Black Folks Southern Pecan Pie Recipe (2024)

Black folks’ Southern pecan pie recipe is an old-fashioned African American soul food classic that yields an abundance of sweet flavor with each bite. Brown sugar is combined with a syrupy pecan filling, caramelized, and then baked. Make no mistake – this decadentSouthern dessertis definitely not diet-conscious food!

Why is pecan pie Southern soul food?

Pecan pie is a holiday classic for many African-American households. It’s an expected recipe made by grandmas, aunties, and mamas across the South for a soul food deliciousThanksgivingorChristmas.

How do you make Black folks’ Southern pecan pie filling?

My favorite Southern pecan pie recipe is my own, adapted from my mom’s and a few other sources over the years. It has simple ingredients, including eggs, butter, corn syrup, and brown sugar. And you can caramelize the pie filling in less than 5 minutes using your Instant Pot!

Kitchen equipment

• Instant Pot electric pressure cooker(optional)
• Instant Pot Omni Plus oven (optional)
• 9-inch deep-dish pie pan
• Aluminum foil to cover the pie crust edges

Shop my kitchenware!

Instant Pot Duo Nova | Instant Pot Omni Plus oven | Amazon deep-dish pie pan | The Pioneer Woman measuring bowls | Kate Aspen heart-shaped measuring spoons | KitchenAid whisk | Amazon mixing bowls | Amazon small rubber spatula | Courtly Check glass cutting board | Anthropologie dish towel |

Ingredients for Black folk’s pecan pie

• 1 ½ cups of pecan halves, coarsely chopped
• ¾ cup of light brown sugar
• 1 ½ cups of Karo syrup (I used dark corn syrup – or you could use light corn syrup)
• 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract
• ¼ cup of unsalted butter
• 2 eggs
• ½ a teaspoon of salt
• 1 unbaked pie shell

Instructions for Black folk’s Southern pecan pie recipe

1. Grease a deep-dish pie pan or pie dish and add the pie crust to it.
2. Use a fork to poke holes in the bottom of the dough so the pie crust can vent when cooked with the filling in it.
3. Optional – Here is where you can crimp or flute the pie crust if using dough crust or homemade crust.
4. Bake the pie crust in the conventional oven at 350 degrees F for 7-10 minutes or the Instant Pot Omni Plus oven for 5-6 minutes.
5. Set the pie crust aside.
6. Open the Instant Pot lid and turn on the sauté setting for 5 minutes, although you may need all of this time.
7. Pour the sugar and corn syrup into the stainless-steel inner pot and let the mixture come to a boil, simmering for 1 minute. (If you’re not using an Instant Pot, you can do this step on the stovetop.)
8. Turn off the Instant Pot and set the mixture aside to cool.
9. Stir the butter into the warm mixture so that it melts.
10. Next, add the vanilla extract and salt, and stir to combine.
11. Then when the mixture is cool enough to add the eggs without the eggs scrambling, whisk the eggs in a small bowl.
12. Slowly pour the eggs into the syrup mixture, constantly whisking until blended.
13. Now add the chopped pecans, slowly stirring them into the mixture.
14. Pour the finished pie filling into the pie crust.
15. Cover the edges of the crust with foil to prevent them from overcooking or burning.
16. Bake at 350° F in the conventional oven for 40-45 minutes, in the Instant Pot Omni Plus oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pie filling sets and is firm and not liquidy when you give the pie a jiggle.
17. Allow the pecan pie to cool off and set for about 4 hours at room temperature before slicing, then serve and enjoy this Southern homemade pecan pie!

Is there a way to prevent a pecan pie crust from leaking?

There is a tendency for the pie filling to leak through the bottom of the crust, causing it to stick. You can prevent this from happening if you butter the pie pan before baking it, especially for pecan pies.

Similarly, brushing the bottom of the crust with beaten egg white before adding the filling can help prevent leaks (in the case of frozen pie crust).

What do you serve with this Black folks’ classic Southern pecan pie recipe?

A simple answer would be whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, but that’s not the question.

