Description
This Apple Pecan Pie combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a rich, gooey pecan filling nestled in an all-butter pie crust. The pecans float to the top during baking, creating a beautifully textured surface with a deep caramel flavor. A perfect dessert for autumn or any time you crave a classic American pie with a nutty twist.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pie Crust
- 1 all butter pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Apple Filling
- 2 medium apples (approx 3/4 lb or 237g), cored, peeled, and diced
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons (8g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (8g) cornstarch
Pecan Pie Filling
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (237ml) dark corn syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups (155g) pecan halves
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges as desired. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Soften Apples: Place diced apples in a microwave-safe bowl with a few tablespoons of water. Microwave for 2-3 minutes until they just start to soften. Drain apples very well and let them cool.
- Mix Pecan Filling: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, dark corn syrup, ¼ cup granulated sugar, salt, and melted butter until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble Apple Layer: Drain the cooled apples thoroughly to avoid a soggy pie. Toss them with the 2 teaspoons sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch until evenly coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly into the chilled pie crust.
- Add Pecans: Arrange the pecan halves in a single flat layer on top of the apples, ensuring even coverage.
- Pour Pecan Filling: Slowly and carefully pour the corn syrup mixture over the pecans. The pecans will float and become coated, creating the distinctive top layer.
- Protect Crust Edges and Bake: Place the pie on a cookie sheet. Cover the edges with a pie crust shield or foil strips to prevent over-browning. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes.
- Continue Baking: Reduce oven temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 35-45 minutes. The pie is done when the top is puffed, slightly cracked, and the crust is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to let the filling set properly.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freeze for up to one month.
Notes
- Do not skip the initial high-temperature baking as it ensures the crust is fully baked and crisp.
- Ensure pecans are arranged in a single layer and coated with filling to prevent burning and to achieve the signature texture.
- The pie will be slightly puffed, just a bit jiggly in the center and cracked around the edges when fully baked.
- Drain the apples very well to avoid soggy crust and watery filling.
- Use a pie crust shield or foil strips to protect the crust edges during baking for even browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of pie)
- Calories: 317 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 166 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg