Pecan Pie Filling in a Jar- Pecan Sauce Recipe (2024)

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A fully cooked pecan pie filling recipe that can be canned, used as a sauce for ice cream or cheesecakes, or fill a fully baked pie shell for a quick and easy dessert. But don't worry, we have included instructions if you want to use this filling in your own unbaked pie crust!

Pecan Pie Filling in a Jar- Pecan Sauce Recipe (1)

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Homemade pecan pie is a quintessential Thanksgiving dessert. And while we love making pies, especially our gluten-free pecan pie, sometimes making a whole pie is a lot of work.

This recipe is so popular it was featured in South in Your Mouth's Southern Food Weekend Potluck.

Jump to:
  • 📖Why This Recipe Works
  • 🧾Ingredient Notes
  • 💭Optional Pecan Pie Filling Add-Ins
  • ⏲️How to Make Stove Top Pecan Pie Filling
  • ⏲️How to Make Pecan Pie Filling for Baking
  • 👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tip
  • 🌡️Storage
  • Canning Instructions
  • More Sweet Treats
  • 💬Frequently Asked Questions
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • ⭐Reviews

📖Why This Recipe Works

This recipe can be canned and given as a gift to a party host or in place of a cookie exchange. It is naturally gluten-free and can be made easily dairy-free.

Made on the stovetop, stirring over low heat prevents the eggs from scrambling. Once fully cooked it can be used in a variety of ways from filling mini tart shells to canning for use later in the year!

This recipe can also be used to make pecan pie bars or a pie when used with your favorite pie crust recipe!

🧾Ingredient Notes

Pecans- I like to use a mix of halves and pieces.

Dark Corn Syrup - There are recipes that use light corn syrup, but I love the richer flavor that dark corn syrup brings to the pecan pie filling.

Light Brown Sugar - I like to use light brown sugar to offset the richness of the dark corn syrup. If you only have dark brown sugar that will work too! I do not recommend substituting granulated sugar, but dark coconut sugar will work.

Unsalted Butter - Melted to keep the filling smooth and creamy. If you use salted butter reduce the salt by half. Use vegan butter for dairy-free.

Vanilla Extract - A touch of vanilla adds warmth and flavor depth to the filling.

Pecan Pie Filling in a Jar- Pecan Sauce Recipe (2)

💭Optional Pecan Pie Filling Add-Ins

This delicious pecan pie filling recipe definitely doesn’t need any changes, but here are a few ways it can be adjusted to fit your needs:

  • Dairy-Free Pecan Pie Sauce- Use dairy-free butter in the filling.
  • Bourbon- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of bourbon along with the vanilla.
  • Walnut- I know. It’s a pecan pie. But you can totally just swap out with your favorite nuts, but walnuts are the most common.
  • Chocolate Pecan-Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips as the sauce is cooling.

⏲️How to Make Stove Top Pecan Pie Filling

  1. Melt- Add all the ingredients, except the vanilla extract, in a saucepan. Heat on low heat and constantly stir until the sugar is dissolved and the butter is melted.
  2. Boil- Gradually increase the heat until the pecan mixture reaches a low boil. Stir every minute to ensure the eggs do not scramble. Once the mixture has thickened add the vanilla extract.
  3. Cool- Cool to room temperature before using.

See below for storage and canning instructions.

Pecan Pie Filling in a Jar- Pecan Sauce Recipe (3)

🥧How to Use Cooked Pecan Pie Sauce

Beyond using this filling for pie (or mini pies), you can use this pecan pie sauce on cheesecakes, stir it into yogurt for a snack, or make an ice cream sundae!

You can also use it on top of pancakes or waffles, like our pumpkin pancake syrup, on top of oatmeal, or stir it into overnight oats.

Cooked pecan pie filling can also be used in pastry treats like homemade pop tarts or hand pies or as a cake filling.

⏲️How to Make Pecan Pie Filling for Baking

  1. Par Bake- Blind bake your crust for at least 15 minutes at 425 F degrees.
  2. Melt- Melt your butter and cool slightly so as not to cook the eggs.
  3. Combine- Whisk in the corn syrup, brown sugar and salt. Add the beaten eggs and vanilla.
  4. Bake- Add your pecans to the pie shell (if you want a pretty design) and pour over the sauce or add them directly to the sauce and pour it into your pie shell. Bake until the center is just set.
  5. Cool- This easy pecan pie recipe needs to cool on a baking rack for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Failing to cool your pecan pie properly will result in a running center. The filling needs time to set up properly.

Pecan Pie Filling in a Jar- Pecan Sauce Recipe (4)

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tip

Using room-temperature eggs will reduce the chances of the eggs scrambling creating an unwelcome texture.

🌡️Storage

Cool the sauce completely and store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Serve at room temperature or warm. You can reheat the sauce in the microwave on 50% power stirring every few minutes. Or reheat in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat.

This recipe can be frozen in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

If baked in a pie, store the pie in its original pie plate at room temperature and cover it with foil or plastic wrap.

Canning Instructions

Leave one inch of headspace in your jar when canning to prevent jar overflow in the canner.Once the sterilized jars are filled and the lids are attached, the pecan pie filling is canned in a water bath canner for 25 minutes.

Remove from the heat and allow the jars to sit for an additional 5 minutes before carefully removing them from the water. Let sit for 24 hours before checking the seal.

Pecan Pie Filling in a Jar- Pecan Sauce Recipe (5)

More Sweet Treats

  • Peppermint Creams
  • Tanghulu
  • Candied Orange Slices with Dark Chocolate
  • Demerara Syrup

💬Frequently Asked Questions

Can you can pecan pie filling?

