Pecan pie is a classic Southern dessert that never fails to impress, and our condensed milk pecan pie recipe takes this beloved treat to the next level. Using sweetened condensed milk adds a rich, creamy texture that perfectly complements the crunchy pecans. It’s a simple twist that makes the pie irresistibly smooth and decadent.
We love how this recipe comes together with just a few ingredients yet delivers incredible flavor and a beautiful golden finish. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, this pie is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into making a pecan pie that’s both easy and unforgettable.
Ingredients
To create our Condensed Milk Pecan Pie, we need just a handful of quality ingredients that combine to deliver that rich, creamy texture balanced by the signature crunch of pecans. Let’s gather everything necessary for both the pie crust and the luscious filling.
For the Pie Crust
We prefer making the crust from scratch for ultimate flakiness and control over texture. Here’s what we use:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (measured spooned and leveled for accuracy)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 3 to 4 tablespoons ice-cold water
For the Filling
The filling is where the magic happens with condensed milk giving us that creamy foundation and pecans adding a satisfying crunch. We rely on simple yet flavorful ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk | 1 can | The key ingredient for creamy sweetness |
| 3 large eggs | 3 | Room temperature for best mixing |
| 1 cup light corn syrup | 1 cup | Adds a smooth texture and gloss |
| 1 teaspoon vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Enhances depth of flavor |
| 1/2 teaspoon salt | 1/2 tsp | Balances sweetness |
| 1 1/2 cups pecan halves | 1 1/2 cups | Fresh toasted for extra flavor |
Together these ingredients form the backbone of our Condensed Milk Pecan Pie, ensuring a perfect combination of rich creaminess and crunchy pecan goodness.
Equipment Needed
To create the perfect Condensed Milk Pecan Pie, having the right equipment on hand is essential. This ensures precision and ease throughout the baking process. Here is what we need for successful preparation.
Essential Tools for Pie Crust and Filling
- 9-inch Pie Dish: Choose a glass or ceramic pie dish for even baking and a beautiful golden crust.
- Mixing Bowls: One large bowl for the crust dough and one medium bowl for the pecan filling.
- Pastry Cutter or Food Processor: To blend butter into the flour evenly, creating a flaky pie crust.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements maintain the balance of flavors.
- Whisk: To beat the eggs and mix the filling until smooth.
- Rubber Spatula: For scraping the bowl and folding ingredients gently.
- Rolling Pin: For rolling out the crust to an even thickness.
- Toothpick or Fork: To dock the crust before baking, preventing bubbles.
- Cooling Rack: To cool the pie after baking to room temperature.
- Aluminum Foil or Pie Shield: To protect the crust edges from over-browning during baking.
Equipment Summary Table
| Equipment | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9-inch Pie Dish | Baking the pie | Glass or ceramic preferred |
| Mixing Bowls | Mixing ingredients | At least two sizes |
| Pastry Cutter | Cutting butter into flour | Food processor is an alternative |
| Measuring Cups/Spoons | Measuring dry and liquid ingredients | Use precise measurements |
| Whisk | Beating eggs and blending filling | |
| Rubber Spatula | Mixing and scraping bowls | Fold gently |
| Rolling Pin | Rolling crust dough evenly | |
| Toothpick or Fork | Docking pie crust | Prevents bubbles |
| Cooling Rack | Cooling finished pie | |
| Aluminum Foil/Pie Shield | Protects crust edges | Use during baking |
With these tools ready, we can efficiently tackle each step knowing our equipment matches the demands of this luscious Condensed Milk Pecan Pie. This setup guarantees a beautifully baked pie with a flakey crust and a perfectly set, creamy filling studded with toasted pecans.
Prep Work
Before we dive into assembling our Condensed Milk Pecan Pie, thorough preparation ensures every element shines. Taking these initial steps carefully sets the foundation for a perfectly flaky crust and a rich, crunchy filling.
Preparing the Pie Crust
To create a flaky and tender pie crust, we start with chilled ingredients and precise technique.
