Are you craving a warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible dessert? Look no further than this pecan chess pie recipe! This classic Southern dessert is surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less effort. Forget complicated baking techniques; this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, offering a fantastically delicious and satisfying treat that’s sure to impress. Whether you're looking for quick dinner ideas to complete your meal or a show-stopping dessert for a special occasion, this pecan chess pie fits the bill perfectly.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecan halves
For the pie crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup ice water
Instructions:
Making the Pie Crust:
- Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.
Making the Pecan Chess Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the flour and salt, whisking until just blended. Do not overmix.
- Stir in the pecan halves.
- Pour the pecan filling into the prepared pie crust.
Baking the Pie:
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown. A knife inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs clinging to it.
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents a messy slice.
Tips for Pecan Chess Pie Perfection:
- Use good quality pecans: The flavor of the pecans will significantly impact the overall taste of the pie.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry pie. Start checking for doneness around 40 minutes.
- Let it cool completely: Patience is key! Cooling the pie allows the filling to set properly, resulting in a cleaner slice and a more enjoyable eating experience.
- Make it ahead: This pie tastes even better the next day! Make it a day or two in advance for optimal flavor.
Variations:
- Chocolate Pecan Chess Pie: Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling.
- Spiced Pecan Chess Pie: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Bourbon Pecan Chess Pie: Add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling for an extra kick.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400
- Fat: Approximately 25g
- Protein: Approximately 4g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45g
- Sugar: Approximately 30g
This easy recipe provides a delicious and satisfying dessert perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this homemade culinary masterpiece, a true testament to simple yet delightful baking. The rich, nutty flavor combined with the melt-in-your-mouth texture makes this pecan chess pie a true crowd-pleaser. Try it today and experience the magic of homemade goodness!