Easy Pecan Pie Filling Recipe - Home. Made. Interest. (2024)

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published October 26, 2022 — last updated October 31, 2022

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This easy pecan pie filling recipe is the perfect topping or filling for a variety of desserts. If you love pecan pie you have to give this a try!

Easy Pecan Pie Filling Recipe - Home. Made. Interest. (1)

We LOVE all things pecan pie…we’ve shared the best pecan pie recipe with you (great for Thanksgiving!) and we’ve taken that delicious, gooey, but-filled filling and turned it into so many amazing desserts.

Our pecan pie brownies are one of the #1 recipes on the blog and our pecan pie cake roll has been a favorite for years. Pecan pie filling can be used in so many ways we thought it was time to share with you just how we make ours.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Thank you!

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What is in Pecan Pie Filling

We have taken all of the ingredients from our classic pecan pie recipe and baked them up without a crust.

  • Sugar – Yep, sugar…it’s pie filling guys!
  • Light corn syrup – and more sugar. Yep you need to use light corn syrup. Dark and golden corn syrup will alter the flavor. I know lots of people get upset about corn syrup but this is the only way you’re going to get that classic pecan pie filling texture. Think of it as an indulgence!
  • Eggs – A few large eggs help the filling to thicken as it cooks.
  • Butter – Don’t forget the butter. It also helps with the consistency of the finished filling.
  • Vanilla extract – This is for flavor. You could also use butter pecan extract if you prefer.
  • Pecans – Gotta have the pecans! We roughly chop our pecan halves to add a lot of texture to the filling and to make it easier to spread onto whatever you add it to later. If you use a food processor just make sure you only roughly chop the pecans and don’t over do it and make them into a fine powder.

Instructions

Making pecan pie filling without a pie crust is super simple. It just takes 3 easy steps!

Step 1 – Prep oven and pan. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 8″x8″ (2 quart) glass baking dish OR a 9-inch pie dish with non-stick spray.

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Step 2 – Make the filling. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and stir until they are well mixed. Then pour into your greased dish.

Step 3 – Bake. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Use a spoon to stir the filling every 15 minutes as it bakes.

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Step 4 – Cool. When the timer goes off remove the filling from the oven and let it cool for 20 minutes before using. You want the filling to have a consistency similar to a thick jam. Thick enough that it doesn’t run off of your spoon but still spreadable.

This recipe makes approximately 36 ounces of pecan pie filling.

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Can You Bake Pecan Pie Filling Without a Crust?

Yes! That’s exactly what we do to make our pecan pie filling. Simply grease the baking dish and bake your filling, stirring throughout the baking process, and then let it cool to thicken up. No need for pie dough or pie weights, just a baking dish and your filling ingredients and you’ll have a perfect pie filling minus the crust!

Why is My Pecan Pie Filling Hard?

Most likely you have overcooked it. When you’re cooking filling it’s a little like candy making. You’re heating up sugar and if that sugar gets too hot for too long it can get to the “hard crack” stage where it’s actually brittle when it cools. Like a lollipop!

Make sure your oven is set to the right temp and you don’t leave the filling in for extra time.

Is Pecan Pie Filling Supposed to be Runny?

Your pie filling should be the consistency of a jam. Thick enough that it doesn’t run off of your spoon but still spreadable.

Cook your filling according to the recipe instructions and then remove it from the oven and let it cool. As it cool it will thicken. Easy Pecan Pie Filling Recipe - Home. Made. Interest. (6)

Can I Make Pecan Pie Filling Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make this pie filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to use it.

Can You Refrigerate Pecan Pie Filling?

Yes, pecan pie filling can be refrigerated. Let it cool completely and store in an airtight container or a resealable bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing.

It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

When ready to use spray a small pot with nonstick spray and heat over medium low heat, stirring frequently, until it is warmed through and spreadable. You can also reheat in the microwave. Heat for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between each round, until warmed through and spreadable.

Can You Freeze a Pecan Pie Filling?

Yes, you can freeze this pie filling. Let it cool completely and store in an airtight container or a resealable bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing.