- Chill the butter and water: Cut the unsalted butter into small cubes and place them in the refrigerator until ice cold. Keep the ice water ready in the freezer to add slowly.
- Mix dry ingredients: Combine all-purpose flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Incorporate butter: Using a pastry cutter or food processor, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.
- Add ice water gradually: Slowly drizzle in the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough just begins to come together. Avoid overworking to maintain flakiness.
- Form and chill the dough: Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disk, wrap with plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour. This helps relax gluten and firm the butter.
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough evenly into a 12-inch circle, about ⅛ inch thick, ready to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
“Chilling the dough is our secret weapon for that tender crumb everyone loves in a pecan pie crust.”
Preparing the Pecans
The pecans bring crunch and nutty depth to our pie. Preparing them properly enhances their flavor and texture.
- Toast the pecans: Spread pecan halves evenly on a baking sheet. Toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes until fragrant. Toasting intensifies their flavor.
- Cool completely: Let the pecans cool to room temperature before folding into the filling to preserve their crunch.
- Assess size: For a rustic texture, keep halves. For a more uniform bite, roughly chop half of the pecans.
| Step | Details | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toast Pecans | Spread evenly on baking sheet | 350°F | 8-10 mins |
| Cool Pecans | Remove and let cool completely | Room Temp | 15 mins |
Our carefully toasted pecans infuse the filling with deep, buttery flavor while maintaining the perfect crunch. This prep work readies us to create the emblematic texture and taste of our Condensed Milk Pecan Pie.
Directions
Follow these steps carefully to create the perfect Condensed Milk Pecan Pie with a creamy filling and a flaky crust. Precision in each stage will ensure a beautifully balanced dessert.
Making the Filling
- Whisk together 3 large eggs in a medium bowl until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Add 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and a pinch (1/4 teaspoon) of salt.
- Mix thoroughly with a whisk until fully combined and creamy.
- Fold in 1 1/2 cups toasted pecan halves gently with a rubber spatula, making sure they are evenly distributed but not crushed.
“Toasting the pecans beforehand unlocks deeper flavor and adds a pleasant crunch to the filling.“
Assembling the Pie
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out your chilled pie dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish, about 12 inches in diameter, with a thickness of 1/8 inch.
- Transfer the dough into the pie dish carefully, pressing gently to line the bottom and sides without stretching.
- Trim excess dough leaving a 1/2-inch overhang.
- Crimp edges decoratively to seal and prevent shrinkage.
- Pour the filling evenly into the prepared crust, spreading pecans in a single layer on top for an appealing look.
- Optional: Place foil around the crust edges to protect from over-browning during baking.
Baking Instructions
| Step | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bake Pie | 350°F (175°C) | 50-60 minutes | Until filling is set and golden brown |
| Begin checking at | 50 minutes | Filling should be slightly jiggly near center | |
| Remove foil (if applied) | After 30 minutes | To allow crust edges to brown evenly | |
| Cool | Room temperature | 2+ hours | Set filling fully before slicing |
- Place the pie on the middle rack for even heat distribution.
- The filling should be firm at the edges but slightly soft in the center when gently shaken.
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack to ensure the filling sets perfectly for clean slices.
Cooling and Serving Suggestions
After baking our Condensed Milk Pecan Pie to a beautiful golden brown with a perfectly set filling, the cooling stage is crucial for the best results. Here’s how we ensure every slice is clean and every bite is sublime.
Cooling Steps for Perfect Texture
- Cool on a Wire Rack
Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack. This allows air to circulate beneath the pie preventing a soggy crust.
2. Allow to Cool Completely (at least 2 hours)
Patience pays off. Cooling lets the filling fully set, so when we slice, the rich, creamy condensed milk custard holds its shape.
3. Optional Chill in the Refrigerator
For even firmer slices, refrigerate the pie after it reaches room temperature. Chill for an additional 1–2 hours before serving.
“Cooling is the secret to a clean slice and that luxuriously smooth texture our Condensed Milk Pecan Pie is known for.”
