Print

Brown Butter Pecan Pie Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 52 reviews

This Brown Butter Pecan Pie offers a rich twist on the classic Southern dessert by incorporating nutty, aromatic browned butter into the filling. The buttery, caramel-like flavor complements the crunchy pecans and sweet filling baked in a flaky pie crust, creating an irresistible treat perfect for holidays or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Brown Butter Pecan Pie Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
  • 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
  2. Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir frequently and cook until the butter turns a golden brown color and emits a nutty aroma, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly to prevent cooking the eggs later.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, packed brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  4. Combine Butter and Pecans: Stir the browned butter and pecan halves into the syrup mixture, ensuring the nuts are evenly distributed in the filling.
  5. Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the filling mixture into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
  6. Bake the Pie: Place the pie on the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the filling is set—meaning it should be slightly jiggly but not liquid—and the crust is a golden brown color.
  7. Cool the Pie: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This cooling step helps the filling to firm up for perfect slices.

Notes

  • Be careful while browning the butter to avoid burning; it should have a rich golden color with a nutty scent.
  • Check the pie after 60 minutes to avoid overbaking, as oven temperatures vary.
  • Allowing the pie to cool thoroughly ensures the filling sets properly for clean slices.
  • You can use a store-bought pie crust or make your own for a more homemade touch.
  • For a deeper pecan flavor, consider lightly toasting the pecans before adding them to the filling.