Ree Drummond , widely known as the Pioneer Woman , is famous for her country cоoking , her blog and her TV show . With her warm voice and easy stories she makes home cooking feel simple . One recipe people really love is her pecan pie .
Pecan pie is a big favorite at holidays and family dinners . The sweet goo is soft and the pecаns are crunchy , so every bite has a nice contrast . This pie feels like a hug from the South , and it’s full of homey charm . Ree’s version mixes old traditions with her own relaxed style .
What makes it different ? First she picks top ingredients , like fresh whole pecans and a blend of brown and white sugar . She also adds a bit of vanilla and sometimes a splash of bourbon to boost the flavor . Her pie finds a perfect balance between nutty crunch and gooey filling .
What Makes Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Unique?
The thing that stands out is her focus on quality . She uses fresh pecans that taste really rich and nutty . She avoids overly processed sweeteners and instead blends brown and white sugars for a more natural taste .
Ree also puts her own twist by adding a splash of vanilla extract or a little bourbon . That extra layer of flavor makes the pie feel special and a bit fancy , but still cozy and familiar .
Another cool part is the texture . The gooey filling plus the crunchy nuts work together in every bite to make it so satisfying . It’s soft but still has a nice snap , and that mix is pure comfort food .
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie
To make this pie you will need：
- Whole pecans
- Brown sugar
- White sugar
- Eggs
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
- Cоrn syrup
- Pie crust
- Salt
Optional extras：
- Dark chocolate chips
- Bourbon or whiskey (for a flavor twist)
Directions to Make Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) . A hot oven helps get the right texture .
2. Prepare the crust – homemade or store-bought . Roll it out and fit it into your pan , crimping the edges .
3. In a bowl , whisk brown sugar, white sugar and salt together . Beat in eggs , melted butter and vanilla until smooth , then stir in corn syrup .
4. Fold in the whole pecans . If you want chocolate or bourbon , add them now .
5. Pour the filling into the pie crust . Bake 60–70 minutes or until the center still jiggles just a bit .
6. Cool on a rack for at least two hours so the filling sets . Serve warm or at room temp with whipped cream or ice cream if you like .
Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie
- Keep the crust cold before you bake – it stays flaky .
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing to get clean pieces .
- Serve with whipped cream , ice cream or a drizzle of caramel for extra yum .
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Pecan Pie
- Overbaking – watch for set edges and a slightly jiggly center .
- Stale pecans – fresh ones give the best flavor and crunch .
- Skipping the cool-down – slicing too early makes a mess .
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftover pie in the fridge up to 4 days . You can leave it out for 2 days but fridge is safer .
- To reheat , warm slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to bring back that good texture .
Variations on Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie
- Chocolate Pecan Pie – stir in dark chocolate chips for a richer twist .
- Maple Pecan Pie – swap some corn syrup for pure maple syrup for deeper sweetness .
- Bourbon Pecan Pie – add a splash of bourbon to deepen the flavor even more .
- Gluten-Free Pie – use a gluten-free crust so everyone can enjoy it .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I know when my pie is done ? Look for edges that are set and a center that wiggles slightly .
2. Can I make it ahead ? Sure – make it a day early and store in the fridge , then bring to room temp to serve .
3. What if I don’t want corn syrup ? Try maple syrup , honey or a mix of brown sugar and water – it will change the taste a bit .
4. Is it gluten-free ? The filling is , but you need a gluten-free crust too .
Conclusion
Ree Drummond’s pecan pie shines because she picks great ingredients and adds her own fun twists . It feels like Southern hospitality in every bite and is easy enough for home cooks .
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pioneer woman pecan pie
Equipment
- 1 9-inch pie dish
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 saucepan
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch pie crust, unbaked
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecans, coarsely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, corn syrup, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Stir in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly coated in the mixture.
- Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust, spreading the pecans evenly.
- Place the pie dish on a baking sheet to catch any spills and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly browned.
- Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing to help the filling set properly.
- Serve the pie warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
