Ingredients

For the pie

• Pecan pieces – The buttery and nutty star of the pie. Pecans are not only in the filling but also in the caramel topping. Pecans, pecans everywhere! Make sure to use fresh pecans; they become stale and rancid quickly.
• Pre-made pie crust – Homemade or store-bought, it’s up to you.
• Corn syrup – Besides the sticky sweetness, corn syrup also helps bind the filling. Paula Deen uses light corn syrup, but you can also try dark for a richer flavor and deep amber hue.
• Brown sugar – It’s important to use brown sugar here because the molasses it contains enhances the pecan flavor.
• Eggs – They bind the ingredients together, allowing them to form a rich and moist pie filling.
• Vanilla – The ultimate dessert flavor enhancer!
• Cinnamon – For warmth, aroma, and flavor.
• Melted unsalted butter – For a smooth and silky texture and rich flavor.

For the pecan and cinnamon caramel topping:

• Brown sugar – For deep, caramelized sweetness.
• Cinnamon – For warmth, aroma, and flavor.
• Melted butter – For a rich and buttery caramel topping.
• Heavy cream – To thicken the caramel.
• Chopped pecans – The star of the show should be present in both the filling and the topping!

How to Make Paula Deen’s Pecan Pie

1. Prepare the pie crust and preheat the oven.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you’re making your own pie crust, do it now! Pre-bake it to prevent it from getting soggy.

Arrange the pecan pieces on the bottom of the pie crust.

2. Prepare the custard filling.

Mix corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, and melted butter.

3. Bake the pie.

Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the custard has set around the edges of the crust.

Let the pie cool completely.

4. Prepare the cinnamon and pecan caramel topping.

While the pie cools, mix brown sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, cinnamon, and chopped pecans in a saucepan over medium heat.

Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and a smooth, thick sauce forms.

5. Top, serve, and enjoy!

Pour the caramel over the cooled pie. Serve it with ice cream if available. Dig in!