Vanilla Pecan Pie

This version is made with simple pantry staples like granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla that are all poured over a layer of chopped pecans in a flaky homemade pie crust. The result is gooey, nutty, and rich with just the right crunch.

How to make Vanilla Pecan Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 Butter Crust – see related recipe
• All-purpose flour or gluten-free piecrust flour for rolling the dough
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 vanilla bean, split (or substitute 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract)
• 3 large eggs
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• Pinch salt
• 2 cups pecan halves, about half of them finely chopped

Directions:

1. Prepare a single crust according to the given directions.
2. Place a baking sheet on the lowest oven rack; preheat to 400 degrees F. Meanwhile make the filling. In a medium skillet melt the butter over medium heat. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean and add, along with the pod. Cook, stirring, until the butter turns nutty brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, scraping the seeds from the bottom of the pan and discarding the pod. Whisk in the eggs, light and brown sugars, corn syrup and salt. If substituting vanilla extract, add it here.
3. Spread the chopped pecans in the chilled crust and pour in the filling. Top with the pecan halves, adding them in concentric circles. Carefully place the pie on the hot baking sheet and lower the oven temperature to 325 degrees. Bake until the crust and nuts are golden and the filling is set, 50 to 60 minutes. Cool completely on a rack before serving.

Can pecan pie sit out overnight? Nope! It has eggs which means pecan pie needs to be refrigerated. It can safely sit out for up to 2 hours though, so if you like it at room temperature, pull it out of the fridge half an hour or so before you serve it.

How long does pecan pie last in the fridge? Pecan pie will stay good for up to four days in the fridge. Make sure your wrap the pie tightly in plastic or transfer leftover pieces to an airtight container before refrigerating.