Texas Pecan Pie History Frequently Asked Questions

Pecan Pie: Frequently Asked Questions

Pecan nuts pack an astounding amount of nutrition. Just a handful of nuts or about 19 pecan halves contains only 196 calories. One serving or about one ounce of pecan nuts can provide around 3 grams of fiber - that’s about 11 percent of your daily value. These healthy nuts contain over 19 vitamins and minerals, including copper, manganese, thiamin, and zinc. 

Not only are they a natural source of protein and carbohydrates, but they also have polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. These are referred to as the “good” fats that are known to help improve cardiovascular health. That’s not all. Pecans are one of the main staples in one of America’s favorite pies, pecan pie. They are a buttery, nutritious, and slightly crunchy snack. Pecans are a perfect choice to create savory desserts. Don’t be surprised if everyone comes back for more. 

Is pecan pie a Texas thing?

Although many people associate delicious pecan nuts with the popular pecan orchards of Texas, pecan pie is not strictly a Texas favorite. Pecans are native to the United States and mainly grow throughout the southern states and parts of Mexico. This fact makes the United States the largest pecan producer in the world, with a majority of the supply chain coming from just 15 states. Aside from Texas, other states that produce pecan nuts include South Carolina, Oklahoma, New Mexico, North Carolina, Mississippi, Missouri, Louisiana, Georgia, Florida, Arizona, Arkansas, and Alabama. 

An interesting fact, even though pecan farms are found in 15 states, roughly one-third of pecan nuts are harvested in Georgia. The top three states that produce the most pecans and have the largest pecan orchards are Georgia, New Mexico, and Texas. Surprisingly, there are still some people who have yet to try this smooth, flavorful dessert. This is because, in states where pecan nuts do not grow, the price of an ounce might not be so friendly to the wallet. Luckily, pecan nuts are sold in bulk or small batches in Texas and other pecan-producing states. Health nuts and bakers alike can order pecan nuts online at any time. 

Favorite Pie Award Goes To...

Did you know, pecan pie is considered one of the top 5 favorite pies in America? For good reason. It doesn’t matter if a holiday is coming up or if a special occasion is marked on the calendar. According to most surveys, American’s tend to search for apple, pumpkin, cherry, chocolate cream, and pecan pie the most. Whether it’s for recipes, ingredients, or the best place to order a ready-to-bake pie, the consensus speaks for itself. 

Pecan Pie and Texas: A Short History

Georgia might be one of the largest producers of pecans and pecan pie is a top contender for favorite pies in every state, but Texas is the only state that has chosen pecan pie as their official state dessert. Originally proposed as a light-hearted joke by a Texas representative in 2013, the proposal quickly grew traction, and pecan pie is celebrated to this day as the state’s official go-to dessert. That says a lot about how much Texans love pecan nuts and any delectable dessert that includes them. 

Native Americans, specifically the Alongquin, were consuming and using pecans in their recipes for centuries before European explorers, colonists, and settlers entered the scene. The tribe’s dietary needs included pecans and the interest in trade helped spur the cultivation of even more pecan trees. Spanish explorer’s first contact with pecans happened around the sixteenth century. Assuming they witnessed Native Americans consuming the nut, they figured it was safe to do the same. In the 1790s, the Spaniards who came to Louisiana, Texas, and Mexico decided to introduce the pecan nut through trade with other European countries, as well as Asia and Africa. 

There is not very much documented ‘cookbook history’ regarding the use of pecan nuts in desserts until the late seventeenth century, the 1870s. Although there is no definitive answer as to who created the first pecan pie recipe, cookbooks as far back as 1898 have named a Texan woman as the first to submit her recipe into a cookbook. By that time, it had already been over 20 years since recipes that included pecans as an ingredient were being recorded in the annals of Texas cookbook history. Pecan pie did not enter the public stage until the late 1890s. With over a century-and-a-half of pecan recipes, it is no wonder Texans take pride in delivering the best pecan pies around. 

Texas - Pecan Horticulture: A Quick Take

For anyone to truly understand how much of a staple pecan pie is in Texas, they must take a look at the century-long history of pecans there. Yes, pecan recipes began making their debut in Texas cookbooks as early as the 1870s, but organizations that focused on the horticulture of pecans did not form until the mid-1880s. 

