Pecan pie freezes beautifully. Slice and store in airtight containers to have a quick dessert ready anytime. -
Watch for Overbrowning
Use a pie shield or foil on the crust edges during the last 15 minutes to prevent over-browning. -
Lightly Toast Pecans
Toasting pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the filling brings out their natural oils and adds extra depth to the pie’s flavor. -
Make Ahead
Pecan pie can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature, saving you time for other dishes. -
Thicker Filling
If you prefer a thicker filling, whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to the filling mixture. -
Adjust Sweetness
Maple syrup has a unique sweetness. Adjust to taste by reducing the brown sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet pie. -
Serve with Whipped Cream
Fresh whipped cream complements the rich flavors in the pie, adding a nice balance of textures. -
Experiment with Maple Varieties Darker maple syrups have a stronger, more caramelized flavor, which can add complexity to the pie’s sweetness.
Let’s Learn About Different Types of Pecans
Native Pecans
Smaller and with a slightly sweeter taste, native pecans offer a rich, buttery flavor and are perfect for traditional recipes.
Improved Pecans
Larger and more uniform, these pecans are often used in baking for their size and consistent texture.
Paper-Shell Pecans
Known for their thinner shells, these pecans are easy to crack and have a mild, balanced flavor, making them ideal for both baking and snacking.