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
- Slice with a Sharp Knife — Dip the knife in hot water then wipe it dry before slicing to create smooth cuts without dragging the filling.
- Serve Room Temperature or Slightly Chilled — Both are excellent; chilled slices hold shape well while room temperature highlights the creamy texture.
- Pair with Toppings
- A dollop of whipped cream enhances the pie’s sweetness.
- Vanilla ice cream balances the toasted pecan crunch.
- A drizzle of caramel sauce adds extra decadence.
Suggested Serving Temperature and Accompaniments
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Ideal Serving Temp | Room Temperature (65°F – 70°F) |
| Chill Time | 1-2 hours (optional) |
| Suggested Garnishes | Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, caramel drizzle |
| Best Utensil | Sharp serrated knife or heated chef’s knife |
By following these cooling and serving tips we make sure our Condensed Milk Pecan Pie delivers that perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet every time we serve it.
Storage Tips
To preserve the flavor and texture of our Condensed Milk Pecan Pie we need to follow proper storage practices. Here’s how to keep your pie fresh and delicious:
At Room Temperature
- Cover the pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap.
- Store on the countertop away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
Refrigeration
- Wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate to extend shelf life and firm up the filling for cleaner slices.
- Store for up to 4 days to maintain quality and safety.
Freezing
- Wrap the cooled pie tightly with foil and then with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the pie in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months without compromising taste or texture.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, then let it reach room temperature for best flavor.
| Storage Method | Covering | Storage Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Foil or plastic wrap | Up to 2 days | Best for short-term storage |
| Refrigeration | Plastic wrap or airtight container | Up to 4 days | Helps firm filling for clean slices |
| Freezing | Foil and plastic wrap | Up to 2 months | Thaw in fridge overnight before serving |
Pro Tip: Always allow the pie to cool completely before wrapping or refrigerating to avoid condensation that can make the crust soggy.
By following these Storage Tips we can enjoy the rich creaminess and nutty crunch of our Condensed Milk Pecan Pie days after baking without losing its signature texture and flavor.
Conclusion
This Condensed Milk Pecan Pie recipe brings together simplicity and rich flavor in a way that’s hard to resist. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, we can create a dessert that’s both creamy and crunchy, perfect for any occasion.
Taking the time to prepare the crust and toast the pecans really pays off, giving the pie its signature texture and depth. Whether served warm or chilled, this pie promises to be a crowd-pleaser that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed for the condensed milk pecan pie filling?
The filling requires sweetened condensed milk, eggs, light corn syrup, vanilla extract, salt, and toasted pecan halves for a creamy texture with a crunchy finish.
How do I make a flaky pie crust from scratch?
Use all-purpose flour, salt, cold unsalted butter, and ice-cold water. Chill the dough, then roll it out to fit the pie dish for the best flakiness.
Why should pecans be toasted before adding to the pie?
Toasting pecans enhances their flavor and adds extra crunch, making the pie taste richer and more satisfying.
What equipment is essential for preparing this pecan pie?
Key tools include a 9-inch pie dish, mixing bowls, a pastry cutter or food processor, measuring cups and spoons, a whisk, rubber spatula, rolling pin, and cooling rack.
How long should I let the pie cool before serving?
Cool the pie on a wire rack for at least two hours, or refrigerate after it reaches room temperature for firmer slices.
How do I store leftover pecan pie?
Store at room temperature for up to two days, refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze for up to two months. Always cool the pie completely before wrapping.
Can this pie be served with toppings?
Yes, it’s excellent with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or caramel sauce to enhance its flavor and texture.
What is the baking temperature and time for this pie?
Preheat the oven as directed in the recipe (usually around 350°F), and bake until the pie is golden brown and the filling is set, usually about 50-60 minutes.
Is this pie suitable for holiday gatherings?
Absolutely! Its rich flavor and classic Southern charm make it a perfect dessert for holidays and special occasions.
How do I achieve clean, neat slices when serving?
Use a sharp knife and ensure the pie has fully cooled and set; chilling it before slicing also helps maintain clean cuts.