The Texas State Horticultural Society was first organized in 1886 with just a few members. Fast-forward three years and the society boasted over 160 members. Pecans were so popular from their initial use by settlers, even Jim Hogg, the 1906 Governor of Texas, requested upon his burial that a pecan tree be planted near his head and a walnut tree near his feet. To paraphrase, he said, any nuts that are produced from these trees should be fed to the people of Texas.

San Saba, Texas is known as one of the most popular destinations for nut researchers and pecan fans alike. It is often referred to as “the pecan capital of the world.” This is because not only does the area have one of the best pecan orchards around, but it was also the first place that pecan-minded growers decided to congregate in officiality. In 1921, a group of pecan horticulturists, farmers, and pecan-lovers decided to establish the Texas Pecan Growers Association also known as the TPGA. This organization still exists today and they continue to find new, innovative ways to raise the popularity of pecans. 

How is pecan pie pronounced?

Before we dive into the word “pecan” let’s take a look at the word pie. “Pie” was a word that most likely originated in the 1300s as an Old English word. However, the origins date farther back than the 12th century. The etymology of “pie” is said to be closely related to or stems from the mathematical term “pi” or “.” It is quite an intriguing thought, as the mathematical pi term originated from the classical language, Greek. Pi happens to represent the circumference of a circle. How fitting is that especially considering a dessert pie is usually a rounded, deliciously-filled pastry. 

The pronunciation of “pecan pie” really depends on what part of the United States you come from and what language you speak. Contrary to popular belief, there is no absolute wrong way to say it. At least from an anthropological linguistic point-of-view. Depending on who you are talking to, you might hear about the arguable “great divide” when it comes to the correct way to pronounce pecan pie. 

Many pecan-minded people do have a preference for how to pronounce pecan pie, quoting commonly used dictionaries. However, it must be noted that pecans are not just popular in America, but bakers around the world have lauded the nut for its buttery, smooth crunch. Of course, that means the word ‘pecan’ has been translated into several languages. This growth in word usage only means there are a variety of ways to pronounce it based on one’s accent, culture, and location. 

Now, that is not to say that the proper way to pronounce pecan pie is based on how individuals choose to enunciate the word. Pronunciation has to do directly with the word pecan, whereas enunciation concerns how people form the sounds of each syllable of the word. The interesting facts are, the exact pronunciation depends on the dictionary you happen to be using. This is why there are various ways to say pecan, without you being completely wrong.

The Origins of the word “Pecan”

To gain a better idea of how you should pronounce pecan pie, let’s first take a look at the origin of the word. It was not until the 16th century that any people, aside from the Native American Algonquin tribe, knew of the pecan tree. This healthy nut originated in the southern states as well as parts of Mexico. That availability made pecans a natural food source for Native American tribes who lived in those areas. 

As far as we know, the word pecan originated in the early 16th century. It was a word used before that century by Native American tribes whose diets included pecan nuts. But, it was not until around 1712 that the word pecan was first recorded by European explorers. Pecan was a word that came from the North American language known as Algonquin. Roughly translated, it meant “all nuts requiring a stone to crack it.” The word had been passed on and repeated amongst various Native Tribes before it was introduced to the Spanish and French explorers who came to North America. Naturally, this repetition resulted in different enunciations of the word pecan. 

Various Pecan Etymologies

According to North Carolina State University, studies found four main ways to pronounce the word pecan. Other research indicates five different ways to say it. Yes, there may be a variety of ways to pronounce the word pecan, however, that list is very short. 

• “PEE-can” 
  • Here, you place more stress on the first syllable while the second syllable is pronounced the same way you would say  the word “can.” For example, “I put my “PEE-cans” in a can.” 
• “PEE-kahn”
  • The first syllable has more emphasis on the long “ee” sound. The second syllable uses a soft “con” sound. 
• “pee-KAHN”
  • The first syllable uses a softer double-e sound while putting more stress on the second syllable, which has a “CON” sound.
• “pick-AHN” 
  • The first syllable uses a short -e- which is pronounced like the word “pick.” The second part begins with a long vowel because the “A” is drawn-out and tends to sound more like the word “on.” 
• “puh-KAHN’ 
  • The first syllable is a soft “uh” instead of a distinct “e/ee” sound. There is more stress on “CON”, the second syllable. 