It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

When ready to use let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed spray a small pot with nonstick spray and heat over medium low heat, stirring frequently, until it is warmed through and spreadable. You can also reheat in the microwave. Heat for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between each round, until warmed through and spreadable.

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Delicious Desserts Using Pecan Pie Filling

You can add this filling to just about anything! Put it on top of some ice cream, spread it over pancakes or French toast, the uses are endless! Here are some of our favorite recipes that use pecan pie filling.

  • Puff Pastry Pecan Pies
  • Pecan Pie Bread Pudding
  • Pecan Pie Cheesecake Brownies
  • Pecan Pie Brownies
  • Pecan Pie Cake Roll

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Servings: 18

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 45 minutes mins

Cool time: 20 minutes mins

Total Time: 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Pecan Pie Filling

This easy pecan pie filling recipe is the perfect topping or filling for a variety of desserts. If you love pecan pie you have to give this a try!

Easy Pecan Pie Filling Recipe - Home. Made. Interest. (8)

Print Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups Corn syrup
  • 4 large Eggs
  • 1/4 cups Butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
  • 2 cups Pecans, chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.

  • Lightly spray a 8″x8″ (2 quart) glass baking dish OR a 9-inch pie dish with non-stick spray.

  • Mix sugar, corn syrup, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and pecans together in a bowl and stir until they are well mixed. Then pour into your greased dish.

  • Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes. Use a spoon to stir the filling every 15 minutes as it bakes.

  • When the timer goes off remove the filling from the oven and let it cool for 20 minutes before using. You want the filling to have a consistency similar to a thick jam. Thick enough that it doesn’t run off of your spoon but still spreadable.

  • Use immediately or let cool completely and store until ready to use.

Notes

This recipe makes approximately 36 ounces of pecan pie filling.

Nutrition

Serving: 2ounces, Calories: 215kcal, Carbohydrates: 24g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 48mg, Sodium: 45mg, Potassium: 72mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 23g, Vitamin A: 146IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 18mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition Disclaimer: We are not certified nutritionists. Nutrition facts are an estimate and are provided as a courtesy. They are generated by an online API which recognizes ingredient names and amounts and makes calculations based on the serving size. Results may vary.

Author: Kat Jeter & Melinda Caldwell

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: pecan pie filling

Easy Pecan Pie Filling Recipe - Home. Made. Interest. (9)

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4 comments on “Easy Pecan Pie Filling”

  1. DeAnn BARRETT November 28, 2023 @ 7:54 am Reply

    You don’t tell how to store or how long the shelf life is. Two very important factors.

    • Kat November 28, 2023 @ 12:38 pm Reply

      Hi DeAnn, we do give instructions for storing in the refrigerator and for freezing along with the shelf life for each. Please take a look at the sections: CAN YOU REFRIGERATE PECAN PIE FILLING? and CAN YOU FREEZE A PECAN PIE FILLING?

  2. Jennifer December 21, 2023 @ 1:42 am Reply

    I was wondering if I could possibly can this absolute Nectar of the Gods pie filling to give my family and friends. I have thought about not cooking it completely and giving it along with a box of brownies or a pie crust with instructions on how to assemble the items. Kinda a craving killer for times when you want something incredible but you don’t want to go buy all the ingredients. Or for the ones who love to eat desserts but have no baking ability or intrest whstsoever.Easy Pecan Pie Filling Recipe - Home. Made. Interest. (10)

    • Kat December 22, 2023 @ 10:08 pm Reply

      Yes! If you are familiar with canning (I’m not an expert) I think this would be awesome to can and give to people as gifts!

Easy Pecan Pie Filling Recipe - Home. Made. Interest. (2024)

FAQs

What is the filling made of in pecan pie? ›

Pecan pie is a delightful concoction of pecan nuts mixed with a rich, caramelly filling made from eggs, butter, corn syrup, and sugar. The earliest pecan pie can be traced all the way back to the late 1800s, but it really peaked in the early 20th century when Karo™ syrup printed a pecan pie recipe on its bottles.

What causes pecan pie filling to be 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.

Can you freeze uncooked pecan pie filling? ›

Freezing Unbaked Pies

Freeze the filling and crust separately to prevent fruit juice from penetrating and softening the lower crust during freezing.

