Deep Dish Pecan Pie for the Holidays

Name: Deep Dish Pecan Pie for the Holidays
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed); 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp sugar; 6-8 tbsp ice water; 1 cup light corn syrup; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 4 large eggs; ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted); 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups pecan halves

Ah, the holidays! A magical time filled with twinkling lights, family gatherings, and, let’s be honest, a whole buffet of glorious food. 🌟 While turkey and stuffing usually steal the show, let’s take a moment to appreciate a dessert that deserves a round of applause: deep dish pecan pie! If you’ve never had this gooey, nutty wonder, buckle up, because I’m about to take you on a delightful journey into the world of deep dish goodness. Trust me; you’ll want to add this to your holiday table!

What Makes Deep Dish Pecan Pie So Special?

You might be wondering, “What’s the big deal with deep dish pecan pie?” Well, let’s just say that regular pecan pie is like that friend who’s always late to the party—great, but kind of a letdown compared to the headliner. With a deep dish version, you get more filling, more flavor, and let’s not forget—more nuts! 🥜

More Filling: Standard pecan pies are generally shallow. The deep dish version allows for a richer, gooier filling—plus, let’s be real, no one ever complains about having more pie.
Better Crust: With a bit more room, you can achieve that perfect flaky crust that holds it all together.
Texture Galore: The combination of crispy, crunchy pecans and smooth, silky filling creates an irresistible textural dance in your mouth.

Ever had one of those moments when you take a bite, and it feels like a warm hug from the inside? That’s what deep dish pecan pie does for me!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Now that we’re drooling over the thought of this delicious pie, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make it happen. Here’s your shopping list:

For the Crust

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
6-8 tbsp ice water

For the Filling

1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup brown sugar, packed
4 large eggs
¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups pecan halves (because we love those crunchy nuggets!)

How to Make Deep Dish Pecan Pie

Step 1: Make the Crust

First off, we need to tackle the crust. Trust me, it’s easier than you think—no need to break a sweat here!

In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar.
Add the butter and cut it into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. (Get those hands in there and channel your inner baker!)
Gradually add the ice water a tablespoon at a time and mix until the dough comes together.
Wrap that dough in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes.

(Pro tip: You can totally make this crust ahead of time. #LifeSaver)

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

While your dough is getting nice and chilled, let’s whip up that gooey filling!

In a bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.
Fold in the pecans. That’s it—easy peasy! 😄

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Once your dough has chilled, it’s showtime!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out the dough on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan.
Pour the filling into the crust, making sure all those lovely pecans get a good bath in that syrupy goodness.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.

(Seriously, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will make you feel like a holiday hero!)

Step 4: Let It Cool (If You Can)

As tempting as it might be to dive right in, let’s play it safe. Allow your pie to cool for at least two hours. This way, it’ll set perfectly, and you’ll avoid the “I spilled my gooey pie filling all over the floor!” fiasco.

Tips for the Perfect Deep Dish Pecan Pie

Now, before you run off to make this pie, let me drop some wisdom bombs on you:

Get Creative: Want to jazz it up? FYI, adding chocolate chips or bourbon to the filling can take this pie from “delicious” to “you need this in your life.”
Serve It Right: Pair your pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. I mean, who doesn’t love a good à la mode moment? 🍦
Make it Ahead: This pie actually tastes better the next day! Just cover it with plastic wrap and store it at room temperature.

FAQ About Deep Dish Pecan Pie

Alright, let’s tackle some burning questions you might have:

Can I Use a Store-Bought Crust?

Absolutely! IMO, homemade is best, but if you’re in a pinch, no one’s judging you for grabbing a store-bought crust. We all need a little help sometimes, right?

How Do I Know When It’s Done?

The filling should be slightly wobbly in the center. It’ll continue to set as it cools. Just make sure it’s not still liquid—nobody wants a watery pie!

Can I Freeze the Pie?

Yes! If you somehow manage to have leftovers (which is a rare sight), wrap your pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes.

Wrapping It Up

There you have it! Your expertly crafted deep dish pecan pie is ready to charm your friends and family this holiday season. 🎉 Trust me, they’ll be fighting over the last slice, and you? You’ll bask in the glow of being the ultimate holiday host.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and let’s make some magic. And don’t forget to snap a pic of that masterpiece—you’ll definitely want to save it for the ‘Gram! 😍

Happy baking, friends, and may your holidays be filled with laughter, love, and an overabundance of pie!