Pecan Translations: Languages around the world

When the Spanish and French explorers were introduced to the pecan, they lacked a word for this particular nut. Fortunately, the Algonquin tribe had it in their vocabulary. Their language used the word “pacane.” The French used the same spelling for it while the Spaniards used “pacana,” a slightly different vowel ending. 

To gauge how much growth the word pecan has had over the decades, here is a list of the different languages that now have a translation for it. 

• Albanian - arrë amerikane
• Arabic - albaqaan (البقان)
• Armenian - Ynkuyz (Ընկույզ)
• Bosnian - pekan oraščić
• Bulgarian - pekan (Пекан)
• Chinese - Hútáo (胡桃)
• Czech - pekanový ořech
• Danish - pecan
• Dutch - pecannoot
• Filipino (Tagalog & Cebuano) - pecan
• French - noix de pécan or la pacane
• German - pecan
• Greek - pecan or pékan (Πέκαν)
• Haitian Creole - pakan
• Hungarian - pekandió
• Indonesian - kacang pikan
• Mongolian - pyekan (Пекан)
• Norwegian - Pekannøtt
• Polish - pecan
• Portuguese - Noz-pecã
• Russian - pekan (Пекан)
• Slovak - Pekanový orech
• Spanish - pecana
• Swahili - pecani
• Swedish - pekannöt
• Thai - Phī khæn (พีแคน)
• Turkish - pekan cevizi
• Ukrainian -  горіх пекан
• Vietnamese - Hồ đào
• Yiddish - pekan (פּעקאַן)
• Zulu - I-Pecan

As you can see, there are so many iterations of the word pecan. As it continues to gain popularity on the global stage, finding the exact pronunciation can get more and more difficult. Just keep in mind that shortlist of various ways to pronounce pecan pie. At least then, you will not get caught between two divisive bakers who swear by certain personal enunciations of the word pecan. 

When should you make Thanksgiving pies?

Prepping the ingredients for your holiday pie recipes should be your priority as you enter the Fall season. Keep in mind, this means getting everything you will need for baking well before the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Better safe than sorry. There are certain pies that you should prepare the day before consumption to keep them fresh and bacteria-free. 

To ensure the pies stay safe to eat, follow the safety standards for proper food storage. Remember, foods containing any dairy, such as eggs, milk, or cheese should be refrigerated as soon as the pie cools. Perishable foods need to be stored to avoid foodborne illnesses. Leaving them out could result in a proliferation of bacteria. The best advice to follow is: keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. 

There are some details you need to know when making time to prepare your Thanksgiving pies. Should you prepare your holiday pies one day or a few days before consuming them? The answer depends on what type of pie you are making. Most bakers recommend preparing the Thanksgiving pies just one day before the big feast.  

Top 5 Thanksgiving Pies

The most popular pies around the Thanksgiving holiday are usually apple, cranberry, pecan, pumpkin, and sweet potato pie. However, those choices are debatable, as blueberry, cherry, lemon meringue, and strawberry pie have made it to the top of the list as well. It depends on what region of the country you are from and what traditional pies you may have grown up eating around the holidays. 

Making your holiday pie just one day before Thanksgiving will allow you time to prep the main dishes. After all, pies need specific temperatures to bake and you only have so much oven space. The great thing about pie is it is one of the first things you can prepare, even if it is eaten last. Nothing like saving the best for last - dessert time! 

Refrigerating Holiday Pies

Is it necessary to refrigerate pecan pie? The short answer is yes. If you do not intend on eating the pecan pie right away, properly storing it should be your next step. Foods that are left out in the danger zone, which is between 40 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit can be easily contaminated. Allow the pecan pie to fully cool before placing it in the refrigerator. It can be refrigerated for between four and six hours. If you need it stored longer, then it’s recommended that you seal it in an airtight freezer bag and freeze it until you are ready to serve it. 

If you have prepared the pies the day before Thanksgiving, allow them to completely cool down before refrigeration. Placing hot or warm foods in the refrigerator could result in a temperature drop inside the fridge. This might negatively impact the surrounding food items. You would also be creating a safe house for extra moisture as the heat gets trapped. This could cause some soggy pie crusts, or worse, a chance for bacteria to grow. 

