Vegan Pecan Pie | The BEST Classic Recipe (2024)

This vegan pecan pie has a flaky crust with gooey caramel and pecan filling, all baked to perfection. Made with no corn syrup and no dairy, this classic dessert is so simple to prepare!

Vegan Pecan Pie | The BEST Classic Recipe (1)

We love our classic vegan desserts.

Whenever we don’t have eggs on hand and want some dessert, our favorite recipes to make are chocolate chip cookies, brownies, and this vegan pecan pie.

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Why this recipe works

  • No corn syrup. Traditional pies tend to use corn syrup to give the filling the gorgeous gooey texture but not this one. We use maple syrup to replicate it.
  • Naturally vegan. No eggs, no dairy, and no animal products are used.
  • Easy to make. With less than 5 minutes of hands-on time, this recipe comes together quickly.

What I love about this recipe is just how similar it tastes to a classic pie. We’ve been making this for years and no one ever can tell the difference.

Ingredients needed

As mentioned earlier, this recipe calls for very simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Here is what you’ll need:

  • 9-inch pie crust.You can use a store-bought pie crust or a homemade one. I used the same crust as my blueberry pie.
  • Maple syrup.Creates the gooey caramel filling. If you are worried about the maple flavor, you can also use agave nectar.
  • Brown sugar. Gives a slight molasses flavor, without any molasses needed.
  • Arrowroot powder.Thickens the filling. Only a small amount is used, to ensure it remains gooey.
  • Vegan butter. Use good quality vegan butter, preferably from a stick (not spreadable). If you can’t find vegan butter, you can also use vegan margarine.
  • Pecan Halves. A must for a pecan-centered recipe! Be sure your pecans are unsalted and in their raw state. Half will be blended into the filling the other half will be on top of the actual pie.
  • Vanilla extract.A must for any good pie recipe!
  • Cinnamon. A warming spice, that takes this pie up a notch.

How to make a vegan pecan pie

Foolproof is an understatement for this recipe. Besides prepping the crust and filling, there isn’t much else that goes into it. Ready to make some pie?

Step 1- Prep the crust and filling

Start by preparing your pie crust. Once that is done, prepare your caramel pecan filling.

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In a high-speed blender, combine all your ingredients, except for half the pecans, and blend until the pecans have been broken down and the mixture is smooth.

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Step 2- Add filling and bake the pie

Transfer the filling to the prepared pie crust. Cover the top with the remaining pecans.

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Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Remove from the oven and let sit at room temperature, for 20 minutes, for the filling to thicken. Serve warm or let cool completely.

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Tips to make the best recipe

  • You can make this pecan pie up to 3 days in advance, before serving. I recommend cooking it completely and then reheating it.
  • Maple syrup is the secret ingredient in this recipe. Traditional pecan pies call for corn syrup, but the combination of maple syrup and arrowroot powder helps achieve the same texture!
  • Do not overbake the pie. Your filling may still look a little gooey and liquid-like, but that thickens beautifully when cooling at room temperature.
  • Using a blender is key for the smooth and gooey filling. If you don’t have a blender, a food processor is fine.

Storage instructions

  • To store: Pecan pie should be stored in the refrigerator, covered, to ensure moisture builds up. It will keep well refrigerated for up to 1 week.
  • To freeze: You have the option to freeze the pie as a whole, or in individual portions. Cover the pie in plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets remain. Cover in parchment paper and store in the freezer. Do the same for the individual portions, but omit the parchment paper. Frozen pecan pie will keep well for up to 6 months.
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More vegan dessert recipes to try

  • Blondies
  • Cookie dough
  • Chocolate cake
  • Lemon cake
  • Peanut butter cookies
  • Vegan sweet potato pie

Frequently asked questions

What makes a pecan pie not set up?

If you do not create a filling that is naturally thick, it is prone to falling apart.

What can you substitute for pecans in pecan pie?

While any nut can be used to replace pecans in pie, almonds and hazelnuts are best.

Is this gluten free?

When made with a gluten-free crust, this pie is suitable for celiacs.

Vegan Pecan Pie | The BEST Classic Recipe (7)

Vegan Pecan Pie | The BEST Classic Recipe

5 from 31 votes

This vegan pecan pie has a flaky crust with gooey caramel and pecan filling, all baked to perfection. Made with no corn syrup and no dairy, this classic dessert is so simple to prepare!

Servings: 12 Slices

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 25 minutes mins

Total: 30 minutes mins

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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Prepare your pie crust and set aside. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.

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  • In a high speed blender, add your maple syrup, sugar, arrowroot powder, butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and half the pecans. Blend until the pecans have broken down and the filling is smooth.

    Vegan Pecan Pie | The BEST Classic Recipe (9)

  • Transfer the mixture into the pie crust. Top with remaining pecans all over the top.

    Vegan Pecan Pie | The BEST Classic Recipe (10)

  • Bake the pie for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Remove from the oven and let sit for 20 minutes, for the filling to thicken.

Notes

TO STORE: Pecan pie should be stored in the refrigerator, covered, to ensure to moisture builds up. It will keep well refrigerated for up to 1 week.

TO FREEZE: You have the option to freeze the pie as a whole, or in individual portions. Cover the pie in plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets remain. Cover in parchment paper and store in the freezer. Do the same for the individual portions, but omit the parchment paper. Frozen pecan pie will keep well for up to 6 months.

