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.

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  • 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 does pecan pie taste so good? ›

Incredible texture: The pecans on top get all toasty while the nuts underneath have a melt-in-your-mouth chewy texture. The pecans' flavor and texture, paired with the flaky pie crust, the filling's vanilla, butter, and cinnamon… it all just makes this my favorite pecan pie recipe.

What is dark Karo vs light Karo 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.

Why does pecan pie need corn syrup? ›

It is quite possible to make pecan pie with brown sugar, white sugar, maple syrup or a combination. Corn syrup sweetens pecan pie and gives it a smooth texture by preventing the crystallization of the sugar when baking. It also acts with the eggs to thicken.

What is a healthy alternative to Karo syrup? ›

The best light corn syrup substitutes are golden syrup, brown rice syrup, golden or amber maple syrup, agave, tapioca syrup, simple syrup, and light honey.

What is the difference between Karo corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup? ›

Both products are made from the starch in corn, but corn syrup is made up of 100 percent glucose, while some of the glucose in high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has been enzymatically converted to fructose.

Is pecan pie healthier than pumpkin pie? ›

But pumpkins contain fewer nutrients compared to pecans. Hence, both of these pies are healthy in their own way. If you want to consume essential nutrients to overcome your nutritional deficiency, then go for pecans.

What is the most popular pie in the United States? ›

Apple Pie: A classic American dessert, apple pie features a sweet and tart filling made with sliced apples, sugar, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and sometimes a crumble topping.

Why is pumpkin pie better than pecan pie? ›

Some of us prefer the sugary sweet custard and crunch you get from a traditional pecan pie. Some of us prefer the smooth, creamy texture and warm, comforting spices of a classic pumpkin pie.

How do you keep pecan pie from being runny? ›

To avoid this, always start your pecan pie at a high enough temperature, such as 425 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. You can lower the temperature to around 350 degrees Fahrenheit after the first half-hour, or 30 minutes. It is done when you notice the pecan filling is bubbling and the pie is browned.

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.

Why do pecan pies boil over? ›

Water evaporates more quickly up here, and when you mix together super sugary, buttery, liquid-y ingredients and blast them in a hot oven, the vaporizing water leaves behind a cauldron of boiled-down, molten sugar that can bubble, then violently blow its way out of its crust.

Is Karo syrup the same as corn syrup? ›

Karo syrup is a popular brand of corn syrup, which is obtained from corn starch that is derived from maize. It is a concentrated solution of several sugars, such as glucose (dextrose), derived from corn starch. Because of various sugars, corn syrup has a naturally mild sweet taste.

What is a 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.

Can I use golden corn syrup instead of light? ›

If you haven't been able to find corn syrup locally, glucose syrup (also known as confectioner's glucose) or golden syrup can be used in its place.

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.

What's the difference between Karo syrup and maple syrup? ›

Here are some key points to remember: - Maple syrup is natural, while corn syrup is artificial. - Maple syrup has a unique flavor and color, while corn syrup is bland and clear. - Maple syrup contains sucrose, while corn syrup contains glucose.

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