Description
Grandma’s classic Southern pecan pie brings warmth and nostalgia to holiday tables with rich caramel notes and buttery crust. Nutty pecans and silky filling create a sweet symphony you’ll savor until the last delectable crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) chopped pecans
- 1 cup (240 ml) graham cracker crumbs
Sweeteners:
- ½ cup (120 ml) packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup (60 ml) corn syrup
- ¼ cup (60 ml) powdered sugar (for coating)
Flavor Enhancers:
- ¼ cup (60 ml) melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating it to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the delights.
- Combine chopped pecans, dark brown sugar, light corn syrup, unsalted melted butter, pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and finely crushed graham cracker crumbs in a spacious mixing bowl, stirring until all ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
- Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop, portion the mixture and carefully form compact 1-inch spherical shapes, ensuring consistent size and density.
- Arrange the pecan balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow proper heat circulation and prevent sticking.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for a golden-brown coloration that indicates perfect caramelization.
- Remove from the oven and let the delights rest for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to firm up slightly and cool just enough to handle.
- Gently roll each warm delight in powdered sugar, creating a delicate, sweet exterior that adds an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately while warm for a soft, gooey texture, or allow to cool completely for a firmer, more structured bite.
Notes
- Prep ahead by measuring and chopping all ingredients before starting to ensure smooth, quick assembly.
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing and better incorporation of ingredients into the mixture.
- Roll balls uniformly to guarantee consistent baking and even coating with powdered sugar.
- Watch carefully during baking to prevent burning, as pecans can quickly turn from golden to overdone.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.
- For extra flavor depth, lightly toast pecans before chopping to enhance their nutty, rich profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg