Traditional Pecan Pie

Name: Traditional Pecan Pie
Total time: 100 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: #For the Crust:#; 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup La Española Light in Colour Olive Oil; 4 tbsp cold water; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tbsp sugar; #For the Filling:#; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1 tsp salt; 1 1/3 cups chopped pecans; A handful of whole pecans for decoration

Dessert

The Magic of Pecan Pie

Nothing beats a warm slice of pecan pie when you’re craving something sweet. This recipe is your path to pecan pie perfection!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup La Española Light in Colour Olive Oil
4 tbsp cold water
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tbsp sugar

For the Filling:

3 large eggs
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tsp salt
1 1/3 cups chopped pecans
A handful of whole pecans for decoration

preparation

1.

In a stand mixer or larger bowl, combine the flour, olive oil, water, salt, and sugar until a dough forms. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to rest.
2.

Roll the chilled dough between two sheets of baking paper to a thickness of aprox. 3 mm. Lightly grease a removable-bottom pie tin with La Española Light in Colour Olive Oil and gently press the dough into the tin, ensuring it fills all the corners. Trim any excess dough with a knife, leaving clean edges, and prick the base with a fork to prevent puffing during baking. Place the prepared crust in the freezer while you make the filling.
3.

Preheat your oven to 175°C. In a blender or a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, and salt until smooth and well combined. Stir in the chopped pecans with a spoon.
4.

Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Decorate the top with whole pecans, arranging them in a circular pattern for an elegant finish.
5.

Bake the pie at 180°C for 50 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. If the crust or pecans begin to brown too much during baking, cover the pie loosely with baking paper or aluminum foil to prevent over-toasting.
6.

Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack to allow the filling to set fully. Serve at room temperature, optionally with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Why Pecan Pie is a Southern Favourite

Pecan pie is a classic staple of Southern American cuisine, known for its rich, gooey filling and buttery crust. Traditionally served during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, this dessert combines simple ingredients into a luxurious treat that’s hard to resist. The addition of La Española Classic Olive Oil in this recipe offers a modern twist, creating a lighter, flakier crust while maintaining the classic flavours.

Why Olive Oil is a Game-Changer

Benefits of Using La Española Olive Oil

Incorporating olive oil in the pie crust brings numerous advantages:

Healthier Alternative: Olive oil is lower in saturated fats compared to butter, making it a heart-healthy choice.
Flaky Texture: It ensures a tender yet crisp crust, perfect for holding the rich filling.
Balanced Flavour: The mild, fruity notes of La Española Classic Olive Oil enhance the pie without overpowering the sweetness of the filling.

Tips for the Perfect Pecan Pie

Choosing the Right Pecans

Use fresh, high-quality pecans for the best flavour. Toasting the pecans lightly before adding them to the filling can enhance their nutty taste.

Balancing the Sweetness

The combination of brown sugar, honey, and maple syrup gives the pie its signature flavour. If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the brown sugar by half a teaspoon without compromising the texture.

Don’t Skip the Resting Time

Allowing the dough to rest in the fridge helps the gluten relax, making it easier to roll out and less likely to shrink during baking.

Customizing Your Pecan Pie

Add-Ins for Extra Flavour

Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the filling for a decadent chocolate-pecan pie.
Bourbon: Add 1–2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling for a sophisticated twist.
Orange Zest: Mix in a teaspoon of orange zest for a bright, citrusy contrast to the rich filling.

Alternative Toppings

While whole pecans create a classic look, you can try decorating the pie with:

A drizzle of caramel sauce after baking.

Crumbled pralines for extra sweetness.

How to Serve and Store

Serving Suggestions

Serve pecan pie with whipped cream for a light, airy contrast.
For a more indulgent pairing, add a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream.
A drizzle of warm caramel sauce takes this dessert to the next level.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pecan pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Reheating Tips

Reheat slices in the oven at 150°C for 10 minutes to restore the filling’s gooey texture.

Olive Oil and Baking

More and more people are embracing the benefits of Baking with Olive Oil. Not only does it bring new flavour to the mix, but it’s also a healthy alternative to butter. If you’re curious to try out more traditional pie and cake recipes, we’ve got plenty of ideas to inspire you. First up, these Classic Spanish-Style Churros are a simple but satisfying dessert or snack. Popular among grown-ups and little ones alike, these crispy churros are elevated by the subtle fruitiness of the olive oil used in the recipe.

Similarly, this Classic Cheesecake is a comforting dessert option given a nutritional boost thanks to the inclusion of La Española Classic Olive Oil.

Finally, for fans of fruity cakes, this recipe for Orange Cake with Mango and Strawberry Jamis sure to hit the spot. Made with exquisitely flavourful La Española Extra Virgin Olive Oil, it makes for a healthy cake suitable for all occasions, from birthdays to celebrations.

Looking for more recipe inspiration and expert tips? Be sure to check out our blog.