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Home » Pecan Pies

Cook's Illustrated Smooth Pecan Pie

Last updated on November 9, 2021 By Anna 3 Comments This post may contain affiliate links.

If you like pecan pies with a smooth filling, an old recipe you may want to try is the Cook's Illustrated Perfect Pecan Pie. I've always called it Smooth Pecan Pie because its smooth filling is what makes it unique. It's also not overly sweet, but then again neither are any of my other favorite pecan pies.

Smooth Pecan Pie aka Perfect Pecan Pie from the November/December 1995 issue of Cook's Illustrated

Double Boiler Pecan Pie Filling

Like most pecan pie recipes it's pretty simple, but it does require an extra step.  Instead of just mixing the ingredients in a bowl, you mix them in a bowl set over hot water or in the top of a double boiler until the mixture hits 130 degrees. The baking method is also unique in that you bake the pie at 275 for an hour or so.  And because the baking temperature is so low, you start with a baked crust instead of just dough.  Trust me.  It needs to be baked because 275 is not enough to bake the pie dough even for an hour.  If you don't know how to bake a pie crust or what the difference is between docking and using pie weights, here's a handy tutorial from "the Kitchn".

Underbaked Pecan Pie

What I love about this pie is that it's almost impossible to overbake it, hence the smooth texture.  It is possible to underbake it, though.  Exhibit A! This pie tasted good, but I only baked it for 55 minutes and it needed another 15.

Not so perfect pecan pie. This is what happens when you underbake your pecan pie.

Pecan pie is done when the internal temperature is 200 degrees F., so if you have a meat thermometer you can use visual clues (no more jiggling) and a quick poke in the center.

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Recipe

smooth pecan pie

Pecan Pie

Anna
Smooth pecan pie rich in butter, brown sugar and vanilla flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 50 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Ingredients
 

  • 1 9 inch baked pie crust
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1 inch pieces (84 grams)
  • 1 cup packed dark brown sugar (200 grams)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 large eggs
  • ¾ cup light corn syrup
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups whole pecans 8 ounces, toasted

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 275 F.
  • Melt the butter in the top of a double boiler or in a heat-proof bowl set over barely simmering water.
  • Remove top of double boiler (or bowl) from over the water and stir in sugar and salt. Add eggs and stir until blended, then stir in the corn syrup and vanilla.
  • Return top of double boiler (or bowl) to its spot above the simmering water and stir until mixture reaches 130ºF degrees.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the toasted pecans.
  • Pour mixture into the pie shell and bake at 275 for 60 minutes (mine usually takes 65 or 70) , until center appears set and a thermometer inserted in the center registers 200 degrees F.
  • Let cool on a pie rack to room temperature. If you have time, chill the pie overnight to help set it, then return to room temperature before serving.

Notes

The baked crust shouldn't have any small holes in it or the filling will seep under it, so don't dock the crust before baking. The best method is to weigh it down with parchment and pie weights and bake at 400 for 20 minutes, then uncovered at 375 for about 10. I've tried docking the pie crust, brushing the holes with egg white and then baking for 5 minutes to set the whites and cover the holes, but somehow filling still manages to seep through. To toast the pecans, lay them on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for about 6 minutes or until they start to release their oils and become aromatic. I sometimes toss them with a half tablespoon of butter right after pulling from the oven.
Keyword Perfect Pecan Pie
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. Sonya

    November 22, 2015 at 8:36 am

    Yum! That slice looks so delicious!! I had a second-guessing too esp. when reading Sue's comment - LOL - but decided that it will (probably) be okay without pecan pie this year - but hmmm I might have to change that! Seriously reconsidering! Don't want to disappoint the family! 🙂

  2. AmyM

    November 21, 2015 at 6:37 pm

    Looks delicious! Pecan pie is always a favorite of mine!!!!

  3. Sue

    November 21, 2015 at 4:33 pm

    I just talked myself out of making pecan pie for Thanksgiving and you post this! I wish I could have just a taste.
    I love pecan pie but I have more votes for Apple and my son is always happy if I make Graham Cracker Cream.

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