Maple Pecan Pie

A Brief History of Pecan Pie

The pecan pie is a classic American dessert, beloved for its rich, gooey filling and crunchy pecan topping. Originating in the Southern United States, pecan pie has become a staple dessert for holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. The earliest recipes for pecan pie began appearing in the late 19th century, often featuring molasses or syrup as a sweetener. This version substitutes traditional corn syrup with the aromatic richness of maple syrup, adding depth and a distinct flavor profile to the beloved pie.

Ingredients for Maple Pecan Pie

• Pie Crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup Maple Syrup
• 1 cup Brown Sugar
• 3 Eggs
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1 1/2 cups Pecans, roughly chopped

For the Pie Crust

• 1 1/4 cups All-purpose Flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, chilled and diced
• 1/4 cup Ice Water

Preparation Steps

Making the Pie Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Add diced butter to the flour mixture and mix using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough starts to hold together.
4. Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
6. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface, then place it into a 9-inch pie pan, trimming any excess dough and creating a decorative edge if desired.

Preparing the Pecan Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, and unsalted butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Gradually add the warm syrup mixture to the egg mixture, stirring constantly to prevent cooking the eggs.
5. Gently fold in the pecans.

The Baking Process

1. Pour the pecan mixture into the prepared pie crust.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until the filling is set. To prevent over-browning, cover the crust edges with foil halfway through baking.

Enjoying Your Maple Pecan Pie

Once baked, let the pie cool completely at room temperature before serving. This allows the filling to firm up further, ensuring neat slices.

Pair your pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. The warmth of the pecans combined with the rich notes of maple syrup will delight your taste buds. Whether you enjoy it as a holiday dessert or a comforting everyday treat, this Maple Pecan Pie is sure to become a family favorite.