Pecan Pie
© tom davis via Canva.com
Quick Bite
Texas pecan pie is a rich, gooey pie made with pecans, sugar, eggs, butter, and syrup in a flaky crust. It is sweet, nutty, proudly Southern, and official enough that Texas named it the state pie.
History
Pecans are native to Texas, and the state has long been one of the country’s major pecan producers. That makes pecan pie feel especially at home here, even though versions of nut pies and syrup pies appear across the South.
Pecan pie became more common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as corn syrup and published recipes spread. The Texas version usually keeps the focus on pecans, a gooey filling, and a sturdy crust, sometimes with a splash of bourbon, vanilla, or a deeper caramel flavor.
In 2013, Texas officially designated pecan pie as the state pie. That did not create the relationship between Texas and pecan pie, but it did put a government stamp on what dessert tables already knew.
Today, Texas pecan pie shows up at barbecue restaurants, holiday tables, bakeries, mail-order gift shops, and roadside stops. Goode Company in Houston is especially known for its Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie, handmade with Texas pecans and shipped in a wooden box.
Fun Facts
- Pecan pie became the official state pie of Texas in 2013.
- Pecans are native to Texas.
- Many Texans prefer pecan pie slightly gooey in the center, not baked into a dry nut brick.
Where to Try
Famous for the Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie, made with Texas pecans and sold as a signature Houston gift pie.
A beloved Texas café known for big-flavored pies and country-café charm.
A classic Texas café known for pies, comfort food, and old-school Hill Country hospitality.
About the Game
This recipe is part of Van Life Challenge, a travel-themed board game from Gray Dog Games where players explore the United States, discover regional foods, and collect memorable experiences along the way.
Each featured food celebrates a real place, a local flavor, and the kind of delicious roadside discovery that makes every trip feel like an adventure.
Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat the oven: Heat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the crust: Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edge.
- Add the pecans: Spread the pecans evenly in the crust.
- Mix the filling: In a bowl, whisk the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, salt, and bourbon if using.
- Fill the pie: Pour the filling over the pecans.
- Bake: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the edges are set and the center still has a slight wobble.
- Cool: Cool completely before slicing.
- Serve: Serve plain, with whipped cream, or with vanilla ice cream.
