Vegan Pecan Pie | The BEST Classic Recipe (2024)

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This vegan pecan pie has a flaky crust with gooey caramel and pecan filling, all baked to perfection. Made with no corn syrup and no dairy, this classic dessert is so simple to prepare!

Vegan Pecan Pie | The BEST Classic Recipe (1)

We love our classic vegan desserts.

Whenever we don’t have eggs on hand and want some dessert, our favorite recipes to make are chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and this vegan pecan pie.

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Why this recipe works

  • No corn syrup. Traditional pies tend to use corn syrup to give the filling the gorgeous gooey texture but not this one. We use maple syrup to replicate it.
  • Naturally vegan. No eggs, no dairy, and no animal products are used.
  • Easy to make. With less than 5 minutes of hands-on time, this recipe comes together quickly.

What I love about this recipe is just how similar it tastes to a classic pie. We’ve been making this for years and no one ever can tell the difference.

Ingredients needed

As mentioned earlier, this recipe calls for very simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Here is what you’ll need:

  • 9-inch pie crust.You can use a store-bought pie crust or a homemade one. I used the same crust as my blueberry pie.
  • Maple syrup.Creates the gooey caramel filling. If you are worried about the maple flavor, you can also use agave nectar.
  • Brown sugar. Gives a slight molasses flavor, without any molasses needed.
  • Arrowroot powder.Thickens the filling. Only a small amount is used, to ensure it remains gooey.
  • Vegan butter. Use good quality vegan butter, preferably from a stick (not spreadable). If you can’t find vegan butter, you can also use vegan margarine.
  • Pecan Halves. A must for a pecan-centered recipe! Be sure your pecans are unsalted and in their raw state. Half will be blended into the filling the other half will be on top of the actual pie.
  • Vanilla extract.A must for any good pie recipe!
  • Cinnamon. A warming spice, that takes this pie up a notch.

How to make a vegan pecan pie

Foolproof is an understatement for this recipe. Besides prepping the crust and filling, there isn’t much else that goes into it. Ready to make some pie?

Step 1- Prep the crust and filling

Start by preparing your pie crust. Once that is done, prepare your caramel pecan filling.

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In a high-speed blender, combine all your ingredients, except for half the pecans, and blend until the pecans have been broken down and the mixture is smooth.

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Step 2- Add filling and bake the pie

Transfer the filling to the prepared pie crust. Cover the top with the remaining pecans.

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Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Remove from the oven and let sit at room temperature, for 20 minutes, for the filling to thicken. Serve warm or let cool completely.

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Tips to make the best recipe

  • You can make this pecan pie up to 3 days in advance, before serving. I recommend cooking it completely and then reheating it.
  • Maple syrup is the secret ingredient in this recipe. Traditional pecan pies call for corn syrup, but the combination of maple syrup and arrowroot powder helps achieve the same texture!
  • Do not overbake the pie. Your filling may still look a little gooey and liquid-like, but that thickens beautifully when cooling at room temperature.
  • Using a blender is key for the smooth and gooey filling. If you don’t have a blender, a food processor is fine.

Storage instructions

  • To store: Pecan pie should be stored in the refrigerator, covered, to ensure moisture builds up. It will keep well refrigerated for up to 1 week.
  • To freeze: You have the option to freeze the pie as a whole, or in individual portions. Cover the pie in plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets remain. Cover in parchment paper and store in the freezer. Do the same for the individual portions, but omit the parchment paper. Frozen pecan pie will keep well for up to 6 months.
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More vegan dessert recipes to try

  • Blondies
  • Cookie dough
  • Chocolate cake
  • Lemon cake
  • Peanut butter cookies
  • Vegan sweet potato pie

Frequently asked questions

What makes a pecan pie not set up?

If you do not create a filling that is naturally thick, it is prone to falling apart.

What can you substitute for pecans in pecan pie?

While any nut can be used to replace pecans in pie, almonds and hazelnuts are best.

Is this gluten free?

When made with a gluten-free crust, this pie is suitable for celiacs.

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Vegan Pecan Pie | The BEST Classic Recipe

5 from 31 votes

This vegan pecan pie has a flaky crust with gooey caramel and pecan filling, all baked to perfection. Made with no corn syrup and no dairy, this classic dessert is so simple to prepare!

Servings: 12 Slices

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 25 minutes mins

Total: 30 minutes mins

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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Prepare your pie crust and set aside. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.

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  • In a high speed blender, add your maple syrup, sugar, arrowroot powder, butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and half the pecans. Blend until the pecans have broken down and the filling is smooth.

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  • Transfer the mixture into the pie crust. Top with remaining pecans all over the top.

    Vegan Pecan Pie | The BEST Classic Recipe (10)

  • Bake the pie for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Remove from the oven and let sit for 20 minutes, for the filling to thicken.

Notes

TO STORE: Pecan pie should be stored in the refrigerator, covered, to ensure to moisture builds up. It will keep well refrigerated for up to 1 week.