You want something that compliments it! So if you’re looking for classic soul food recipes to serve with your pecan pie, then look no further than these delicious ideas.

More Black folks recipes to love:

• Black folks baked apple slices
• Black folks smoked turkey legs
• Black folks soul food lamb chops
• Black folks pineapple glazed ham

Black folks Southern pecan pie recipe FAQs

Can this pecan pie be made in an Instant Pot?

This recipe gives instructions for caramelizing the pie filling in less than 5 minutes using an Instant Pot!

Can you freeze pecan pie?

You can most certainly freeze pecan pie for up to two months in heavy-duty freezer bags, plastic wrap, or aluminum foil. Defrost the pie in the refrigerator for best results to avoid condensation building up and affecting the crust or consistency.

How long do you wait to serve this pie?

For easy, even, clean slicing, it’s best to allow the pecan pie to cool off and set for about 4 hours at room temperature before slicing.

Can you leave pecan pie out?

It’s recommended to refrigerate any leftover pecan pie since the filling is made with an egg mixture.

What temperature is a pecan pie done?

To bake pecan pie properly, you should bake it until the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees. To check this temperature, you can use aninstant-read thermometer.

How do you thicken pecan pie?

Traditional Black folks’ recipes for Southern pecan pie consist of corn syrup for the filling, which acts as a sweetener and a thickener.

How far in advance can you prepare pecan pie?

It’s possible to prepare pecan pie up to 1-3 days ahead of the day you plan to serve it. Both the pie crust and the filling can be prepared in advance.

When ready to serve, assemble the pie and bake it. Once the pie has baked, allow it to cool, cover, and store it in the refrigerator. Remove it from the refrigerator an hour before serving.

How jiggly should pecan pie be?

Should pecan pie be jiggly in the middle?

The center will give a little jiggle-like Jell-O when pecan pie is ready. But the edges will stay nice and firm.

How to thaw frozen pecan pie?

Thawing frozen pecan pie can be accomplished by thawing the pie in the refrigerator after being taken from the freezer. Unwrap and serve once thawed.

What are some ways to prevent runny pecan pie?

Try adding another egg or a tablespoon of cornstarch. Either of these options should help strengthen your pie filling.

However, this option should only be used last, as it may have a negative impact on the taste of your pie.

Where do the best pecans come from?

The Southern state of Georgia is home to not only thebest peachesbut also some of the best pecans. The state is overflowing with glorious pecan trees with pecan pie potential!

How do you store pecans?

You may store pecans in their shells for a short time at room temperature. However, if you plan to keep nuts for longer than four months, you should store them in the refrigerator.

For storing pecans longer than a year, whether in their shells, cracked, or shelled, they should be kept in the freezer.

How come your pecan pie is so hard?

There is a good chance that you might have overcooked it. By following the directions in this recipe, you will not have to worry about hard pies. You might want to keep an eye on the status of your pie halfway through to avoid overcooking.

Using pie shields or aluminum foil is a good option, so the crust doesn’t get too dark or overcook.

Which pie crust is best to use?

Nowadays, it is easy to find frozen pie crusts and refrigerated pie crusts at your local grocery store. This pecan pie recipe is so versatile; it will work with any of your favorite pie crusts. If you would like a homemade touch, you could even make your favorite pie crust recipe from scratch if you wish!

What size pie plate do you use?

A 9-inch deep-dish pie pan is best for this pecan pie recipe.

Will the pecans rise to the top?

The pecans naturally rise to the top during baking, and the jelly filling will remain underneath.

Is there a substitute for corn syrup?

Sugar is the best substitute in terms of taste since corn syrup doesn’t add much flavor. It just adds sweetness.

You could create a concentratedsimple syrupby dissolving sugar in boiling water. The resulting liquid form makes it easy to substitute corn syrup in pies (like pecan) and coated fruits. However, the recipe will probably need to be modified to include cornstarch.

What do you think about this Black folks’ Southern pecan pie recipe?

The ingredients are simple, but the flavor is unique!

If you like this recipe, you’ll love theseSouthern desserts recipes HERE.