Imagine a dessert that captures the essence of Southern hospitality in every single bite - a pie so decadent and irresistible that it will transport you straight to a sun-drenched veranda in Georgia. The Southern Orange Pecan Pie is not just a dessert; it's a culinary masterpiece that blends the rich, buttery crunch of pecans with the bright, zesty notes of fresh orange, creating a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're a pie enthusiast or a curious home baker, this recipe promises to elevate your dessert game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked pie crust
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the center of the oven.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together corn syrup, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling mixture.
- Roll out the unbaked pie crust and carefully place it into a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges decoratively and trimming any excess dough.
- Pour the pecan and orange filling into the prepared pie crust, making sure the pecans are evenly spread across the surface.
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cover the pie edges with aluminum foil if they begin to brown too quickly during baking.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly.
- Serve at room temperature, optionally garnished with additional orange zest or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Store any leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: The key to an exceptional pie is using freshly squeezed orange juice and freshly zested orange rind for maximum flavor.
- Toast your pecans: Lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the filling to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the pie.
- Check for doneness: The pie is ready when the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center - it will continue to set as it cools.
- Prevent over-browning: If the pie crust edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cooling is crucial: Allow the pie to cool completely for at least 2 hours to ensure the filling sets properly and achieves the perfect texture.
- Serving suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of additional orange zest.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 620kcal
Carbohydrates: 85g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 110mg
