Unique Pecan Pie Recipes
More than 20 unique pecan pie recipes to enjoy this Thanksgiving or at a southern picnic! Pecan pies with cheesecake, pumpkin, and more!
Pecan pie, with its rich, buttery filling and toasted pecans, is an iconic dessert that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world.
Born in the American South, this decadent pie has become a beloved staple at family gatherings, holidays, and special occasions.
Hey everyone, it’s Phillip.
Pecan pie is my favorite Thanksgiving food, followed closely by green bean casserole.
But I won’t eat any of that disgusting store-bought pecan pie that’s sat on the shelf for a week. Not me.
I’ve found a deliciously perfect pumpkin pecan cheesecake recipe, and it made be branch out into trying other unique pecan pies each year at Thanksgiving.
The bottom of this post has a long list of delicious recipes you should try! But first, let’s talk about the amazing pecan.
Pecan Pies are a Southern Tradition
Pecan pie’s roots are deeply embedded in the American South, where pecan trees are abundant. While the exact origin of this delectable dessert is debated, many credit the French settlers in Louisiana for introducing pecans to American cuisine.
The combination of French culinary techniques and the abundance of pecans in the region eventually led to the creation of what we now know as pecan pie.
Nowadays, pecan pie is found all over the country, even in the Pacific Northwest (where I grew up eating this).
Key Ingredients of Pecan Pies
Pecan pie is celebrated for its simplicity, relying on a handful of key ingredients that, when combined, create a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures:
- Pecans: At the heart of pecan pie are the pecans themselves. These buttery, nutty morsels are usually arranged in a beautifully decorative pattern on top of the pie.
- Pie Crust: Whether it’s a flaky, homemade crust or a store-bought one, the pie crust serves as the foundation for the sweet filling.
- Sugar: Pecan pie typically calls for granulated sugar to sweeten the filling, providing the perfect contrast to the slightly bitter notes of the toasted pecans.
- Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and a luscious, creamy texture to the filling, ensuring it’s not overly sweet.
- Eggs: Eggs play a vital role in binding the ingredients together, resulting in that classic, sliceable pie texture.
- Corn Syrup: Light or dark corn syrup is often used to provide sweetness and that signature gooeyness to the filling.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a warm and aromatic note.
Health Benefits of Pecan Pie
In addition to its delightful taste, pecan pie also offers some surprising health benefits, primarily due to the star ingredient: pecans.
Pecans are packed with essential nutrients, including heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. These nutrient-rich nuts have been associated with improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and enhanced digestion.
Pecans are also a great source of antioxidants, which can help combat oxidative stress and support overall well-being. However, it’s essential to enjoy pecan pie in moderation, as its sugar and calorie content can offset these health benefits when consumed excessively.
So, while savoring a slice of pecan pie, you can also appreciate the wholesome goodness that pecans bring to this beloved dessert.
Pecan pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a slice of southern comfort and a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the American South. Its sweet, nutty goodness and satisfyingly gooey filling make it a cherished treat for celebrations, family gatherings, and cozy evenings by the fire.
Whether you savor it on Thanksgiving, at a summer picnic, or as a mid-winter indulgence, pecan pie brings a touch of warmth and nostalgia to every bite.
So, as you make any of the delightful recipes below, take a moment to appreciate the centuries of tradition and flavor that have made pecan pie a true culinary classic.
You may also want to try these 47 Thanksgiving Pie Recipes or these Savory Pie Recipes.
Unique Pecan Pie Recipes
Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake Recipe (with Homemade Pumpkin Butter)
Enjoy this delicious recipe for a pumpkin pecan cheesecake with homemade pumpkin butter! It’s the perfect dessert for a fall party or Thanksgiving dinner. You’ll never eat plain pumpkin pie or pecan pie again!
Pecan Pie Tart Recipe with Spiced Rum
This pecan pie tart recipe is an easy, elegant holiday dessert! Make this pecan tart recipe for your next gathering!
Condensed Milk Pecan Pie
Condensed milk pecan pie features a smooth creamy filling topped with plenty of toasted nuts. The combination of brown sugar, sweetened condensed milk and pecans is heavenly and makes this pie a memorable one.
