Browned Butter Pecan Pie Recipe

This Brown Butter Pecan Pie Recipe combines toasted pecans and rich browned butter for a deeper, more caramel-like flavor than traditional pecan pie. The filling stays smooth and sliceable, making this pie a standout dessert for holidays and special occasions.

8 slices

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 1 30

Total Time 1 50

Ingredients

1 9-inch unbaked pie shell
6 tablespoons (84 g) unsalted butter
¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
dash of salt
3 large (150 g) eggs, thoroughly beaten
¾ cup (240 g) light corn syrup
½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/4 cup (156 g) pecans, coarsely chopped and toasted

Instructions

Pre-bake the crust: Line a well-chilled or frozen 9-inch unbaked pie shell with two layers of foil. Press the foil snugly into the crust and fold edges over to protect from overbrowning. Fill with pie weights, rice, or a metal chain. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes. Remove foil and weights, and let the crust cool slightly—it should still be warm when filled.
Brown the butter: In a small skillet or saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter over low heat. Stir gently until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Watch closely—it can go from brown to burned quickly. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Prepare the filling: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the browned butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, and a dash of salt. Whisk in 3 large eggs, thoroughly beaten and 3/4 cup light corn syrup. Microwave on HIGH for about 45 seconds, or until the mixture reaches 130°F (54°C).
Add flavor and pecans: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1-1/4 cup pecans, coarsely chopped and toasted.
Fill and bake: Pour the warm filling into the warm pre-baked crust. Bake at 275°F (140°C) for 55–60 minutes. The pie should be set in the center but may still be slightly soft.
Cool completely: Let the pie cool before slicing so the filling can fully set. Refrigerate after 2–3 hours. See recipe notes for decorating with the chocolate swirl.

Notes

To drizzle with chocolate: Place chocolate chips in a zippered plastic bag and microwave until melted, about 1 minute and 15 seconds. Mash to smooth out lumps, then snip a tiny corner. Test on a plate, then drizzle over the pie in both directions.

Nutritional Information