This rich, gooey, and perfectly sweet pecan pie gets its luscious texture from sweetened condensed milk—no corn syrup needed! A southern classic with a creamy twist.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
For the Filling
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ cups (150g) pecans, chopped (+ whole pecans for topping)
Optional Enhancements
- 2 tbsp bourbon (for depth)
- ½ tsp cinnamon (warm spice)
- 1 tbsp molasses (extra caramel notes)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Fit pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, crimp edges, and prick the bottom with a fork.
- Par-bake for 10 minutes (to prevent sogginess).
2. Make the Filling
- In a bowl, whisk:
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Eggs
- Melted butter
- Vanilla
- Salt (and bourbon/cinnamon if using)
- Stir in chopped pecans.
3. Assemble & Bake
- Pour filling into the pre-baked crust.
- Arrange whole pecans in a decorative pattern on top.
- Bake 40-45 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
4. Cool & Serve
- Let cool 2+ hours (filling will firm up).
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream!
FAQs & Pro Tips
Q: Can I use a graham cracker crust?
✅ Yes! Bake at 325°F for 25 mins (no par-baking needed).
Q: Why is my pie runny?
⚠️ Underbaked—the center should be just set. It thickens as it cools!
Q: How to store leftovers?
- Room temp: 1 day
- Fridge: 4 days
- Freeze: 1 month (wrap tightly)
Q: Can I use maple syrup instead of condensed milk?
➡️ No—this recipe relies on condensed milk for its creamy texture. Try a traditional pecan pie recipe for syrup-based versions.
Q: How to prevent over-browning?
- Cover edges with foil after 25 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
🍂 Perfect for:
- Thanksgiving
- Holiday gatherings
- Sunday dessert
Nutrition (per slice): ~450 kcal | Servings: 8
This pie is decadent, nutty, and foolproof—your new go-to pecan pie recipe! 😍
Love chocolate? Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the filling! 🍫