TO REHEAT: Thaw the pie at room temperature, or overnight in the refrigerator. To serve warm, heat up in the microwave or oven.

Nutrition

Serving: 1SliceCalories: 197kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSodium: 100mgPotassium: 61mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 180IUCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 30g

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Author: Arman Liew

Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for my endorsem*nt, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website.

Vegan Pecan Pie | The BEST Classic Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is a substitute for Karo syrup in pecan pie? ›

For every one cup of corn syrup that the recipe calls for, use one cup of maple syrup instead. The great thing about maple syrup is it has some nutritional benefits. Maple syrup contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, such as Vitamin B6, calcium, niacin, potassium, and riboflavin.

Why is my pecan pie not firm? ›

Because it was not baked at a high enough temperature, the butter in the crust begins to melt into the dough. To avoid this, always start your pecan pie at a high enough temperature, such as 425 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Why is my pecan pie fluffy? ›

Pecan pie is meant to be a soft set pie. The filling is very gooey and rich and because it's under a heavy candied pecan crust it won't get very high. However, the filling should not be runny. If your filling is runny chances are you didn't cook it long enough or give it a long enough time to set.

What is dark Karo vs light Karo for pecan pie? ›

Light and dark corn syrup can be used interchangeably in almost every instance, with slight flavor variances. In a pecan pie, for example, light corn syrup will contribute sweetness and a hint of vanilla, but that's about it. Dark corn syrup, in addition to sweetness, will add color and a more robust, toasty flavor.

Is corn syrup or maple syrup better for pecan pie? ›

The flavor of your pie will definitely be different. But maple and pecan is a popular combination, and most the maple syrup you buy in store is just corn syrup with flavoring anyways. You may want to cut the maple syrup with some corn syrup or honey so maple flavor isn't too overpowering.

What is the best ingredient 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.

How do you keep pecan pie from being runny? ›

If your pecan pie is runny, simply bake it a bit longer, even up to 20 minutes. When the pie has been thoroughly baked, you'll be able to give it a gentle shake, and the middle will appear firm — if you've ever baked a pumpkin pie, it's the same concept.

Can you Rebake a runny pecan pie? ›

One potential risk of making a translucent custard, like pecan pie filling, is that it might not set properly, leaving you with an unappetizingly runny slice. Once you've noticed the problem, the only solution is to protect the crust and pop the pie back in the oven.

Why does my pecan pie looks foamy? ›

Tips for The Best Pecan Pie:

Over beating the filling will cause it to become foamy and will make the filling look cloudy. Keep an eye on the crust as it bakes. Typically it will need to be covered within about 20 minutes of baking. You can make pecan pie ahead of time and freeze them easily.

Should pecan pie be jiggly when it comes out of the oven? ›

You will know your pecan pie is done cooking when you can gently shake the pie dish and see that the center of the pie is not overly jiggly and the outer edges are set. If the pie jiggles a lot when you gently shake the pan, continue cooking it until the center is a little more set.

Should pecan pie jiggle when done? ›

jiggle in the center when it's ready to take out of the. oven. If it's still liquid-like in the middle, it's too soon.

Is pecan pie better the next day? ›

Another VERY important step: after baking, you must allow the pie to cool to room temperature. Although it can be served warm, pecan pie is best when it's completely set. Very often, I'll make my pecan pie the night before Thanksgiving; by the next day, it's perfect.

Why do pecan pies boil over? ›

BE CAREFUL not to beat air into the filling after adding the eggs; that will cause it to boil over in the oven. How do I make pecan pie? In a medium bowl, sift the flour, sugar, and salt until the ingredients are completely incorporated.

Why is pecan pie the best? ›

It does not require a scoop of ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream, or, God forbid, something like a slice of cheddar (another knock against apple pie). Pecan pie is a pie that stands on its own. It has the gooeyness of a candy bar, the crunchy texture and warm flavor of toasted nuts, and that flaky, buttery crust.

Why is pecan pie better than pumpkin pie? ›

Pecans simply do more than pumpkin — they provide crunch and flavor. They give you something to sink your teeth into with ridges that hold onto the sweet filling. It's the pasta of pies. Pecan has earned its right as Texas' state tree and, as such, should be the premier pie of any Texan Thanksgiving spread.

Why does pecan pie need corn syrup? ›

It is quite possible to make pecan pie with brown sugar, white sugar, maple syrup or a combination. Corn syrup sweetens pecan pie and gives it a smooth texture by preventing the crystallization of the sugar when baking. It also acts with the eggs to thicken. It can be replaced with maple syrup and flour.

Can I substitute honey for corn syrup in a pie? ›

Each one varies in taste as well. Some will have a floral flavor while others will have a more bold taste. When substituting honey for corn syrup, using equivalent amounts is recommended. For every one cup of corn syrup, use one cup of honey instead.

Is light corn syrup the same as Karo? ›

The clear Karo® Corn Syrup has been called “light” since the 1940s, before “light” became a popular description for reduced-calorie products. The term “light” in this case refers to the color, and not the number of calories. Consumers may also refer to light corn syrup as “white” corn syrup.

What's the difference between Karo syrup and maple syrup? ›

Here are some key points to remember: - Maple syrup is natural, while corn syrup is artificial. - Maple syrup has a unique flavor and color, while corn syrup is bland and clear. - Maple syrup contains sucrose, while corn syrup contains glucose.

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