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.

Table of Contents: show

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.

Vegan Pecan Pie | The BEST Classic Recipe (7)

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

Rate This Recipe

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Ingredients

Instructions

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

    Vegan Pecan Pie | The BEST Classic Recipe (8)

  • 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.

    Vegan Pecan Pie | The BEST Classic Recipe (9)

  • 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

Is light or dark Karo syrup better 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.

Is there a substitute for dark Karo syrup for pecan pie? ›

1. Maple Syrup. Swap in equal parts maple syrup for light or dark corn syrup in pies, cakes, or any recipe where its subtle maple flavor would be welcome.

Does Joanna Gaines have a pecan pie recipe? ›

Not only is it chock-full of approachable, family-friendly recipes, the book is also packed with priceless nuggets of kitchen wisdom from Queen Gaines herself. One such gem is her surprising twist on classic pecan pie. The recipe itself is pretty basic, spare one unexpected ingredient: ancho chile powder.

Is it best to make pecan pie the day before? ›

Another VERY important step: after baking, you must allow the pie to cool to room temperature. Although it can be served warm, pecan pie is best when it's completely set. Very often, I'll make my pecan pie the night before Thanksgiving; by the next day, it's perfect.

What can I use instead of molasses in pecan pie? ›

Swaps and Substitutions
  1. Out of molasses? You can substitute honey or maple syrup. ...
  2. Use dark corn syrup instead of light.
  3. You can also replace the corn syrup with maple syrup, honey, agave, or golden syrup. However, you'll want to add a couple of tablespoons of flour to the filling to maintain that thicker texture.

Why is my Karo pecan pie runny? ›

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.

What is the difference between light Karo Syrup and dark Karo Syrup? ›

Typically, light corn syrup is used when a delicately sweet flavor is desired, such as in fruit sauces and jams. Karo light corn syrup is made with real vanilla. Dark corn syrup is made with refiners' syrup, a type of molasses. With its more robust flavor and color, it is ideal for many baked goods.

Does Karo syrup go bad? ›

Pancake syrup is often a type of corn syrup that's been flavored. According to Karo, which makes corn syrup and pancake syrup, its high sugar content means it doesn't spoil and doesn't need to be refrigerated. It is also not typically susceptible to mold.

What is a healthy substitute for dark corn 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.

Does Patti LaBelle make pecan pie? ›

Is Patti LaBelle's New Sweet Potato Pecan Pie Worth the Hype? Patti LaBelle's famous sweet potato pie has been known to cause spontaneous singing, so when we learned about Patti's new Sweet Potato Pecan Pie, we had seriously high hopes.

Does Mrs Smith make pecan pie? ›

For over 70 years, Mrs. Smith's pies have been filled with the homemade taste that America loves to serve.

Where are Mrs Fields pecan pies made? ›

In 1922, Mrs. Hazelle Field was baking pecan pies in her kitchen for the restaurant her husband owned in Downtown Pauls Valley, Oklahoma. Today, her pure, natural and sweet recipe is still used to make 3 million pies a year (that's 20,000 pies a day!).

Can you leave a homemade pecan pie out overnight? ›

Do I need to refrigerate pecan pie? According to the USDA, homemade egg-rich pies, including pecan pie, must be refrigerated after cooking and cooling to prevent the growth of bacteria. They recommend chilling pies promptly, and as a general rule, not leaving food at room temperature for more than two hours.

Is it OK to leave pecan pie out overnight? ›

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. The FDA recommends you store foods at or below 40 degrees F (4 degrees C).

Can pecan pie sit out on the counter overnight? ›

You can only keep it at room temperature for two hours. Since pecan pies contain eggs, they have more chances to get bad and make you sick. So, if you have kept your pies in the fridge, put them back within two hours. On the other hand, store-bought pies contain preservatives that keep them from spoiling.

Which is better light or dark Karo syrup? ›

Karo light and dark corn syrups perform similarly in recipes and can usually be used interchangeably. Recipes usually specify which type to use but the choice may be guided by personal preference. Typically, light corn syrup is used when a delicately sweet flavor is desired, such as in fruit sauces and jams.

What is the difference between dark Karo and light Karo? ›

Light corn syrup has about 62 calories and 17 grams of sugar per tablespoon, and dark corn syrup provides around 57 calories and 16 grams of sugar per tablespoon. Using light or dark corn syrup in a recipe gives the food more moisture and prevents sugar crystallization.

Is light or dark brown sugar better for pie? ›

Difference Between Light and Dark Brown Sugar

Again, if you use dark brown sugar, you will find a stronger flavor and the higher acidity will impact the rise, causing a higher rise or wider spread. That being said, if the recipe only calls for a small amount of brown sugar, it may not impact the final product.

How do you keep pecan pie from getting soggy? ›

5 Ways to Prevent Soggy Pie Crust
  1. Blind Bake. The most common way to ward off a soggy pie crust is by a process called blind baking. ...
  2. Brush With Egg. ...
  3. Brush With Chocolate. ...
  4. Bake on a Hot Baking Sheet. ...
  5. Keep Moisture Out.
May 1, 2019

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