Freezing Holiday Pies

Yes, baking your pies the day before the holiday is a great way to save time and free up oven space. However, that does not mean you can’t prepare the pie dough before then. How many pies do you plan on making? If it is more than one, then simply make a few batches of your pie dough and freeze them. This can be done up to two weeks before the holiday. Make sure you wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap. When they are ready to be used, simply remove them from the freezer and allow them to thaw out in the refrigerator overnight. 

The great thing about certain pies is, you could freeze them for a month or so before serving. Apple pie, for instance, can be prepared, tightly sealed, and frozen for four weeks before using it. Just transfer the apple pie to the refrigerator the night before to thaw it, then bake and enjoy. On the other hand, if the pie is not strictly sealed in an airtight container or freezer bag, you could end up exposing it to freezer burn or other oxidation issues. This factor will result in a different texture and noticeable taste change.  

Luckily, pecan pie can be fully prepared, baked, cooled, tightly wrapped, and placed in the freezer for up to four months. If the pecan pie has not been baked yet, it can be placed in an airtight freezer bag and frozen for up to two months. Knowing how far in advance you can prepare your pecan pie will make a big difference in your to-do list leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday. 

How fattening is pecan pie?

When it comes to delicious nuts, something to always remember is “everything in moderation.” Pecan nuts are one of the healthiest nuts you can consume. However, adding them to pie does change up the nutritional benefits they offer. Here are the pros and cons to keep in mind when it comes to your favorite dessert. 

Pros: Pecan Nut Health Benefits

Pecans, like most nuts, are healthy when consumed in respectable amounts. Not only do they contain over nineteen vitamins and minerals, but they are a great source of natural fats, carbohydrates, and fiber. Having a serving of pecan nuts every day has been known to improve digestive health and can help lower cholesterol levels. 

Pecans contain healthy monounsaturated fats, such as HDL (high-density lipoprotein) which is considered “good cholesterol.” HDL helps remove bad cholesterol from the arterial walls of the cardiovascular system. It then carries it to the liver where the liver flushes it from your system. Pecans also contain Omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients have anti-inflammatory benefits, which can help ease the pain of arthritis.  

Just a handful of pecan nuts, or roughly 19 pecan halves contain around 3 grams of fiber which is about 11 percent of your daily value. Fiber helps keep you feeling full longer while slowly helping to clear out your digestive tract. Fiber also helps to regulate your blood glucose (sugar) levels. 

Pecans are also high in manganese, copper, zinc, thiamin, and magnesium. Copper and zinc are essential nutrients that promote healthy nerve cell functions, immune health, brain function, and the body’s ability to heal wounds. Thiamin is also referred to as Vitamin B1, which the body needs to help convert carbohydrates into energy so your body gets the fuel it needs to do the things you like to do. Manganese is integral to the formation of connective tissues and bone formation. It also helps with blood clotting and regulating the body’s hormone levels. Magnesium is another helpful mineral that regulates blood pressure, blood sugar levels, muscle, and nerve function. Magnesium helps promote strong bones, create new proteins and amino acids, as well as create and repair DNA and RNA. 

Finding natural foods that contain all these nutrients is the best way to maintain the overall health of your body, from the bones and muscles to the hormones and brain. Pecans on their own are always healthy, as long as you moderate your intake. 

Cons: Pecan Pie and Sugars

Although pecans are a healthy nut, when adding them to your favorite sweet dessert, that changes the health game. When it comes to pecan pie, not only are you eating the pecans, but the sugars, fats, and other carbohydrates present will increase the overall calories. An average pecan pie can contain over five-hundred-fifty calories. So, no matter how delicious that slice of pie is, it is not recommended that you eat the entire pie.

Most pecan pie recipes require brown sugar, corn syrup, and butter. All these ingredients only increase the calories of the dish. They are not healthy calories either, as most of it is just sugar. Not to mention your pie crust. What is it made of? Your pie crust can be a high source of fat and not the monounsaturated kind. Remember, unhealthy fats will only increase your cholesterol levels. Consuming saturated fats can lead to clogged arteries, particularly around the heart. A litany of heart diseases can follow, from a possible stroke to heart attacks. 

