Are you ready to experience pecan pie like never before? Forget those flimsy, shallow pies; we're diving deep into a world of rich, nutty goodness with this incredible deep dish pecan pie recipe. This isn't just a dessert; it's a celebration of flavor, a testament to homemade cooking, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. This easy recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and experienced pastry chefs looking for a delicious twist on a classic. Prepare for a taste of Southern comfort that’s truly unforgettable!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup cold vegetable shortening, cut into cubes
- 5-7 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 cups pecan halves
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in fats: Add the cold butter and shortening. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the fats into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water gradually: Sprinkle in the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix!
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent shrinkage.
- Roll and bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling. Blind bake the crust for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
Making the Filling and Baking the Pie:
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Add pecans: Stir in the pecan halves.
- Pour into crust: Pour the pecan filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
- Cool completely: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips for the Best Deep Dish Pecan Pie:
- Use fresh pecans: The flavor difference is significant!
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry pie. Start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark.
- Let it cool: Patience is key! Allowing the pie to cool completely ensures a clean slice and prevents a messy filling.
- Serve warm or cold: Enjoy your deep dish pecan pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled for a refreshing treat.
Variations:
- Spiced Pecan Pie: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chocolate Pecan Pie: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent twist.
- Bourbon Pecan Pie: Add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling for an adult-only delight.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Fat: 25-30g
- Saturated Fat: 10-15g
- Sugar: 40-50g
This deep dish pecan pie recipe is a perfect example of delicious and satisfying homemade cooking. It’s a wonderful dessert for holidays, family gatherings, or any occasion when you want to impress your guests with a truly special treat. The combination of a flaky, buttery crust and a rich, nutty filling is simply irresistible. Enjoy!