Easy Pecan Pie

Recipe Ingredients

We’ve perfected our pecan pie recipe over the years by adjusting the ingredients and switching to a premade frozen crust. Here are the key pecan pie ingredients you’ll need.

Pecans: The star of this pie. Use whole, halves, or smaller pieces, depending on your preference. Store in the refrigerator or freezer for the freshest nuts.

Pie Crust: We love using Pillsbury™ Deep Dish frozen pie crust for convenience, and it comes with its own pan. Alternatively, use refrigerated Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts and follow the package instructions for a 1-crust pie.

Corn Syrup: Our original recipe called for dark corn syrup, but we’ve switched to light corn syrup for a milder, vanilla-like taste that lets the pecans shine. Dark corn syrup can be swapped in for a richer flavor.

Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works; both add sweetness and caramel notes to enhance the pie's gooey texture.

Other Ingredients You’ll Need: Large eggs, melted butter, and salt.

Cookware You’ll Need

Thanks to our frozen Pillsbury™ Deep Dish Pie Crust, you won’t need a separate pie pan. Here’s what else you'll need to make our pecan pie recipe.

Whisk: Helps thoroughly mix the ingredients for a smooth filling.

Cookie Sheet: This helps the bottom of the pie bake more evenly and catches any potential spills when filling the crust. A flat cookie sheet also makes it easy to slide the pie onto the cooling rack once baked.

Aluminum Foil: Covers the crust edge to prevent overbrowning while allowing the filling to bake evenly.

Other Cookware You’ll Need: Measuring cups (dry and liquid), measuring spoons, medium mixing bowl, a spatula, and a cooling rack.

How to Make Pecan Pie

Here’s how to make our easy pecan pie recipe.

1. Preheat the Cookie Sheet

Turn on your oven, and place the cookie sheet on the middle rack to preheat. This helps the bottom of your pie bake quickly and evenly.

2. Mix the Filling

Whisk all ingredients (except pecans) until smooth with no lumps. Stir in the pecans, making sure they’re evenly coated.

3. Pour Filling into Crust and Bake

Pour the filling into the frozen pie crust, spreading the pecans evenly with a spatula. Place on the preheated cookie sheet, and return to the oven.

4. Add Aluminum Foil to Protect the Crust

Cut a square of foil large enough to cover the entire pie, and cut a hole in the center the size of the pie. Alternately, wrap the edge with foil strips.

5. Chill Pie and Serve

Bake until the filling is set, and the crust is lightly browned. The pie may puff up and bubble as it bakes but will flatten as it cools. Let it chill and set before slicing.

Possible Variations

We heard you love the versatility of our pecan pie, so we’re sharing a few variations to try.

Change the Crust: Try your hand at our scratch pie crust recipe to pair with this homemade pecan pie filling.

Change the Texture: Olive99 raves, “…I slightly chopped the pecans…I highly recommend this recipe…” For more crunch, use 2 cups of pecans.

Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips with the pecans.

Add Flavoring: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla like our 1979 recipe, or try 1 teaspoon of brandy extract or 2 tablespoons of bourbon for a boozy kick.

If you love pecan pie like we do, here are a few more favorites: Chocolate-Pecan Pie and Caramel Pecan Cream Slab Pie, or browse our collection of Pecan Pie Recipes to find your own favorite.

Pecan Pie Toppings

We know a slice of pecan pie on its own is delicious with its buttery pecans and rich, caramelly filling. But there are plenty of ways to take it to the next level with toppings. Our favorite is a dollop of lightly sweetened, fresh whipped cream for a creamy contrast. A big scoop of vanilla ice cream is hard to beat, but butter pecan, maple, or salted caramel ice cream also complements the pie’s richness. For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce, or add fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a burst of tartness.

Storing and Reheating

Use our well-tested tips for storing your baked pecan pie.

Refrigerator

Within 2 hours of serving, cover pie with foil, plastic wrap, or place in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Let the pie cool completely. Freeze uncovered for 2 hours until firm. Then, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. This is a great way to make your pecan pie in advance of Thanksgiving or any big celebration.

How to Thaw

Remove pie from the freezer the day before. Unwrap the foil, and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• From Refrigerator: Microwave an individual slice on 50% power for 5 to 10 seconds until warm.

• From Freezer: After thawing, microwave an individual slice on 50% power for 10 to 15 seconds until warm.

Why Pillsbury Users Love This Recipe

We’ve heard from our community that Pillsbury’s easy pecan pie recipe is a favorite for many reasons. Users love how simple and quick it is to prepare with many calling it their go-to option for a delicious homemade dessert. The rich flavor—thanks to the brown sugar—also receives high praise, creating a sweet and satisfying pie that’s hard to beat. Additionally, the recipe is reliable and consistent, ensuring it turns out perfectly every time.

The versatility of this recipe is another standout feature with users adapting it for different occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even birthdays. Many have mentioned that the pie freezes well, making it a great option to prepare in advance. With countless positive reviews, it’s clear that Pillsbury’s pecan pie recipe has earned a special place in homes everywhere.