Chef Mitchell - Professional Chef
👨‍🍳 Professional Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 12+ Years Experience ⏰ 1200+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary Institute Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"Growing up, my family always made pecan pie during the holidays. I wanted to add a special twist, so I incorporated cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor. This Cinnamon Pecan Pie has become a family favorite and a staple at our gatherings."

Chef Mitchell brings over a decade of culinary expertise, specializing in dessert recipes. His passion for baking has led him to create numerous delightful sweets. From pies to cakes, he excels in making every dessert a memorable experience.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
A beautifully baked cinnamon pecan pie on a wooden table

Why This Cinnamon Pecan Pie Recipe Works

This recipe combines the classic flavors of pecan pie with the warmth of cinnamon, making it truly special. The ratios of sugar and corn syrup create a perfectly sweet filling that holds together beautifully. By using a store-bought crust, it's quick and convenient for any home cook.

The cinnamon adds a unique twist, enhancing the nuttiness of the pecans. This pie is not only delicious but also visually appealing with its golden-brown top. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at holiday gatherings or any dessert table.

💡 Professional Tip

For an extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the filling. This enhances their flavor and adds a delightful texture to the pie. Also, let the pie cool completely before slicing to ensure clean pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! This pie can be made a day or two in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator, covered to maintain freshness.

You can use maple syrup or honey as a substitute for corn syrup, though it may slightly alter the flavor. Make sure to use a similar quantity when replacing.

The pie is done when the filling is set and a knife or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be firm, while the center may still have a slight jiggle.

Yes, this pie freezes well. Make sure it's completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

You'll need a pie dish, mixing bowls, a whisk, and a measuring cup. Additionally, a knife for slicing will be required for serving.

Cinnamon pecan pie pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top makes for a delightful contrast to the rich pie.

You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less cinnamon according to your taste. For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger.

Leftover pie should be covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the pie comes out dry, it may have been overbaked.

Solution: Check the pie a few minutes before the recommended baking time to avoid overcooking. Ensure the filling is set but not too firm.

✅

Uneven Cooking

Problem: This can occur if the oven temperature is inconsistent.

Solution: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. Rotate the pie halfway through baking for even cooking.

✅

Lacking Flavor

Problem: A bland pie could result from not using enough spices or quality ingredients.

Prevention: Make sure to use fresh spices and consider adding a pinch of salt to enhance flavors. Taste-test the filling before baking.

✅

Wrong Texture

Problem: If the pie is too runny, it may not have set properly.

Recovery: Ensure you bake the pie long enough until the filling is set. Letting it cool completely will also help it firm up.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooking can lead to a burnt crust or a rubbery filling.

Prevention: Cover the edges of the crust with foil if they brown too quickly. Monitor the pie closely during the last 10 minutes of baking.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the pie is too sweet, consider adding a bit of lemon juice to cut the sweetness.

Too Salty: If it's too salty, adding whipped cream can help balance the flavors.

Bland: A dash more cinnamon or vanilla can elevate the flavor significantly.

Ingredients for cinnamon pecan pie laid out on a table

Choosing the Best Ingredients

For the best results, select fresh pecans with a rich flavor. Make sure they are unbroken and have a pleasant aroma. Quality corn syrup is crucial as it contributes to the pie's sweetness and texture.

Using fresh eggs will enhance the richness of the filling. Opt for unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the pie. Lastly, always prefer pure vanilla extract for the best flavor impact.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Pecans: Choose pecans that are fresh and whole for the best texture. Avoid any that are discolored or smell rancid.
  • Corn Syrup: Light corn syrup is preferable for this recipe as it offers sweetness without overpowering the pie's flavors. Ensure it has a smooth consistency.
  • Cinnamon: Use ground cinnamon rather than cinnamon sugar for the best flavor. Freshly ground cinnamon can provide a more intense taste.
A freshly baked cinnamon pecan pie cooling on a rack

Cooking Technique Tips

It's essential to preheat your oven to ensure even cooking of the pie. Also, consider using a pie shield to protect the crust from browning too quickly. This little tool can help maintain a beautiful color.

When cooling the pie, place it on a wire rack to allow airflow underneath. This prevents the bottom from getting soggy and keeps the pie crust crisp.

Chef's Secret Technique

For perfectly set filling, try using a water bath while baking. Place the pie dish in a larger dish filled with water to create even heat distribution. This results in a consistently baked pie.

Delicious Cinnamon Pecan Pie with a Crunchy Topping

Prep 15 min
Cook 50 min
Serves 8 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

For the Coating:

  • 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
    💡 Essential ingredient
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
    💡 Essential ingredient
  • 3/4 cup light corn syrup
    💡 Essential ingredient
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
    💡 Essential ingredient

For the Main Dish:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
    💡 Key ingredient
  • 3 large eggs
    💡 Key ingredient
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
    💡 Key ingredient
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    💡 Key ingredient

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the pie bakes evenly.

  2. Fit the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges as desired.

  3. In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon until smooth.

  4. Stir in the chopped pecans until well combined.

  5. Pour the pecan mixture into the prepared pie crust.

  6. Bake for 50 minutes or until the filling is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

  7. Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to firm up.

  8. Serve slices with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage

Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered tightly. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days if properly stored.

Serving Suggestions

Consider serving the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top.

Variations

For a unique twist, try adding chocolate chips to the pecan filling. You could also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for added flavor.