Alton Brown Pecan Pie Recipe

This Alton Brown Pecan Pie Recipe is a rich and nutty dessert, which uses spiced pecans and golden syrup. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 2 hours and 35 minutes.

Alton Brown Pecan Pie Recipe Ingredients

Crust:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 3 1/2 ounces raw pecans
• 6 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 1/4 cups)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons ice water
• 2 tablespoons rye whiskey, chilled

Filling:

• 3 large eggs
• 3 1/2 ounces granulated sugar
• 6 fluid ounces golden syrup
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 tablespoon rye whiskey
• 1/2 teaspoon Angostura bitters (about 20 dashes)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 8 ounces spiced pecans, divided

How To Make Alton Brown Pecan Pie Recipe

1. Chill and prep butter: Place butter in the freezer for 15 minutes.
2. Make the crust dough: Pulse raw pecans in a food processor. Add flour and salt, pulse again. Add chilled butter and pulse until mealy. Add water and rye whiskey, pulse until dough just comes together. Form into a disk in a zip-top bag and chill for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven: Set oven to 350ºF.
4. Make the filling: In a bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, syrup, melted butter, rye, bitters, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
5. Roll and form the crust: Open the zip-top bag, sprinkle dough with flour, and roll into an 11-inch circle. Transfer to a 9 1/2 x 2-inch tart pan and press halfway up the sides.
6. Add pecans and filling: Chop 6 oz of spiced pecans and spread in the crust. Pour filling over top.
7. Bake the pie: Bake for 20 minutes, remove from oven, add remaining whole spiced pecans around the edge. Bake 15 more minutes until center reaches 200ºF and is set.
8. Cool and serve: Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Serve at room temperature with whipped cream, if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Why use spiced pecans?
  They add extra flavor and texture contrast to the sweet, buttery filling.
• Can I substitute the rye whiskey?
  Yes, use bourbon or omit for a non-alcoholic version, though the whiskey adds depth.
• How do I know when the pie is done?
  It should reach 200ºF internally and no longer jiggle in the center.
• What’s the benefit of using pecans in the crust?
  They add a nutty richness that complements the filling perfectly.
• How to roll dough without sticking:
  Use the zip-top bag trick—it keeps the dough neat and prevents sticking.

What To Serve With Pecan Pie

This classic dessert pairs well with creamy, cool, or slightly tart additions:

• Whipped cream or crème fraîche
• Vanilla or bourbon ice cream
• Hot coffee or black tea
• Fresh berries or sliced apples
• A glass of bourbon or dessert wine

How To Store Pecan Pie

Refrigerate: Wrap tightly in plastic and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven.

Pecan Pie Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 510
• Fat: 33g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Sugar: 35g
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 180mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Yes, make and chill the dough up to 2 days ahead or freeze for longer storage.

What kind of golden syrup should I use?
Look for Lyle’s Golden Syrup or similar light cane syrup for best results.

Can I use a pie dish instead of a tart pan?
Yes, just ensure it’s at least 2 inches deep to hold the filling.

Do I have to use Angostura bitters?
It adds a unique flavor, but you can leave it out or use a dash of cinnamon or cloves instead.

Try More Recipes:

• Alton Brown Hummus Recipe
• Alton Brown Deviled Eggs Recipe
• Alton Brown Chicken Parmesan Recipe