Your daily recommended calorie intake is around 2,000 to 2,500. Eating just a slice or two of pecan pie could very well mean you consumed over 500 calories, and most of that is from sugars and fat. Imagine, over 30 percent of your daily caloric intake was just from one slice of buttery, smooth crunchy pecan pie. Doesn’t exactly leave you with some wiggle room for the other meals throughout your day. 

How do you fix a runny pie after baking?

A runny pecan pie just means it has not had a chance to completely set. No need to worry about starting over with your recipe. Most of the time, it just means the pie needs to bake a little longer.

Quick Fix Tips

If your pecan pie is runny after baking, you must remember that a pecan pie is similar to a custard pie. The center will be liquid until it is thoroughly cooked and allowed to be fully set. If you like using a thermometer to check the internal temperature, 200 degrees Fahrenheit below the pecan layer is the prime temp needed for the pie to begin setting. 

If the center is not at the prime temperature, the pie will seem runny, and cutting into it will not be a welcome sight. Simply decrease your oven temperature from 350 degrees F to 325 degrees F and allow the pie to bake a little while longer. Depending on the pecan pie recipe, oven instructions vary between 20 to 35 minutes. However, a runny center could mean leaving it in the oven for an additional 15 minutes or longer. Just be sure to check on the pie every 5 to 7 minutes. 

Worried about burning the crust? To avoid burning your pie crust, simply cover the edges in aluminum foil before putting it back into the oven. Some things you can do to ensure the pie is done are:  

• (1) give it a little shake. If the center jiggles just a bit, that means it is stable and ready to complete the setting process on the cooling rack. If it is too jiggly, more so than set jello, it needs more oven time. 
• (2) Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. At or above 200 degrees F and it is ready for the countertop or cooling rack. Below that temp means pop it back in the oven. 
• (3) No thermometer? Try the knife or toothpick trick. Poke the knife or toothpick through the center, even check multiple areas of the middle. If the utensil comes out clean or mostly clean, the custard has set and you can let it cool down before enjoying a slice. 

Baking at certain altitudes

Is your pecan pie done? Knowing exactly when your pecan pie is done can be a little tricky. Yes, the baking instructions may have called for a specific time. However, depending on the climate you live in, higher or lower elevations may need a slight oven adjustment. This is not something you should worry about too much. 

Baking in higher altitudes may require that you adjust the amount of baking powder, sugar, and liquids needed in the recipe. This is because the decreased air pressure at higher altitudes will cause the gases within the foods to expand much faster. It can also be as simple as increasing the oven temperature by around 25 degrees Fahrenheit. This of course means you can decrease the baking time as higher temperatures will cook the pie faster.  

When it comes to lower altitudes, you should not have to worry about making any ingredient or oven adjustments. Lower altitudes for baking simply mean what you are baking may rise more quickly and lose moisture a little faster. Most baking recipes and oven instructions are geared toward baking in lower altitudes, or closer to sea level. 

Is it safe to eat a runny pecan pie?

A runny pecan pie most likely means it did not get sufficiently baked. Without an internal temperature of 200 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, the custard-like insides will not fully cook and get as firm as they should. This will result in a messy, runny slice of pecan pie. 

Before asking yourself if you should taste that runny slice of pecan pie, just remember, a pecan pie filling is similar to a custard. This is because it has an egg in it. Of course, any baker and chef should understand that eating a raw egg is not recommended. One can get certain foodborne illnesses, such as salmonella. Getting sick from eating a runny pie that contains egg really depends on how much of the bacteria is consumed. Maybe you had a couple of bites of the pie and you feel just fine. If that is the case, you are lucky. However, going beyond just a few bites could result in getting an upset stomach. 

Can you rebake an undercooked pecan pie?

The short answer is yes, you can “rebake” an undercooked pecan pie. However, there is a possibility of overdoing it. You can end up burning the crust or charring the pecan topping if you do not follow the proper baking methods. Knowing when a pecan pie is done can be tricky to figure out. 

How can you tell it is undercooked? 

If your pecan pie is undercooked, you can usually tell by gently shaking the pie. If the center seems to jiggle more than it should, it is not cooked all the way. A wiggly or jiggling center that seems to move more than set jello typically means the filling is not fully cooked. Cutting into it will result in a runny slice of pecan pie. 

