Southern Crave Pie
Introduction to Southern Crave Pie
The Southern Crave Pie is a classic dessert that beautifully encapsulates the rich culinary history of the Southern United States. This sweet treat combines the best of flavors, bringing together pecans, buttery crust, and a smooth, rich filling that melts in your mouth. Originating from the heart of southern kitchens, the pie has been a staple dessert during holiday gatherings and family reunions for generations. The secret to its unique taste lies in the quality of its ingredients and the love poured into its preparation.
Ingredients for Southern Crave Pie
- Flour - 2 cups
- Butter - 1 cup, chilled and diced
- Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
- Sugar - 1/4 cup
- Ice Water - 4 tablespoons
- Brown Sugar - 1 cup, packed
- Corn Syrup - 1 cup
- Eggs - 3 large
- Vanilla Extract - 1 teaspoon
- Pecans - 1 1/2 cups, chopped
- Heavy Cream - 1/4 cup
Step-by-Step Preparation
Preparing the Pie Crust
Start by preparing the pie crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Next, add chilled diced butter into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough holds together when pressed. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Making the Filling
While the dough is chilling, prepare the filling. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together brown sugar, corn syrup, and eggs until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream. Finally, fold in the pecans until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Assembling the Pie
Preheat your oven. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and roll it out into a large circle on a floured surface. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into place, and trim any excess overhang. Pour the prepared filling into the crust. Arrange a layer of whole pecans decoratively on top, if desired.
Cooking Process
Place the pie on the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center, which should take around 50 to 60 minutes. Make sure to set a cooking timer or use a visual cue to check readiness.
Enjoying Your Southern Crave Pie
Once cooked, allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Southern Crave Pie can be served at room temperature or slightly warmed. For an added treat, top each slice with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped cream. The nutty flavor from the pecans pairs perfectly with the sweet creaminess of the topping, creating a memorable finish to your meal.