Are you ready to dive headfirst into a world of gooey, nutty deliciousness? Then get ready to bake up a storm with this incredible pecan pie deep dish recipe! Forget those flimsy, store-bought pies – this homemade version boasts a buttery, flaky crust encasing a rich, decadent filling packed with toasted pecans. It's the perfect sweet treat for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any day you crave a little extra indulgence. This easy recipe makes a delicious and impressive dessert, perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks looking for a delightful twist on a classic. This is a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecan halves, toasted
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 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 for 15 minutes, using pie weights or dried beans to prevent the crust from puffing up. Remove the weights and bake for another 5 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Making the Filling:
- Toast pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant. Let cool slightly.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add pecans: Stir in the toasted pecans.
- Pour and bake: Pour the pecan filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. A knife inserted near the center should come out with only moist crumbs clinging to it.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Tips for Pecan Pie Perfection:
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry pie. Start checking for doneness around the 45-minute mark.
- Use fresh eggs: Fresh eggs help create a richer, more stable filling.
- Toast your pecans: Toasting enhances the flavor and aroma of the pecans.
- Let it cool: Allowing the pie to cool completely allows the filling to set properly.
Variations:
- Spiced Pecan Pie: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chocolate Pecan Pie: Stir in ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent chocolate pecan treat.
- Bourbon Pecan Pie: Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: 450-500
- Fat: 25-30g
- Sugar: 40-50g
This delicious pecan pie deep dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this easy recipe and the compliments that are sure to follow! Remember to share your baking adventures with us – we'd love to see your delicious creations!