Another way you can tell a pecan pie is not cooked all the way is by doing the poking method. Use a clean, dry knife, popsicle stick, or toothpick and insert it into the center of the pie. When you pull the utensil back up, if it comes up clean, the center is cooked. You cannot just poke one part of the center either. Using this method means you have to poke different parts of the center, to ensure all of the pie’s filling has cooked. The one downside with this method is because a pecan pie filling contains butter, sugar, and syrup, if the pie has not set, the center will be extra sticky. This means, right out of the oven, a poking test might not be the best choice. 

The “gently shaking the pie” technique would be the best option for checking for an undercooked pecan pie center. 

Quick Fix

Fortunately, this problem has an easy fix. You should not have to “rebake” the pie, per se. Just making an oven adjustment would be the first thing to do. For instance, if the baking instructions call for 40 minutes in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, you do not have to rebake it at that temperature for that same amount of time. Instead, the advice from home bakers and professionals alike is, drop the temperature by approximately 25 degrees F and leave it in the oven for around 10 to 15 minutes. Be sure to check on it every 5 minutes or so to make sure the edges are not burning. If you are really worried about the crust burning, simply cover the pie edges in aluminum foil before placing it back into the oven. 

When you think it is fully baked, remove the pecan pie from the oven and do another poke or shake test. If the utensils come up clean, (at least to your satisfaction) then it is cooked. If you gently shake the pecan pie and the filling jiggles slightly, similar to fully set jello, then the pie is completely baked.

Before slicing into it, the filling still needs more time to set. The great thing about this last step is the pie filling is still so hot that everything will continue to cook. Cutting into the pecan pie too soon could result in an unpleasant sight, a slightly runny slice of pie. Be sure to place it on a cooling rack and allow it to set. It can take two hours, at most, to fully set. 

At what temperature is a pecan pie done?

Once the internal pecan pie temperature reaches 200 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, the pie is done. This temperature might mean it is done cooking in the oven, however, do not forget to let the pecan pie set. A fully set pecan pie is easier to slice up and serve. If it has not been given that time to fully firm or solidify, then it could still be too jiggly or appear slightly runny. 

Most pecan pie fillings include egg as an ingredient. During the baking process, the proteins in the egg will begin to coagulate. This process helps to firm the filling. Sometimes, you can add a little bit of flour to the filling to aid the firming process. However, knowing when a pecan pie is done baking is all about the jiggle test. When the pie has a slight jiggle, it is time to let it set on the cooling rack. If it is more than slightly jiggly, it needs more time in the oven.   

Oven time vs. Setting time

Making sure it is fully cooked means leaving it in the oven at the correct temperature for the full baking time. When you are sure it is fully baked, eating it right out of the oven is not a good idea. Not only will the pie be way too hot to consume, but you also did not allow the filling to solidify or set. 

Now, you have removed the pecan pie from the oven because it has the correct internal temperature. Your next step should be to place it on a cooling rack or your countertop if you cannot find that rack. This cooling step is so important because any part of the filling that has not fully cooked will get that chance to finish. The internal temperature is so high that the filling will be able to continue cooking while it sets. It can usually take about two hours for a pie to be fully set. 

If you are not serving it up right away, just remember the proper storage methods to keep it fresh and free of contaminants. Either refrigerate it or freeze it until you are ready to surprise the family or the office with your magnificent baking skills. 

Can you overcook a pecan pie?

An overcooked pecan pie is difficult to do when you are paying close attention to the oven temperature and time. But, it can happen. Maybe you had to step out of the kitchen and forgot about the pecan pie in the oven. Or, maybe you made a mistake with the oven’s temperature. Regardless of the reason, it is possible to overcook a pecan pie or any food item for that matter. 

How can you tell the pecan pie is overcooked? 

There are some obvious ways of figuring out that the pecan pie is overdone. A smoking oven is the first sign. Other signs include: 

• When you remove the pecan pie from the oven the crust is completely burnt. 
  • If the edges are the only burnt parts, simply cut off the crust and enjoy. 
  • If the edges and bottom of the pie crust are burnt, but the filling still looks decent, you can still save the pie. Just scrape or cut off those burnt crust parts. 
• The pecan topping has burnt or charred parts. 
  • Just like the burnt edges, simply removing the burnt parts of the topping can save the pie. 
• The pecan pie is so firm, it has shrunk away from the edges of the pie pan or pie plate.
  • This could indicate it was overcooked to the point that the filling became more dehydrated than it should have. This means the slice of pie will be firm, but not that gooey, moist result that most pecan pies have.  