Apple Brandy Candied Pecan Pie
Apple Brandy Candied Pecan Pie brings together the warm flavors of brandy and slight spice of southern candied pecans, to balance out the traditional sweetness of your holiday pecan pie. Made in a cast iron skillet and topped with homemade whipped cream, this dessert is sure to take center stage.
PECAN PIE COBBLER
Pecan Pie Cobbler combines traditional pecan pie filling with a light, fluffy biscuit topping! A much easier alternative to pecan pie, and a great dessert for Thanksgiving.
Decadent Instant Pot Pecan Pie
Instant Pot pecan pie will transform your holiday dinner preparations, thanks to the ease of this recipe!
Grandma Mildred's Summer Pecan Pie with Ritz Crackers
Y’all are going to LOVE this recipe for Grandma Mildred’s Summer Pecan Pie. It's made with Ritz crackers!
The Best Chocolate Pecan Pie
This is the Best Chocolate Pecan Pie you will ever eat! The rich chocolate filling, buttery pecans, and flaky crust will make this pie the star of your dessert table.
German Chocolate Pecan Pie - Homemade In The Kitchen
German Chocolate Pecan Pie pairs together two classic desserts with its chocolate, coconut, and pecan filling baked in a homemade chocolate pie crust.
Bourbon Sweet Potato Pecan Pie
Two classic southern Thanksgiving desserts meet in one perfect pie with distinct bourbon sweet potato and pecan layers.
Chocolate Pecan Pie with Bourbon
Bring the family together at your Thanksgiving table this Autumn season and finish with a flourish. This Chocolate Pecan Pie with a Bourbon Twist is a real showstopper!
UPSIDE-DOWN APPLE PECAN PIE
An is an apple pie like no other! Upside-Down Pecan Apple Pie is a self-glazing, award-winning pie that is sure to please any crowd. If you like pecan pie and apple pie, you’re going to want this apple pie recipe!
Pecan Pie Truffles
Rich with a nutty and sweet caramel filling, these Pecan Pie Truffles are full of crunchy goodness that’s only surpassed by dipping them in a luscious chocolate coating, making them a decadent no-bake alternative to a traditional pecan pie.
Southern Comfort Pecan Pie
This Southern Comfort Pecan Pie is easy to make, absolutely delicious, and a fun take on tradition. Serve it with Southern Comfort infused whipped cream!
Crescent Pecan Pie Squares
Can you say easy and delicious? - Because these two words absolutely describe these Crescent Pecan Pie Squares! With their crescent roll crust topped with a super-quick ooey-gooey pecan pie filling, these bars truly couldn't be any easier or more delicious. It's all the deliciousness of pecan pie, without the fuss of a pie crust.
Pecan Pie Dip
This Pecan Pie Dip is a delicious combination of creamy no bake cheesecake and gooey pecan pie filling! It takes only minutes to whip up, is the perfect party snack, and you get all the flavor of pie without the hassle. Serve it with pie crust chips or your favorite dippers.
Pecan Tassies - Mini Pecan Pies
If you’re anything like most Southerners, you may need portion control around a pecan pie - so this Mini Pecan Pie Recipe is perfect for the holidays!
Easy Kahlua Pecan Pie Recipe - Celebrations at Home
This Kahlúa Pecan Pie recipe is deliciously decadent and perfect for holiday dessert or a dinner party. Use pre-made crust for easy preparation, and make this classic southern pie with coffee liqueur added to the filling.
Low Sugar Dark Chocolate Chunk Pecan Pie
This healthier take on pecan pie isn't short on flavor! This low sugar pecan and dark chocolate pie is made with an easy store bought crust, and filling that's lightly sweetened with pure maple syrup!
Pecan Pie Bars (without corn syrup)
Pecan pie bars made without corn syrup! Use maple syrup to make these delicious gooey pecan pie bars that are so much easier than pie in an 8x8 pan.
Lazy Slow Cooker Pecan Pie
This easy crockpot version of everyone's favorite pecan pie is a real crowd pleaser! Gooey, sweet and nut filled, this treat will not disappoint!
Amazing Pecan Pie Cheesecake
Pecan Pie Cheesecake is a decadent and delicious dessert that is the perfect combination of a rich, creamy cheesecake with buttery, sweet, and crunchy pecan pie filling.
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