The Easiest Holiday Pecan Pie

Jump to Recipe

A taste of tradition

There are some recipes you can just tell have been loved through the years. This one is from my grandma’s personal collection, where it’s simply titled “The Perfect Pecan Pie.” And for good reason! This isn’t just any dessert; it’s a sweet, comforting slice of nostalgia that never lasts more than a day in my home. My husband eats it right up, and a single bite takes us all back to a simpler time.

For a long time, I was intimidated by the thought of making pecan pie, but I’m here to tell you that my granda’s recipe is a complete game-changer. It’s truly a one-big-bowl kind of recipe that anyone can master, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out. It’s perfectly simple, yet the results are rich, authentic, and delicious.

This is the quintessential pie for any occasion that calls for a little extra warmth and tradition. It’s the ideal finale for your Thanksgiving dinner, a comforting addition to your Christmas feast, or even just a sweet way to make a regular Thursday night feel special. This recipe proves that the best things in life—and in the kitchen—are often the most simple. It’s an authentic family recipe, made easy for every homemaker.

Save

Ingredients you will need

Recipe Tips & Tricks

Even a simple recipe can benefit from a few clever tips. Here are some tricks to help you create a truly memorable pie with ease.

Check Your Pie Pan: This recipe is designed specifically for a 9-inch pie pan. Before you start, quickly double-check the size of your pan. Using a larger pan will still work, but it may result in a thinner pie, so it’s best to stick to the recommended size for the perfect result.

Pie Crust Shortcut: While a homemade pie crust is a wonderful thing, don’t hesitate to use a store-bought one when you’re short on time. It’s a fantastic solution that doesn’t compromise on flavor and ensures you get to enjoy this classic pie without the extra stress.

Baking tools I used

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Instructions

1. Prep the Oven and Pecans: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a food processor, combine 1 cup of the whole pecans and the brown sugar. Pulse until the mixture resembles a coarse meal.
2. Make the Filling Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, corn syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract, flaxseed meal, milk, oil, and sea salt until smooth.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the pecan-brown sugar meal and the chopped pecans to the liquid mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
4. Add Flour: Gradually stir in the flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the batter is thick but still pourable.
5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter into the unbaked pie crust. Arrange the remaining 1 ½ cups of whole pecans on top in a decorative pattern.
6. Bake and Cool: Bake for 45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to firm up properly.

This post may contain affiliate links, you can read my policy here!

Check out all my favorite kitchen tools here!

If you want to read more about my story, and background about my blog, read it here!