Is it safe to eat an overcooked pecan pie? 

Yes, you can eat an overcooked pie, just remove the burnt parts that you do not want to eat. After all, no one wants to eat a burnt crust or charred pecan nuts. If the pie just doesn’t taste the way you expected it to, you might have to go back to the drawing board. Anytime you are preparing a delicious dessert like this, it is always a good idea to have some extra ingredients. Be sure to stock up on pecan nuts for these just-in-case moments. 

Can I save my overcooked, burnt pecan pie? 

The pecan pie is overcooked and a little more burnt than you would like. A perfect slice is not as aesthetically pleasing as you hoped. Now you do not feel like serving it, but you do not want to throw it away. After all that hard work, why would you just toss it? You do not have to. Instead, consider some delicious dessert options that everyone is sure to enjoy. 

Optional desserts for overcooked pecan pie

Save the parts of the pecan pie that are not burnt and prepare it for these unexpectedly satisfying desserts. 

• Ice Cream Sundae
  • Prepare your favorite type of sundae. Top it off with crumbled pieces or spoonfuls of the pecan pie filling and crust. 
• Pecan Pie Milkshake
  • Make an ice cream shake. As you blend it, add scoops of the pecan pie filling and crust. 
• Yogurt Parfait
  • Put the granola pieces aside and add some sweet excitement to your plain yogurt. Simply fold in some bits and pieces of pecan pie filling and crust. 

How do you keep a pecan pie crust from sticking to the pie plate?

You followed the pecan pie recipe perfectly and it looks great out of the oven. You let it cool down and are just beginning to slice into it only to realize the slices are not coming out smoothly. The crust is sticking to the pie plate. What do you do? Get frustrated and serve up messy slices of your favorite dessert? Or do you patiently find a way to serve the pie without destroying the pieces?

Luckily, patience will get you that presentable piece of pie you want. There are usually two methods to try when you discover the pie is sticking to the pie pan or pie plate. You can gently, with a steady hand, cut and scoop the pieces out. Even if the slices are not as lovely as you would hope, the taste will make up for it. If it is just too sticky and the bottom crust is not working with you, try the soak method. Submerge the pie plate (just the bottom) into warm to hot water for a couple of minutes. This helps to re-soften the buttered pie pan or plate. You will find it much easier to slice up and serve.  

What if I forgot to grease the pie plate? 

When you find that the entire crust is sticking to the pie plate, the main culprit is you forgot to grease or butter it. To prevent this from happening again, simply leave yourself a sticky note reminder on this recipe - butter the pie pan, use non-stick cooking spray, or grease it before placing the crust in it. If this step is something that happens more often than not, why not invest in a non-stick pie plate? 

What if I did grease the pie plate? 

If the pie plate was buttered and greased, then use the soak-in-hot-water method to loosen that crust. The solidified butter or grease you used will re-soften. If the crust still sticks in certain areas, there may have been a crack in your crust. Cracked crusts will cause the sweet, sugary filling to leak out and spread between the crust and the plate. As the pie cooks, it only gets more sticky. Once the pie has cooled down, that leaked-out pie filling could harden a little. Just soak it in the hot water a little longer to help re-soften that leaked filling. 

Taking preventative measures is the best way to avoid any sticky pie plate problems. If you find cracks in the pie crust, do not pour the filling in it just yet. When no amount of stretching the crust will fix the crack, then use an egg. Brush the pie crust with egg whites before adding the pecan pie filling. This egg brush layer will prevent the filling from leaking between the crust and pie plate. Bake it as you normally would. 

Pecan nuts are a nutritious snack and pecan pie is a savory, delectable dessert. Who knew you could get the health benefits of pecans while meeting your sweet tooth?! Just don’t forget to stock up on pecans, pecan pie desserts, or pecan pie recipes before the holiday season begins. Not sure what to get your coworkers, friends, or relatives for the holidays? Be sure to check out the assortment of pecan pie treats and gift boxes for some great ideas.