This delicious Maple Pecan Pie brings together sweet maple syrup and crunchy pecans for a tasty treat! The rich filling is baked in a flaky crust, making each bite a delight!
Every time I make this pie, my family goes nuts for it—pun intended! 😄 It’s perfect for holidays or just because. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for a real treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is key for deep flavor! If you’re in a pinch, you can use pancake syrup, but it won’t taste quite the same. I recommend always going for the real deal if possible.
Pecan Halves: Fresh, whole pecans are great, but if you can’t find them, you can use chopped pecans. It gives a different texture, but still delicious! Also, feel free to toast them lightly before adding for an extra crunch.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for control over salt levels. If you’re vegan or lactose intolerant, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works well too.
Pie Crust: A store-bought crust saves time, but homemade crust is easy and often tastier. You can even try a graham cracker crust for a fun twist!
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Filling Consistency?
The filling’s thickness is crucial. To ensure it sets nicely, mix ingredients until smooth but take care not to overbeat. The eggs need to be well combined without aerating too much, to keep the filling dense.
- Mix the wet ingredients together thoroughly to avoid any lumps.
- Add the pecans gently into the mixture to keep them whole and distributed.
- Check for doneness by gently shaking the pie. It should jiggle slightly in the center but not be liquid. This means it’s perfectly set!
How to Make Maple Pecan Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
For Serving:
- Optional: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Maple Pecan Pie takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 50-60 minutes for baking. It’s best to let the pie cool completely for about an hour before slicing. So, you’re looking at a total of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can enjoy a slice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pie Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, place your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate. If using a store-bought crust, make sure to follow the instructions for baking as a guide.
2. Make the Filling:
In a large bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined. This will be the sweet filling that makes the pie so delicious!
3. Assemble the Pie:
Evenly arrange the pecan halves over the bottom of the pie crust. This way, you’ll get a lovely layer of crunchy pecans in every bite. Then, carefully pour the maple syrup filling over the pecans ensuring they are well coated.
4. Bake the Pie:
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. You want the filling to be set but slightly jiggly in the center. If the crust edges seem to brown too quickly, you can cover them lightly with foil to prevent burning.
5. Cool and Serve:
After baking, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling period is important for the filling to set properly. Once cool, slice the pie and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you wish!
Enjoy every sweet, nutty bite of your Maple Pecan Pie!
Can I Use Different Nuts Instead of Pecans?
Absolutely! If you prefer or have them on hand, walnuts or even almonds can work well as substitutes. Just keep in mind the flavor profile might change slightly.
How Can I Store Leftover Pie?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To keep the crust crisp, you may want to place a piece of parchment between the pie and the container’s lid.
Can I Make This Pie Vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by using a plant-based butter substitute, flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water equals one egg), and maple syrup as it’s already vegan. Just ensure your pie crust is also vegan-friendly!
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Maple Pecan Pie?
To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. If you prefer the microwave, heat for about 20-30 seconds, but be careful, as it can make the pie soggy.
