Are you ready to impress your friends and family with a dessert that's both stunning and surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! This praline pecan pie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful blend of crunchy pecans, creamy caramel, and a flaky, buttery crust. It’s the perfect culmination to any holiday gathering or a special weeknight treat. Forget those store-bought pies; this homemade version is far superior and easier than you think! This recipe is perfect for those looking for easy recipes, quick dinner ideas, and delicious dishes. It also fits into healthy meals if you use some healthier ingredients.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Praline Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
For the Pie:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
Make the Crust:
- Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Form the dough into a disc, 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. Transfer to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.
Make the Praline Filling:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the pecans.
Assemble and Bake the Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, and corn syrup until well combined. Stir in the melted butter.
- Pour the egg mixture into the pie crust.
- Carefully spoon the praline pecan mixture over the egg mixture, spreading it evenly.
- 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 clean.
- Let cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly and enhances the flavor.
Tips for the Best Praline Pecan Pie:
- Use good quality pecans for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overbake the pie; it will continue to set as it cools.
- For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar.
- If you don't have a pastry blender, you can use two forks to cut the butter into the flour.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing; this prevents a runny filling.
Variations:
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt to the praline filling for a delightful salty-sweet contrast.
- Substitute other nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for some or all of the pecans.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled pie for an extra decadent touch.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a more precise calculation, use a nutritional calculator with your exact ingredient measurements. However, expect a high calorie count due to the richness of the ingredients.
This praline pecan pie recipe is a testament to the magic of homemade cooking. It's a delicious dish that elevates any occasion, proving that even seemingly complex desserts can be surprisingly easy to create in your own kitchen. Enjoy!