There is something magical about a slice of maple pecan pie. The buttery crust, the rich nutty filling, and the gentle sweetness of maple come together in a way that feels comforting and elegant at the same time. This is the kind of dessert that works for holidays, family gatherings, or even a quiet evening when you want something special without fuss.
I first fell in love with this pie while visiting a small countryside café during autumn. The air was crisp, the leaves had turned golden, and the aroma of baked goods filled the cozy space. A warm slice of maple pecan pie was served with a dollop of cream, and from that moment, it became one of my favorite desserts to recreate at home. It brings back that same warmth each time I bake it, and now it has become a tradition in my own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This
The flavor is layered and indulgent. Maple syrup gives this pie a deeper sweetness than sugar alone. Combined with toasted pecans, the taste is nutty, rich, and slightly earthy, making every bite satisfying.
The texture is wonderful. The crisp crust supports a smooth, custard-like filling that melts in your mouth, while the pecans give crunch in every forkful. It is a balance of creamy and crisp that feels like pure comfort food.
It is surprisingly simple to make. Many pies take hours, but this one comes together with basic ingredients and easy steps. Even if you are new to baking, you will find this recipe approachable and rewarding.
It fits into many occasions. From festive dinners to casual coffee breaks, maple pecan pie feels at home on any table. Serve it with whipped cream for a holiday dessert or enjoy it plain with a warm drink for a relaxed afternoon treat.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Cuisine Type: American, Comfort Dessert
Servings: 8 slices
Estimated Cost: Moderate
Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch pie dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin (optional if using homemade crust)
- Baking sheet
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water
For the filling:
- 1 cup pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves, toasted
Notes: You can use a store-bought pie crust if you want to save time. Toasting the pecans before baking brings out a deeper flavor. The maple syrup should be pure for best taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the crust. In a bowl, mix flour and salt, then cut in butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it looks crumbly. Add ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough holds together. Shape into a disk, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Roll out the crust. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish. Gently place it in the dish and trim any extra dough. Crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork for a simple design. Chill again while you prepare the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Add pecans. Stir in most of the toasted pecans, reserving a handful to arrange on top for a pretty finish. This gives the pie a nice presentation once baked.
Step 5: Assemble the pie. Pour the filling into the chilled crust. Arrange the reserved pecans on top in a circular pattern. Place the pie dish on a baking sheet to catch any drips during baking.
Step 6: Bake and cool. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes or until the filling is set but slightly jiggles in the center. Let it cool completely on a rack before slicing. Cooling allows the filling to firm up, making clean slices easier.
Nutrition Facts (per slice, approx.)
Calories: 440
Protein: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 3 g
Fat: 25 g
Sodium: 160 mg
Calcium: 60 mg
Iron: 1.5 mg
Tips for Success
Chill the dough before rolling. This helps the butter stay solid, giving you a flakier crust once baked.
Do not overbake the pie. The center should still have a slight wobble when you take it out, as it will set while cooling.
Toast the pecans. A few minutes in a dry skillet or oven brings out a deeper nutty flavor that elevates the pie.
Let it rest before slicing. Cutting too early will cause the filling to ooze out. Cooling ensures neat slices.
Common Questions
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake it a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before serving.
What if I do not have maple syrup?
You can replace it with honey or corn syrup, but the flavor will be different. Pure maple syrup gives the best taste.
Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
How do I make it gluten free?
Use a gluten free pie crust or buy a pre-made one from the store. The filling itself is naturally gluten free.
Variations and Substitutions
You can add a splash of bourbon to the filling for a grown-up twist. It adds warmth and depth to the maple flavor.
Try using walnuts instead of pecans if that is what you have on hand. The flavor is slightly different but still delicious.
For extra richness, swirl a little dark chocolate into the filling before baking. It makes the pie more decadent.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic treat.
Whipped cream lightly sweetened with a hint of cinnamon pairs beautifully with the nutty maple flavor.
A hot cup of coffee or spiced chai balances the sweetness, making the pie even more enjoyable.
For a festive table, pair it with roasted meats and seasonal sides to complete the holiday spread.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Keep leftovers in the fridge, covered, for up to four days.
For longer storage, wrap slices individually and freeze for up to two months.
To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.
There is something so comforting about baking this maple pecan pie. It fills the kitchen with sweet aromas and feels like a warm hug on the table. Share it with loved ones during gatherings, or make it just for yourself when you want to treat your heart and taste buds. Thank you for spending time here, and I hope this pie brings as much joy to your home as it does to mine.
