Embrace the warm hospitality of the South right in your kitchen with a classic dessert. This Sweet Alabama Pecan Pie recipe brings that iconic Southern charm straight to your table. It features a rich, sweet filling loaded with crunchy pecans, all nestled in a flaky, buttery crust. Get ready to bake an authentic, easy-to-follow recipe that promises a truly delightful, homemade Southern experience.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Alabama Pecan Pie
This delightful Sweet Alabama Pecan Pie quickly becomes a family favorite for many reasons.
- It offers a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, truly satisfying your dessert cravings.
- You create an iconic Southern dessert experience, perfect for any occasion.
- This pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, disappearing quickly at any gathering.
- It’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels.
- Each slice delivers ultimate comfort food at its finest, warm and inviting.
Ingredients
To create an authentic Sweet Alabama pecan pie, you’ll need fresh, high-quality ingredients. Measuring everything accurately ensures the best results for both your flaky crust and rich filling.
- For the Pie Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Measure accurately for the best texture.
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: Chilled and cut into small cubes.
- ¼ cup ice water: Crucial for a tender, flaky crust.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors in the dough.
- For the Pecan Filling:
- 3 large eggs: Bring them to room temperature before using.
- 1 cup light corn syrup: Essential for that signature gooey, set texture.
- ½ cup dark brown sugar: Packed, adds deep molasses flavor and richness.
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter: Melted and cooled slightly.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Use good quality for the best aroma and taste.
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans: Toast them lightly beforehand for enhanced richness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: A pinch enhances the sweetness and depth of the filling.
Notes & Substitutions
- Pecan halves: Feel free to substitute chopped pecans with beautiful pecan halves for a decorative top.
- Maple syrup: You can use pure maple syrup as an alternative to corn syrup for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Gluten-free flour: Opt for a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if you have dietary needs.
- Store-bought crust: Save time by using a good quality refrigerated or frozen pie crust. No judgment here!
- Bourbon/whiskey: Add a splash (1-2 tablespoons) of bourbon or whiskey to the filling for an extra layer of sophisticated depth.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes baking your Sweet Alabama pie a smooth and enjoyable process.
- 9-inch pie plate: A standard metal or ceramic plate works perfectly.
- Large mixing bowls: You’ll need one for the crust and one for the filling.
- Whisk: To combine the filling ingredients smoothly and evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate portions.
- Rolling pin: For rolling out your homemade pie crust dough.
- Baking sheet: Place your pie plate on it to catch any potential drips.
- Wire rack: For cooling the finished pie completely.
Instructions
Creating this delicious Sweet Alabama Pecan Pie is straightforward with these step-by-step instructions. Remember, patience is key, especially during cooling!
- Prepare the Pie Crust: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces. Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour.
- After chilling, lightly flour a clean surface. Roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to your 9-inch pie plate. Trim the edges, leaving about a ½-inch overhang, then fold it under and crimp decoratively around the rim. Chill the crust again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven & Blind Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the chilled pie crust with parchment paper, allowing it to overhang the sides. Fill the lined crust with pie weights or dried beans, spreading them evenly. Bake for 15 minutes. Carefully remove the parchment paper and pie weights.
- Return the crust to the oven and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the bottom is lightly golden. This helps prevent a soggy bottom. Let the crust cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Pecan Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the large eggs until lightly beaten. Add the light corn syrup, packed dark brown sugar, and slightly cooled melted unsalted butter to the eggs. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and smooth. Stir in the pure vanilla extract and the ¼ teaspoon of salt. Finally, gently fold in the chopped pecans.
- Do not overmix, you want to keep the pecans evenly distributed but not crushed.
- Assemble and Bake the Pie: Pour the luscious pecan mixture into the slightly warm, blind-baked pie crust. Carefully spread the filling evenly. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie plate on a baking sheet to catch any potential spills. Bake for 40-50 minutes. The pie is done when the edges are set, and the center still has a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
- If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, loosely cover them with strips of aluminum foil.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the baked Sweet Alabama pie to a wire rack immediately after removing it from the oven. This is a crucial step! Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature for at least 3-4 hours, or even longer. As it cools, the filling will set fully, and the delicious pecans will firm up. Resist the urge to slice it warm; patience will reward you with perfect slices.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Flaky Crust Secrets: Always keep your butter and water as cold as possible. This prevents the butter from melting too soon, creating steam pockets for a super flaky crust.
- Prevent Soggy Bottom: Blind baking the crust as described is vital. Ensure it’s lightly golden before adding the filling for the best results.
- Don’t Overbake: An overbaked pecan pie can become dry or cracked. The center should still have a slight jiggly movement when gently shaken for the ideal texture.
- Even Pecan Distribution: Gently fold the pecans into the filling. Stirring vigorously can cause them to sink. A slight stir at the end before pouring also helps.
- Dark Crust Edges: If your crust edges are browning too quickly, fashion a foil shield to cover them during baking.
- Filling Cracks: A crack in the center usually means it was slightly overbaked. While not picture-perfect, it will still taste absolutely delicious.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Your homemade Sweet Alabama pie is incredibly versatile, whether you’re serving it immediately or planning ahead.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy it warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream.
- Top each slice with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream.
- Pair it with a hot cup of coffee, or for adults, a small glass of bourbon or whiskey.
- Storage:
- Store your pecan pie at room temperature, loosely covered, for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling with the pecans.
- Spiced Pecan Pie: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg into the filling mixture.
- Mini Pecan Tarts: Press the pie dough into mini muffin tins for bite-sized delights. Adjust baking time accordingly.
- Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie: Increase the bourbon to ¼ cup and reduce the corn syrup by ¼ cup for a stronger flavor.
Nutrition
Nutritional information for a slice of this Sweet Alabama Pecan Pie is an estimate only and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving size. This traditional dessert offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450-550 kcal |
| Total Fat | 25-35g |
| Saturated Fat | 10-15g |
| Cholesterol | 50-70mg |
| Sodium | 150-200mg |
| Total Carbs | 50-65g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2-4g |
| Total Sugars | 35-45g |
| Protein | 5-8g |
Pecans themselves contribute healthy fats, antioxidants, and fiber to this rich treat. Remember to enjoy this sweet delight in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
FAQ
Can I use light corn syrup instead of dark?
Yes, both light and dark corn syrup work well for the filling, yielding similar texture but slightly different flavor notes.
Why is my pie runny after cooling?
Your Sweet Alabama pie is likely underbaked if it remains runny. Ensure the center has a slight jiggle, not a liquid wobble, when finished.
How do I tell if the pecan pie is done baking?
The edges should be set, and the center will have a slight, gentle wobble when shaken, like soft Jell-O.
Conclusion
There’s truly nothing quite like a slice of homemade pecan pie, and this Sweet Alabama Pecan Pie recipe delivers Southern comfort at its best. With its rich, gooey filling and flaky crust, it’s a dessert that speaks of warmth and tradition.
We encourage you to bake this timeless Southern classic and experience the joy of creating such a delicious homemade treat. Share your delightful creations with Sweet Emily!
