Easy Pecan Pie {No Fail Recipe} (2024)

FAQs

What is the primary thickening agent in pecan pie? ›

Corn syrup sweetens pecan pie and gives it a smooth texture by preventing the crystallization of the sugar when baking. It also acts with the eggs to thicken. It can be replaced with maple syrup and flour.

Why didn't the filling set properly? If your pecan pie is still a little soupy, it simply means you need to bake it more. The center or filling of a pecan pie needs time to thicken and set properly.

A pecan pie is essentially a custard pie, and a liquid center is almost always the result of underbaking. The Karo Classic Pecan Pie recipe calls for baking the pie for 60 to 70 minutes at 350 degrees. In some ovens, however, the pie can take 75 minutes or more.

Cornstarch makes for a shiny, glossy filling. A little goes a long way because it has twice the gelling power of flour. Flour thickens nicely but leaves more of a matte finish. You'll need to use twice as much as you would with cornstarch.

Cornstarch as Pie Filling Thickener

Just like the name suggests, cornstarch is derived from corn. Cornstarch is faster-acting than flour and forms a smooth, relatively clear filling. Just be aware that too much cornstarch can create a slimy texture.

The filling continues to cook and will fully set as the pie cools, so giving a pie plenty of time at room temperature before serving is important. "We usually let our pecan pies sit out for about an hour," says Chef Kolle, "until the filling's cool enough to touch."

Melted shortening or butter - Brush a thin layer onto the surface of the pie dish so you don't overdo it or end up with patchy spots from an aerosol non-stick spray. Chill the pie pan before you place the pie crust in the pan.

Light and dark corn syrup can be used interchangeably in almost every instance, with slight flavor variances. In a pecan pie, for example, light corn syrup will contribute sweetness and a hint of vanilla, but that's about it. Dark corn syrup, in addition to sweetness, will add color and a more robust, toasty flavor.

What are substitutes for corn syrup? Making this corn syrup substitute could not be easier. Made of only sugar, water, cream of tartar, and lemon juice, this candy-like sauce cooks up to be super thick, full-bodied, and sweet just like corn syrup.

Maple syrup has a pretty specific flavor and it's a bit thinner in consistency than corn syrup, but you can still use an equal amount in most baked goods and sauces. At around 67 degrees Brix, it's slightly less sweet, but the rich flavor will carry it through, especially when subbing it in for dark corn syrup.

How do you fix a pecan pie that didn't set? ›

One potential risk of making a translucent custard, like pecan pie filling, is that it might not set properly, leaving you with an unappetizingly runny slice. Once you've noticed the problem, the only solution is to protect the crust and pop the pie back in the oven.

And on that note…by pricking the crust all over with a fork, not only do you prevent it from puffing up into unsightly deformities, you also allow tiny holes for some of the filling to seep underneath which — hear me out! — transforms the crust into this buttery toffee-like deliciousness. Third, the toasted pecans.

If your pie is soupy, you probably didn't bake it long enough. Baking time can vary with this recipe, so it's best to give it a good jiggle before you take it out. If it's very jiggly, pop it back in the oven for 20 minutes or so until it's set.

Very often flour or cornstarch is used, but in certain instances tapioca, arrowroot and potato starch can also help achieve the desired consistency. Tapioca starch is preferable for products that will be frozen because it will not break down when thawed.

The three most common starches used to thicken the fruit juices of a pie are flour, tapioca, and cornstarch. I prefer cornstarch because I find that it actually enhances the flavor of the fruit.

To summarize: We recommend using Instant ClearJel or Pie Filling Enhancer, but cornstarch, flour, and quick-cooking tapioca will also work well if you don't have other options available.

Eggs are a common ingredient in these pie fillings because they contribute to the custard-like texture and provide structure when cooked. The proteins in eggs coagulate during baking, resulting in a thickened and set filling.