When it comes to holiday desserts, few recipes embody the warmth and comfort of Christmas like a rich, buttery Pecan Pie. With its golden, flaky crust and gooey, nutty filling, this pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a tradition on the table. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, Christmas Eve dinners, or a festive holiday brunch, pecan pie is the perfect way to end a meal on a sweet and memorable note.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through how to make the perfect pecan pie from scratch, share pro baking tips, and explain how this classic dessert fits beautifully into your Christmas menu.
Ingredients for Christmas Pecan Pie
To make a pie that tastes as festive as it looks, you’ll need these simple ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 3–4 tablespoons ice water
For the filling:
- 1 cup light corn syrup (or golden syrup)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pecan halves
Optional holiday twist: add 1–2 tablespoons bourbon or rum for a festive flavor!
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- 9-inch pie dish
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Saucepan (for melting butter)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Parchment paper and pie weights (or dried beans)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water gradually, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll dough into a circle, fit into pie dish, and trim edges.
2: Blind Bake the Crust
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line crust with parchment paper, fill with pie weights.
- Bake for 12 minutes, remove weights, bake 5 more minutes.
3: Make the Filling
- In a saucepan, melt butter.
- In a bowl, whisk corn syrup, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and salt.
- Slowly stir in melted butter until smooth.
- Fold in pecans.
4: Bake the Pecan Pie
- Pour filling into the prepared crust.
- Arrange extra pecans on top for a decorative finish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–60 minutes until the center is set.
- Cool completely before slicing.
Helpful Tips for the Best Christmas Pecan Pie
- Prevent Overbaking – The pie should jiggle slightly in the center when removed from the oven. It will firm up as it cools.
- Shiny Pecans – For a glossy finish, brush the top with a light corn syrup glaze.
- Holiday Flavor Twist – Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or a splash of bourbon for a seasonal touch.
- Serving Suggestion – Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Make Ahead – Pecan pie can be baked 1–2 days in advance and stored at room temperature.
Nutritional Value (per slice, 1/8 of pie)
- Calories: ~500
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Sugars: 45 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fiber: 3 g
Why Pecan Pie is Perfect for Christmas
Pecan pie is more than just dessert—it’s a Christmas tradition. The rich, nutty flavors pair beautifully with roasted meats, green bean casserole, and mashed potatoes often served at holiday feasts. It balances savory dishes with a decadent sweetness and provides a nostalgic finishing touch to Christmas dinner.
Serving Ideas for a Christmas Feast
- Pair pecan pie with Christmas classics like roast turkey, green bean casserole, and stuffing.
- Serve with mulled wine, spiced cider, or hot cocoa.
- Top with sugared cranberries for extra holiday charm.
variations to Try
- Chocolate Pecan Pie – Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the filling.
- Maple Pecan Pie – Replace corn syrup with maple syrup for a warm, rich flavor.
- Mini Pecan Pies – Bake in muffin tins for individual holiday servings.
Conclusion
When planning your Christmas menu, don’t overlook the timeless charm of pecan pie. Its buttery crust, gooey caramel-like filling, and crunchy pecans make it a dessert that feels like home. Easy to bake, beautiful to serve, and loved by all ages, pecan pie deserves a place on every holiday table.