Why is my pecan pie so hard? ›

Pecan pie can become hard if it is left in the oven for too long or at a higher temperature than necessary. This could happen due to an inaccurate cooking time, temperature or failing to cover with aluminum foil for part of the baking time.

What is the middle of pecan pie made of? ›

The filling: Very roughly chop the pecans—some whole, some coarsely chopped is fine. Spread pecans evenly inside pie crust. Whisk the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, melted butter, salt, and cinnamon together in a large bowl until combined. Pour over pecans.

What are the 4 types of pie fillings? ›

There are four types of pies: cream, fruit, custard, and savory.

Why won't my pecan pie filling set? ›

Here's the thing to remember: If you're filling hasn't set, it means the bottom of the pie crust isn't fully cooked, either. You can prevent the outer crust from further darkening (or even burning) by covering it with aluminum foil or -- more attractively -- with what's known as a pie ring or shield.

How do you keep pie filling from being runny? ›

The best way to thicken runny apple pie filling before baking it is to add some cornstarch, tapioca starch, or flour to your mix. To fix a runny pie that's already been baked, simply let it cool to see if it will congeal naturally. If not, you can stick it back in the oven for a bit longer.

How do you keep pecan pie filling from leaking through the crust? ›

Brush the surface of the unbaked crust with a beaten egg or egg white mixed with water before adding the filling. As the pie bakes, the proteins in the egg will form a moisture barrier over the crust and provide a layer of protection.

Why put butter in pie filling? ›

A: Dotting the top of a fruit pie filling with butter is an old habit but one that is called for in only about half of the pie recipes out there. Some maintain that the butter is for taste; others claim that it helps the filling set up, particularly when using flour as a thickener.

Can I eat pecan pie that was left out overnight? ›

You can only keep it at room temperature for two hours. Since pecan pies contain eggs, they have more chances to get bad and make you sick. So, if you have kept your pies in the fridge, put them back within two hours. On the other hand, store-bought pies contain preservatives that keep them from spoiling.

How long is a homemade pecan pie good for? ›

The USDA says that pecan pies will stay fresh for about three to four days in the refrigerator. Some store-bought pies may have preservatives that extend how long they last, so you can ask your local bakery for their recommendation.

What can go wrong with pecan pie? ›

Pecan pie has a somewhat similar set of issues—the filling can crack, the bottom can be under-baked, the filling can seep under the crust, and the nuts can be soggy. Like the pumpkin pie, the filling will crack if the pie is over-baked or cools too quickly.

Can you Rebake a pecan pie that is undercooked? ›

A soupy pecan pie filling can be fixed by covering the crust in foil and popping it back into the oven at around 325 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

How do you fix a hard pecan pie? ›

A hard pecan pie means it was cooked too long. Again, bake the pie just until the filling is set and registers 200 degrees on an instant read thermometer. You can also try covering the top of the pie with a piece of aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of the baking time and/or baking the pie on a lower rack.

What is a good substitute for corn syrup? ›

The best corn syrup substitutes for baking are brown rice syrup, maple syrup, agave, tapioca syrup, honey, golden syrup, and black treacle. Whether you're avoiding using corn syrup, are allergic to corn, or don't have it on hand, there are a ton of substitutes for corn syrup to try instead.

What is in pie filling enhancer? ›

Pie Filling Enhancer thickens fruit pie fillings the same way Instant ClearJel does. Its advantage is added ascorbic acid (which adds a bright, tart note), and superfine sugar, which prevents it from clumping. Pie Filling Enhancer is about half sugar, so you'll want to reduce the sugar in your recipe accordingly.

What is pie filling enhancer made of? ›

It can only be heated once without breaking down. It needs to be mixed with sugar to help it distribute evenly. Pie filling enhancer is is instant Clear Jel mixed with ascorbic acid and superfine sugar. It is about 50 percent sugar so you have to cut back on the amount of sugar called for in your recipe.

Why does pecan pie have so much fat? ›

Pecan pie is considered a high-calorie and high-fat food. A single slice of pecan pie typically contains around 400-500 calories and 20-30 grams of fat. The majority of the calories come from the crust and the filling. The crust is made of butter and flour, which are high in calories and fat.

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