Apple Pecan Pie Recipe (Delicious Flavors of 2 Favorites)

This Apple Pecan Pie has a layer of homemade apple pie topped with a layer of pecan pie. Two classic pies combined in one delicious dessert!

Apple Pecan Pie

You can serve my Apple Pecan Pie up as a Thanksgiving dessert or anytime you just want to eat a great-tasting pie. Made with tart apples and a delicious pecan mixture, this pie filling is something truly special.

If you enjoy traditional pecan pies, you’ll want to try it with apples!

I am always impressed at how popular this pie is when we start serving it up. Some of my family claims it to be the best pie! Take it a step further and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an apple pecan pie ala mode.

If you are looking for more pies to consider serving up, I have a few more. This gingerbread pie is one of my favorites. Or consider this shredded apple pie for a twist to a classic apple pie.

Reasons You Will Love This Apple Pecan Pie

• Perfect for the Holiday Season: This pie combines the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples with the rich, nutty flavor of pecans in a single dessert.
• Simple Ingredients, Incredible Flavors: Using ingredients like brown sugar, Granny Smith apples, and unsalted butter, this recipe creates a delicious balance of sweet and tart. The dark corn syrup adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that makes the pecan layer irresistible.
• Easy to Follow: My Apple Pecan Pie recipe uses a store-bought pie crust to save time, and the steps are simple. Personally, I think store-bought pie crusts are super helpful during the busy holidays when you’re making 100 dishes, so don’t feel guilty!
• Stunning Presentation: The golden-brown finish and the layered look of apples and pecan streusel will draw everyone’s eyes to this pie.

Apple Pecan Pie Ingredients 

• Pie Crust: You can use a homemade pie crust or a store-bought frozen crust. If you’re using a premade crust, there’s no need to thaw it before use.
• Granny Smith Apples: Personally, I think the best apples for this recipe are Granny Smith apples because they’re tart and hold their shape well when baked. You’ll need to core and peel them. You could also use Gala, Braebraum, Pink Lady, Green apples, Honeycrisps, or any combination of apples you prefer.
• Cinnamon: This spice pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the apples and brown sugar.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a rich, molasses-like flavor to the apple layer.
• Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the juices released by the apples during baking, creating a more cohesive filling.
• Sugar: Regular white sugar sweetens the pecan layer. You can substitute maple syrup for a different flavor profile, but keep in mind it will slightly alter the texture.
• Eggs: Beaten eggs are essential for binding the pecan pie layer together. Ensure they are at room temperature for the best integration into the mixture.
• Dark Corn Syrup: This gives the pecan pie its traditional flavor and texture. Light corn syrup can be used in a pinch, but the flavor will be milder.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances the flavors of the pie.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness to the pecan layer that we all love. If you only have salted butter, you can use it and omit the additional salt.
• Pecan Halves: You can chop the pecans for a more textured filling if you prefer.

How to Make

1. Prepare Your Oven and Pie Plate:  Start by warming your oven to 425 degrees. Take a 9-inch pie plate and place an unbaked pie crust in it. If using a frozen crust, there’s no need to thaw it first.
2. Microwave Apples: Dice medium apples into small, half-inch pieces. Put these apple pieces in a microwave-safe bowl, add a quarter cup of water, and heat for 3 minutes. This step softens the apples slightly. After microwaving, drain the apples well and let them cool off.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, use a whisk to mix together eggs, corn syrup, some of the white sugar, a pinch of salt, and melted unsalted butter until well combined.
4. Prepare Apple Filling: To the cooled and drained apples, add brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and corn starch. Stir these together in a large mixing bowl until the apples are evenly coated. Then, transfer this apple mixture into the bottom of your pie crust.
5. Add Pecans and Corn Syrup Mixture: Evenly spread pecans on top of the apple layer. Then, gently pour the corn syrup mixture over the pecans, making sure it spreads evenly.
6. Bake the Pie: Place the pie dish on a cookie sheet to catch any drips. To prevent the edges from browning too quickly, cover them with a pie crust shield or strips of aluminum foil. Bake pie at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees and continue baking for 35-45 minutes. The pie is done when the top is puffed, slightly cracked, and the crust is golden brown.
7. Cool and Store: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This cool pie can be stored in the refrigerator. If you want, you can also wrap the pie in plastic wrap and freeze it for 3-4 months.

Tips For Success

• You can use one type of apple or a mix of sliced apples. They will add even more flavor to the pie if you use a tart and sweet apple.
• If you are worried the outer pie crust will overbake, simply cover the crust with foil when you are baking the pie. Just make sure to remove the foil after the last 10 minutes of baking the pie.
• Place a cookie sheet under the pie pan, so if the filling overflows as it bakes, it does not drip in your oven and make a mess.
• Peeling the apples will ensure the apples are nice and tender. You will find that the apples have the best texture with the peels removed.
• Make sure you slowly stir the butter into the egg mixture. If your butter is too hot it can cook the eggs when you are stirring them together.

Storing Pie

You will want to store this pie in a sealed container in the fridge. The pie will last for 4-5 days. Or you can wrap it well and store it in the freezer for 3-4 months. Then thaw the pie in the fridge overnight, or defrost in the microwave.

FAQs

What can I serve with apple pecan pie?

You can serve your pie with vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of salted caramel sauce, whipped cream, or even eat it plain. It’s so good no matter how you decide to enjoy it!

Can I make apple pecan pie ahead of time?

Feel free to make this pie a day ahead of when you want to serve it up. Just keep it covered in the fridge for 1-2 days before it is time to serve. Then slice and serve.

Can I use a gluten-free pie crust?

Yes, you are more than welcome to use a gluten-free crust if you would like. Just reach for your favorite recipe or buy pre-made dough.