Are you craving the rich, nutty goodness of pecan pie but intimidated by the crust? Then this no-crust pecan pie recipe is for you! This easy recipe cuts out the fuss of pie crust while delivering all the decadent flavor you love. It's a perfect dessert for busy weeknights or impressive holiday gatherings, and it's surprisingly healthy compared to traditional pecan pies. Get ready for a delicious and stress-free baking experience!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pecan halves
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans for garnish
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate or a similar-sized baking dish. You can use cooking spray or a little butter for this.
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Toast the Pecans (Optional): For enhanced flavor, you can toast the pecans before using them. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant. Let them cool slightly before proceeding.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
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Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and corn syrup to the wet ingredients. Whisk until everything is thoroughly incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
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Add Pecans: Gently fold in the pecans. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Bake: Pour the pecan mixture into your prepared pie plate. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached—it won't be completely clean.
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Cool & Serve: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents a messy, runny pie. Garnish with extra chopped pecans, if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry pie. Start checking for doneness around 35 minutes.
- Cooling is key: Patience is vital! Allowing the pie to cool completely prevents a runny mess.
- Quality ingredients: Using good quality pecans and vanilla extract will significantly enhance the flavor.
Variations:
- Spiced Pecan Pie: Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chocolate Pecan Pie: Stir in 1/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Bourbon Pecan Pie: Add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon to the batter for an adult version of this delicious dessert.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Protein: 4-5g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)
This no-crust pecan pie is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and delicious dessert. Enjoy this simple yet impressive recipe, perfect for any occasion! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even beginner bakers can master. Try it and let us know what you think!