The Mary Berry Pecan Pie is a classic dessert that combines a buttery pastry base with a rich, caramel-like filling and crunchy pecans. This recipe is perfect for celebrations, holiday feasts, or whenever you’re in the mood for a decadent treat. With its perfect balance of sweetness and texture, this pecan pie is a guaranteed showstopper.
What is Mary Berry Pecan Pie?
Mary Berry’s pecan pie is a traditional dessert made with a shortcrust pastry base filled with a luscious mixture of syrup, sugar, eggs, and pecans. It’s baked to golden perfection, resulting in a pie that is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Rich and indulgent: A dessert that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Beautiful presentation: A stunning centerpiece for any table.
- Easy-to-follow recipe: Straightforward steps with guaranteed success.
- Perfect for occasions: Ideal for holidays, parties, or family gatherings.
- Customizable: Add a personal twist with different nuts or flavorings.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Pecan Pie
For the Pastry:
- Plain flour (225g): For the shortcrust base.
- Butter (125g, cold): Cut into cubes for a flaky texture.
- Icing sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Egg yolk (1): Helps bind the dough.
- Cold water (2 tablespoons): To bring the dough together.
For the Filling:
- Golden syrup (200ml): Adds a rich sweetness.
- Light brown sugar (100g): For a caramel-like depth.
- Butter (50g, melted): Enhances the filling’s richness.
- Eggs (3, large): To set the filling.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- Pecans (200g): Halved, for the filling and topping.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl: For making the pastry and filling.
- Rolling pin: To roll out the pastry.
- Pie dish (23cm): For baking the pie.
- Baking beans: For blind baking the pastry.
- Whisk: For combining the filling ingredients.
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Pecan Pie
Step 1: Make the pastry
- In a mixing bowl, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the icing sugar, then add the egg yolk and cold water. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Wrap the dough in cling film and chill for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Roll out the pastry
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Roll out the chilled pastry on a floured surface and line the pie dish. Trim the edges and prick the base with a fork.
Step 3: Blind bake the pastry
- Line the pastry with baking paper and fill with baking beans.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the beans and paper and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 4: Prepare the filling
- In a bowl, whisk together the golden syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in half of the pecans, reserving the rest for the top.
Step 5: Assemble the pie
- Pour the filling into the baked pastry shell.
- Arrange the remaining pecan halves decoratively on top of the filling.
Step 6: Bake the pie
- Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake the pie for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly wobbly in the center.
Step 7: Cool and serve
- Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. Serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
What Goes Well With Mary Berry Pecan Pie
- Whipped cream: Light and airy to balance the richness.
- Vanilla ice cream: Adds a cold, creamy contrast.
- Caramel sauce: Enhances the pie’s caramel flavors.
- Espresso or coffee: Complements the sweet and nutty flavors.
- Chopped nuts: Sprinkle extra nuts on top for added crunch.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Pecan Pie
- Chill the pastry: Keeps the butter firm, resulting in a flaky crust.
- Blind bake thoroughly: Prevents the base from becoming soggy.
- Use fresh pecans: Ensures a rich, nutty flavor.
- Don’t overbake the filling: The center should still have a slight wobble when removed from the oven.
- Cool completely: This allows the filling to be set properly before slicing.
Easy Variations of Mary Berry Pecan Pie
- Chocolate pecan pie: Add chocolate chips to the filling for a decadent twist.
- Bourbon pecan pie: Stir in a tablespoon of bourbon for a rich, boozy flavor.
- Maple pecan pie: Replace golden syrup with maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
- Walnut pie: Substitute pecans with walnuts for a different nutty profile.
- Mini pecan pies: Make individual pies in a muffin tin for easy serving.
Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Pecan Pie
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later: Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Reheat gently: Warm slices in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for a few minutes.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
FAQs
How do I know when the pecan pie is done baking?
Pecan pie is done when the edges are set and the center has a slight wobble. It will continue to set as it cools, so avoid overbaking to keep the filling soft and creamy.
Can I make pecan pie ahead of time?
Yes, pecan pie can be made 1–2 days ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature or gently reheat in the oven before serving.
What can I use instead of golden syrup in pecan pie?
You can replace golden syrup with maple syrup, light corn syrup, or honey. Each option will slightly alter the flavor, but they all work well in the filling.
How do I prevent pecan pie from becoming too runny?
To avoid a runny filling, ensure the pie bakes long enough for the eggs to set. Using the correct ratio of eggs and sugar and allowing the pie to cool completely before slicing also helps.
Final Words
The Mary Berry Pecan Pie is a timeless dessert that brings warmth and indulgence to any occasion. With its buttery pastry and rich, nutty filling, this pie is sure to impress your family and guests. Ready to bake a showstopping dessert? Try this recipe today and enjoy the classic flavors of pecan pie!
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Mary Berry Pecan Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 40
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mary Berry’s pecan pie is a traditional dessert made with a shortcrust pastry base filled with a luscious mixture of syrup, sugar, eggs, and pecans. It’s baked to golden perfection, resulting in a pie that is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- Plain flour (225g): For the shortcrust base.
- Butter (125g, cold): Cut into cubes for a flaky texture.
- Icing sugar (2 tablespoons): Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Egg yolk (1): Helps bind the dough.
- Cold water (2 tablespoons): To bring the dough together.
For the Filling:
- Golden syrup (200ml): Adds a rich sweetness.
- Light brown sugar (100g): For a caramel-like depth.
- Butter (50g, melted): Enhances the filling’s richness.
- Eggs (3, large): To set the filling.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- Pecans (200g): Halved, for the filling and topping.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the pastry
- In a mixing bowl, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the icing sugar, then add the egg yolk and cold water. Mix until the dough comes together.
- Wrap the dough in cling film and chill for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Roll out the pastry
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Roll out the chilled pastry on a floured surface and line the pie dish. Trim the edges and prick the base with a fork.
Step 3: Blind bake the pastry
- Line the pastry with baking paper and fill with baking beans.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the beans and paper and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 4: Prepare the filling
- In a bowl, whisk together the golden syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in half of the pecans, reserving the rest for the top.
Step 5: Assemble the pie
- Pour the filling into the baked pastry shell.
- Arrange the remaining pecan halves decoratively on top of the filling.
Step 6: Bake the pie
- Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake the pie for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly wobbly in the center.
Step 7: Cool and serve
- Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. Serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
