How to Make a Kentucky Pecan Pie

Often, Kentucky Pecan Pie is considered a slice of history based on the rich traditions and history of the sweet, decadent dessert. The following recipe originates from my Grandmother—a southern born woman of the early 1900’s. Slight variations can be made with the recipe and you will still have a delicious result. The key element is cooking the pie long enough without burning it! The sweet buttery flavor is irresistible and you will find this pie one of the easiest to make.

1, 9” Homemade Pie Crust unbaked

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 cup white corn syrup
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/3 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons Fleischmann’s Margarine
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 large eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 heaping cup shelled whole pecans

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: In large mixing bowl, combine corn syrup, salt, butter, vanilla, and mix well with an electric mixer.

Ingredients

Electric Mixer

Step 3: Add slightly beaten eggs to mixture. Mix well on low speed using an electric mixer.

Slightly Beaten Eggs

Eggs Blended with Mixture

Step 4: Add whole pecans to mixture. Coat all nuts well using a spoon.

Add Pecans

Step 5: Pour mixture into prepared pie crust. Allow nuts to float to the top for about one minute flipping nuts with a butter knife to make the pie more presentable.

Pour into Crust

Fill Completely

Step 6: Bake pie for 45-55 minutes (oven temperatures vary so watch the pie towards the end to determine if pie is cooked through).

Note: The center of the pie will rise to form a dome when the pie is completely cooked. The pie should not wiggle as you remove it from the oven.

Step 7: Allow pie to cool at least 1 hour before serving (may still be hot). Serve with whipped cream or ice cream if desired.

Ultimate Pecan Pie

Tips: Do not open the oven too frequently as this will release too much of the heat needed to cook the pie evenly. If your pie is becoming too dark on top, take a piece of foil just large enough to cover the top of the pie and quickly lay it over the pie.

Variations: You can melt the margarine prior to mixing it with the other ingredients although it should not be hot. You can use light brown sugar in place of the dark—this will provide a lighter finish to the filling. You can use Smart Balance 50/50 butter in place of the margarine.