Brown Sugar Pecan Pie is the ultimate holiday dessert that brings comfort, crunch, and indulgence to your table. Made with rich brown sugar, toasty pecans, and a buttery crust, this pie offers a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner or craving a cozy fall treat, this recipe delivers deep flavor and a gooey, nutty filling in every bite. It’s simple enough for first-time bakers while still delivering that wow factor for your guests. Let’s dive into how you can make this luscious, old-fashioned Brown Sugar Pecan Pie from scratch.
Why You’ll Love This Brown Sugar Pecan Pie
If you adore desserts that are rich, buttery, and slightly caramelized, Brown Sugar Pecan Pie is a must-try. The brown sugar creates a deep molasses-like flavor, while the toasted pecans add an irresistible crunch. The browned butter takes it over the top with a nutty richness that amplifies the pecan flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with everyday ingredients. You don’t need corn syrup, making this version a little more natural and even more flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 1/3 cups firmly packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped toasted pecans
- 9-inch unbaked deep-dish pie crust
Step-by-Step: How to Make Brown Sugar Pecan Pie
- Preheat your oven to 325F and set a baking sheet on the middle rack.
- Prepare the crust by placing your 9-inch unbaked deep-dish pie crust into a pie dish. Place the pie dish on the baking sheet.
- Brown the butter by melting it in a small saucepan over medium heat. Continue stirring until it turns golden and gives off a nutty aroma. Let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- Mix the filling by whisking brown sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate the butter by slowly drizzling the cooled browned butter into the sugar mixture, whisking constantly until fully blended.
- Add the pecans and stir to evenly distribute them through the filling.
- Fill and bake by pouring the mixture into the prepared pie crust. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until the pie is puffed and golden.
- Cool the pie completely on a wire rack. It will settle and firm up as it cools. Slice and serve when fully set.
Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature eggs to help the filling mix smoothly.
- Don’t skip browning the butter—it enhances the pie’s depth of flavor.
- Check the pie at the 50-minute mark. If the top is getting too dark, loosely tent it with foil.
- For extra texture, reserve a few whole pecans to arrange on top before baking.
Substitutions And Variations
- No milk? Try using half-and-half or heavy cream.
- Add a twist with a splash of bourbon for a Southern-style pecan pie.
- Go nut-free by swapping pecans for chopped chocolate or leaving them out entirely.
- Try a graham cracker crust for a different texture and flavor.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Brown Sugar Pecan Pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight, then let it come to room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 474 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
- Sodium: 321 mg
- Potassium: 164 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 50 g
- Vitamin A: 395 IU
- Vitamin C: 0.1 mg
- Calcium: 74 mg
- Iron: 1.5 mg
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this pie gently warmed, topped with a swirl of whipped cream or a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or spiced tea. For special occasions, drizzle caramel sauce over each slice and garnish with a few whole pecans.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Sugar Pecan Pie
Can I make this pie ahead of time? Absolutely! You can bake the pie the day before and keep it at room temperature until ready to serve. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Do I need to toast the pecans? Yes, toasting brings out their nutty flavor and improves texture. Simply bake them at 350F for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring once.
Can I use light brown sugar instead of dark? Yes, both work well. Dark brown sugar gives a richer flavor, but light will still taste great.
Why is my pie runny? This can happen if the pie hasn’t baked long enough. Make sure it’s puffed and mostly set in the center before removing it from the oven.
Is it okay to skip the butter browning step? It’s not essential, but it adds a wonderful nutty depth that complements the pecans.
Final Thoughts
Thank you so much for trying this Brown Sugar Pecan Pie recipe! It’s one of my absolute favorites because it’s so easy to make and bursts with comforting, rich flavor. Whether you enjoy it as a holiday treat or a sweet indulgence any time of year, this pie is sure to bring smiles to your table. I hope you savor every bite as much as I do. Wishing you happy baking adventures and heartfelt thanks for being part of this wonderful food-loving circle!
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Brown Sugar Pecan Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
Description
Brown Sugar Pecan Pie is rich, gooey, and filled with toasted pecans and brown sugar flavor. A no-corn-syrup twist on the classic!
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
2 1/3 cups firmly packed brown sugar
4 large eggs, room temperature
1/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped toasted pecans
1 9-inch unbaked deep-dish pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325F and set a baking sheet on the middle rack.
- Prepare the crust by placing your 9-inch unbaked deep-dish pie crust into a pie dish. Place the pie dish on the baking sheet.
- Brown the butter by melting it in a small saucepan over medium heat. Continue stirring until it turns golden and gives off a nutty aroma. Let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- Mix the filling by whisking brown sugar, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and salt in a large bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate the butter by slowly drizzling the cooled browned butter into the sugar mixture, whisking constantly until fully blended.
- Add the pecans and stir to evenly distribute them through the filling.
- Fill and bake by pouring the mixture into the prepared pie crust. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until the pie is puffed and golden.
- Cool the pie completely on a wire rack. It will settle and firm up as it cools. Slice and serve when fully set.
Notes
Browning the butter adds a deep, nutty flavor.
Toast pecans for best texture and taste.
Tent the pie with foil if it browns too quickly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 474 kcal
- Sugar: 50 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Protein: 4 g