Ingredients
Method
Method
- Toast the Pecans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the pecans in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Toast for 6–8 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until fragrant and slightly darker.
- Transfer the pecans to a plate and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Place the chilled pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate if it is not already fitted. Crimp the edge as desired.
- Keep the prepared crust refrigerated while making the filling.
- Start the Maple Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until the yolks and whites are completely combined.
- Add the maple syrup and brown sugar: Whisk until the sugar begins to dissolve and the mixture looks smooth.
- Add the Remaining Filling Ingredients: Pour in the melted, slightly cooled butter. Add the flour, vanilla extract, and fine salt.
- Whisk until completely combined with no visible flour lumps.
- The filling should be fluid, glossy, and medium brown.
- Add the Pecans: Reserve about ½ cup (55 g) of the nicest toasted pecan halves for decorating the top if desired.
- Stir the remaining toasted pecans into the maple filling until evenly coated.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Place the chilled pie plate on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Pour the maple pecan filling into the crust, spreading the nuts evenly with a rubber spatula.
- Arrange the reserved pecan halves over the top if using them decoratively.
- Do not fill the crust above its upper edge.
- Begin Baking: Place the pie and baking sheet on the center oven rack.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. The crust should begin to set and the filling should start bubbling gently around the edges.
- Reduce the Temperature: Without removing the pie from the oven, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Continue baking for 35–40 minutes. The outer filling should look set while the center has a gentle wobble rather than a liquid slosh.
- If the crust edges become dark before the filling is ready, cover only the edges loosely with strips of aluminum foil or a pie shield.
- Check for Doneness: The pie is ready when the center is puffed slightly and moves as one soft unit when the pan is gently nudged.
- For a more precise check, the center should reach approximately 195–200°F (91–93°C), which is also safely above the 160°F (71°C) minimum temperature for an egg-based filling.
- Avoid baking until the center becomes completely rigid, as the custard continues setting as it cools.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the pie to a wire cooling rack. Allow it to cool at room temperature for at least 3 hours.
- The filling will gradually settle and become firm enough to slice. Cutting the pie while warm can cause the maple custard to flow out of the crust.
- Slice and Serve: Once completely cooled, cut the Maple Pecan Pie into 8 slices with a sharp knife.
- Wipe the knife between cuts for cleaner portions: Serve at room temperature with optional lightly sweetened whipped cream.
