The Pioneer Woman’s Perfect Pecan Pie

Last updated on October 14, 2023 by Liza Hawkins

My take on The Pioneer Woman’s pecan pie recipe is that it’s without a doubt the best pecan pie I’ve ever made.

I first read about this pecan pie on her blog and I even watched Ree make it on Food Network. So, when my family asked me to bring pecan pie to our Thanksgiving dinner one year, it seemed like kismet. I had to make The Pioneer Woman’s pecan pie.

Truth is, even though I’ve made a lot of pie over the years, I’ve only made pecan pie once. It turned out good, but I didn’t want to just make a good pie, I wanted to make the Ree Drummond pecan pie.

I’ve yet to try the whiskey maple cream sauce to go with it, but next time I’ll make sure to have those ingredients on hand, too, so I can. 

My family loved this Thanksgiving dessert! 

About Pecan Pie

If there’s one dessert that’s synonymous with the American South, it’s pecan pie. The sweet, nutty, and oh-so-delectable treat has a fascinating history and a mouthwatering array of regional variations across the United States. As a food blogger with a penchant for history and simple recipes, I couldn’t resist diving into the world of pecan pie to learn more about the holiday dessert staple.

The Pecan’s Humble Beginnings

Let’s start with the star of the show – the pecan itself. Did you know that the pecan is the only major tree nut native to North America? Native American tribes like the Algonquins and the Choctaws were enjoying pecans long before European settlers arrived. They used pecans in various dishes, including a simple nut pie.

The first recorded pecan pie recipe as we know it today can be traced back to the late 19th century. Surprisingly, it wasn’t created in the South, where pecans grew abundantly, but in the northern state of Illinois. The recipe made its way to Texas and the Deep South, where it truly found its home.

Regional Variations

One of the things that make pecan pie so interesting is the way it has evolved and adapted to the various regions of the United States. Each area adds its unique twist to this beloved dessert.

• Southern Pecan Pie: This is the classic, rich, and gooey pecan pie we all know and love. It’s made with a generous amount of pecans, eggs, sugar, and corn syrup, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. It’s often topped with a handful of pecan halves for that extra crunch. This is the standard by which all other pecan pies are judged.
• Texas Pecan Pie: Texans put their own spin on pecan pie by adding chocolate chips, creating the famous Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie. It’s a delightful combination of the nutty goodness of pecans and the sweet richness of chocolate. If you’re a fan of the sweet and savory combo, this one’s a winner.
• Derby Pie from Kentucky: While not strictly a pecan pie, the Derby Pie is worth mentioning. It’s a close cousin made with pecans, chocolate chips, and a splash of Kentucky bourbon. It’s a popular dessert, especially during the Kentucky Derby.
• Mississippi Mud Pie: This is a variation that takes pecan pie to the next level. It’s rich, chocolatey, and often loaded with marshmallows. While not traditional, it’s a mouthwatering alternative for those who love pecans and chocolate together.

Pecan pie, with its buttery, nutty filling and flaky crust, is more than just a dessert. It’s a slice of American history, a testament to the fusion of cultures, and a regional treasure with delightful variations across the country.

Whether you’re a fan of the classic Southern pecan pie like The Pioneer Woman’s pecan pie or you enjoy the Texas twist with chocolate, there’s a pecan pie for everyone. So, grab a fork, dig into a slice, and savor the delicious taste of tradition.

And remember, the best way to enjoy pecan pie is with friends, family, and a good story about its history.

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Yield: 6-8

The Pioneer Woman's Perfect Pecan Pie

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Additional Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

My take on The Pioneer Woman's pecan pie recipe is it's, without a doubt, the best pecan pie I've ever made.

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Ingredients

• 1 pie crust (I buy pre-made pie dough in the fridge isle)
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 cup corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup salted butter, melted
• 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 oz pecans, chopped
• 4 oz pecans, halved

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the pie crust in a 9" pie plate, crimp the edges.
2. Pour the chopped and halved pecans evenly into the bottom of the pie crust, and then set it aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugars, corn syrup, salt, butter and vanilla.
4. Pour the mixture over the pecans in the pie crust, and then bake the pie until it's almost no longer jiggly—about 1 hour and 10 minutes. If the edge of the crust looks like it's browning too quickly, put foil around the edge.

Notes

Allow the pie to cool before serving.

Adapted from The Pioneer Woman's pecan pie recipe.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 622Total Fat: 35gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 24gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 337mgCarbohydrates: 77gFiber: 3gSugar: 64gProtein: 6g