TO FREEZE: You have the option to freeze the pie as a whole, or in individual portions. Cover the pie in plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets remain. Cover in parchment paper and store in the freezer. Do the same for the individual portions, but omit the parchment paper. Frozen pecan pie will keep well for up to 6 months.

TO REHEAT: Thaw the pie at room temperature, or overnight in the refrigerator. To serve warm, heat up in the microwave or oven.

Nutrition

Serving: 1SliceCalories: 197kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSodium: 100mgPotassium: 61mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 180IUCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 30g

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Author: Arman Liew

Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Vegan Pecan Pie | The BEST Classic Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why did my pecan pie come out hard? ›

Pecan pie can become hard if it is left in the oven for too long or at a higher temperature than necessary. This could happen due to an inaccurate cooking time, temperature or failing to cover with aluminum foil for part of the baking time.

Why is my pecan pie so runny? ›

If your pecan pie is runny, simply bake it a bit longer, even up to 20 minutes. When the pie has been thoroughly baked, you'll be able to give it a gentle shake, and the middle will appear firm — if you've ever baked a pumpkin pie, it's the same concept.

Why is my pecan pie fluffy? ›

If your filling is runny chances are you didn't cook it long enough or give it a long enough time to set. I usually always make my pecan pie the day before. This gives it a chance to set completely in the fridge.

Is it better to use light or dark Karo syrup for pecan pie? ›

Light and dark corn syrup can be used interchangeably in almost every instance, with slight flavor variances. In a pecan pie, for example, light corn syrup will contribute sweetness and a hint of vanilla, but that's about it. Dark corn syrup, in addition to sweetness, will add color and a more robust, toasty flavor.

What is the best ingredient substitute for corn syrup? ›

The best corn syrup substitutes for baking are brown rice syrup, maple syrup, agave, tapioca syrup, honey, golden syrup, and black treacle. Whether you're avoiding using corn syrup, are allergic to corn, or don't have it on hand, there are a ton of substitutes for corn syrup to try instead.

Can you Rebake a pecan pie that is undercooked? ›

A soupy pecan pie filling can be fixed by covering the crust in foil and popping it back into the oven at around 325 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

Can I leave pecan pie out overnight to cool? ›

How Long Can Pecan Pie Be Left at Room Temperature? Pecan pies can stay on the counter for up to two hours before they need to be refrigerated, according to the FDA. After two hours at room temperature, your food is at risk for harmful bacteria growth.

Can you over bake pecan pie? ›

Cook pecan pie too much and it'll crack and be dry. Underbake it and it will be watery and runny. You want to cook pecan pie to an internal temperature of 200°F. Use a digital thermometer to make this easy.

Should pecan pie be jiggly when it comes out of the oven? ›

You will know your pecan pie is done when you can shake it gently and it is not overly jiggly. If it jiggles a lot when shaking, continue cooking until the center is more set, 5-10 more minutes. Allow pie to cool completely for several hours before cutting and serving. Or refrigerate for 1-3 days, until ready to serve.

Why is my pecan pie not cooked in the middle? ›

A pecan pie is essentially a custard pie, and a liquid center is almost always the result of underbaking. The Karo Classic Pecan Pie recipe calls for baking the pie for 60 to 70 minutes at 350 degrees. In some ovens, however, the pie can take 75 minutes or more.

Should pecan pie jiggle when done? ›

If the filling is flowing in a wavy movement from the center to the edge, your pie isn't set quite yet. Wait for the moment when the center of your pecan pie gives you just a little jiggle, like the stable but slightly wiggly movement of Jell-O when you give it a gentle shake.

How do you fix a hard pecan pie? ›

A hard pecan pie means it was cooked too long. Again, bake the pie just until the filling is set and registers 200 degrees on an instant read thermometer. You can also try covering the top of the pie with a piece of aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of the baking time and/or baking the pie on a lower rack.

Does pecan pie firm up as it cools? ›

If it's still liquid-like in the middle, it's too soon. If you wait until the pie is 'set' in the oven, it will be as. hard as a brick when it cools.....

Why does pecan pie need corn syrup? ›

Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients and hold the filling together. Corn Syrup: Sweetens, holds the filling together, and helps prevent crystallization while the pie bakes.

Can I substitute honey for corn syrup in a pie? ›

Each one varies in taste as well. Some will have a floral flavor while others will have a more bold taste. When substituting honey for corn syrup, using equivalent amounts is recommended. For every one cup of corn syrup, use one cup of honey instead.

Is light corn syrup the same as Karo? ›

The clear Karo® Corn Syrup has been called “light” since the 1940s, before “light” became a popular description for reduced-calorie products. The term “light” in this case refers to the color, and not the number of calories. Consumers may also refer to light corn syrup as “white” corn syrup.

What can I use instead of dark brown Karo syrup? ›

Molasses can be used in place of dark corn syrup in an equal amount when making baked goods, glazes, and sauces. Alternatively, you can combine 1 part molasses with 3 parts light corn syrup to match the color, flavor, and consistency of dark corn syrup more closely.

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