Yes, you can pecan pie filling if it has been fully cooked. Raw eggs should not be canned. See the post for canning instructions.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with my food.

📖 Recipe Card

Pecan Pie Filling in a Jar- Pecan Sauce Recipe (10)

Pecan Pie Filling

A classic pecan filling recipe that can be used in a variety of desserts from topping ice cream to a pecan pie inspired trifle.

Servings: 8

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 10 minutes mins

Total: 15 minutes mins

5 from 20 votes

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups pecans chopped
  • 1 cup dark corn syrup
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 3 eggs
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Pecan Pie Sauce

  • In a medium saucepan over low heat, stir together the chopped pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, eggs, and salt. Stir constantly until the sugar has dissolved.

    2 cups pecans, 1 cup dark corn syrup, ½ cup brown sugar, 4 tablespoon unsalted butter, ¾ teaspoon salt, 3 eggs

  • Increase the heat and bring to a slight boil, just so the edges of the pan bubble. Reduce to a simmer. Cook for 8 minutes or until thick. Stir in vanilla.

    1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Let cool to room temperature before using.

Pecan Pie Instructions

  • Par bake crust for 15 minutes at 425 F degrees. Use pie weights or dry beans to weigh down.

  • Melt the butter in the microwave or in a saucepan. Allow to cool slightly but not solidify. Whisk together the cooled melted butter, corn syrup, brown sugar, and salt until well combined and frothy. Add the eggs and vanilla. Whisk until combined. Stir in pecans.

  • Pour into pie shell. Bake at 350 F degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until the center is just set and reaches 200F degrees.

  • Cool the pie on a baking rack for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. Serve cold or at room temperature.

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Notes

  • Use this pecan pie filling as a sauce for ice cream, cheesecakes, etc, or to make deconstructed pecan pie in a cup.
  • Cool completely and store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
  • Serve at room temperature or warm.
  • This recipe can be canned or frozen in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 422kcal | Carbs: 51g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 2g

Author: Jen Wooster

Course:: Baking, Dessert

Cuisine: American, Christmas, Southern, Thanksgiving

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Pecan Pie Filling in a Jar- Pecan Sauce Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the filling made of in pecan pie? ›

Pecan pie is a delightful concoction of pecan nuts mixed with a rich, caramelly filling made from eggs, butter, corn syrup, and sugar. The earliest pecan pie can be traced all the way back to the late 1800s, but it really peaked in the early 20th century when Karo™ syrup printed a pecan pie recipe on its bottles.

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.

What causes pecan pie filling to be runny? ›

A pecan pie is essentially a custard pie, and a liquid center is almost always the result of underbaking. The Karo Classic Pecan Pie recipe calls for baking the pie for 60 to 70 minutes at 350 degrees. In some ovens, however, the pie can take 75 minutes or more.

How do you keep pecan pie filling from seeping through the crust? ›

Seal the Surface

Brush the surface of the unbaked crust with a beaten egg or egg white mixed with water before adding the filling. As the pie bakes, the proteins in the egg will form a moisture barrier over the crust and provide a layer of protection.

What can be used instead of 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.

What are the two most important thickeners for pie fillings? ›

All-purpose flour is an easy solution, as you're sure to have it in your pantry. Since it's lower in starch, you'll use more of it than you would higher-starch thickeners. Quick-cooking tapioca makes filling bright and clear, but also gives it a stippled and somewhat sticky texture.

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.

Is it better to use light or dark Karo syrup 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.

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.

Why is my pecan pie not gooey? ›

You probably need to bake the pie longer. Let them cool for 2 hours, then refrigerate over night. They will be firm and set in the morning. Post your exact recipe, (including bake temp and time), and I'll see if there's anything you're leaving out - My first thought is that perhaps you're not baking it long enough.

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.

What are common pecan pie mistakes? ›

Pecan pie has a somewhat similar set of issues—the filling can crack, the bottom can be under-baked, the filling can seep under the crust, and the nuts can be soggy. Like the pumpkin pie, the filling will crack if the pie is over-baked or cools too quickly.

How do you fix a runny pie filling? ›

The best way to thicken runny apple pie filling before baking it is to add some cornstarch, tapioca starch, or flour to your mix. To fix a runny pie that's already been baked, simply let it cool to see if it will congeal naturally. If not, you can stick it back in the oven for a bit longer.

Why does my pecan pie crust stick to the pie plate? ›

There's usually enough fat in pie crust to keep it from sticking. It can be sticky if you add too much water, in which case it will also be tough. Try a light spray of cooking oil or line the pan with parchment paper if it's a persistant problem. If you have followed a popular pie crust recipe it should not stick.

What is pie filling enhancer made of? ›

It can only be heated once without breaking down. It needs to be mixed with sugar to help it distribute evenly. Pie filling enhancer is is instant Clear Jel mixed with ascorbic acid and superfine sugar. It is about 50 percent sugar so you have to cut back on the amount of sugar called for in your recipe.

Why does pecan pie have so much fat? ›

Pecan pie is considered a high-calorie and high-fat food. A single slice of pecan pie typically contains around 400-500 calories and 20-30 grams of fat. The majority of the calories come from the crust and the filling. The crust is made of butter and flour, which are high in calories and fat.

Why does pecan pie taste so good? ›

The pecans mix with a decadent blend of butter, eggs and sugars and bake inside of a flaky and buttery pie crust. You can enjoy this treat as-is or in one of its many variations. Just thinking about this dessert can make you crave a slice instantly!

What is the healthiest pie to eat? ›

Pumpkin Pie: This one is our winner! When in doubt, choose pumpkin pie. In competition with those mentioned above, it offers the fewest calories, and least fat and added sugar. It's also loaded with vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, niacin, phosphorous, calcium, and iron.

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