Cracker Barrel Pecan Pie Recipe

Cracker Barrel Pecan Pie is a beloved dessert that combines pecans’ rich, buttery flavor with a decadent, gooey filling.

For years, this delicious treat has been a crowd favorite at Cracker Barrel restaurants, leaving us patrons eager to recreate this mouthwatering pie in their kitchens.

We’ll cover essential ingredients, step-by-step preparation methods, and helpful tips to ensure your pie turns perfect every time.

How to Make Cracker Barrel Pecan Pie

Ingredients List

To make a delicious Cracker Barrel Pecan Pie, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 unbaked pie crust (homemade or pre-made)
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional for Chocolate Pecan Pie)

Step-by-step process

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, ensuring it is evenly shaped and fitted.

Step 2

In a medium-sized bowl, beat the eggs until they are slightly frothy.

To the beaten eggs, add the sugar and mix well.

Then, incorporate the corn syrup, salt, vanilla extract, and melted butter.

Continue mixing until the ingredients are thoroughly combined, and you have a smooth, gooey pecan pie filling.

Step 3

Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips to the flaky pie crust if you’d like to make a Chocolate Pecan Pie.

Distribute them evenly across the crust’s bottom.

Step 4

Arrange the chopped pecans in the pie crust, spreading them out uniformly over the chocolate chips (if added) or directly onto the crust for a non-chocolate version.

Carefully pour the pecan pie filling mixture over the pecans, ensuring it is distributed evenly within the unbaked pie crust.

Step 5

Bake your pie in the preheated oven for approximately 50 to 60 minutes.

To check if it’s ready, insert a knife in the center of the pie.

If it comes out clean or with minimal residue, your Cracker Barrel Pecan Pie is good to go.

Step 6

Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

This will ensure the filling and crust are set, creating a perfect slice for you and your guests.

Now, you have successfully created a delicious Cracker Barrel Pecan Pie!

Serve it to your family, friends, or chocolate lovers, and relish the crunchy pecans, gooey filling, and flaky crust.

Enjoy!

Side Dishes for Cracker Barrel Pecan Pie

When enjoying a Cracker Barrel Pecan Pie, you may consider some tasty side dishes to complement this rich dessert.

Here are a few options that will surely elevate your dining experience:

Vanilla Ice Cream

A classic choice, a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the flavors of pecan pie.

The cool and creamy texture provides a delightful contrast to the warm, gooey filling and crunchy pecans.

The simplicity of vanilla ice cream allows the pecan pie to be the show’s star.

Ingredients Substitutes

One of the best things about pecan pie is its versatility.

If you want to make your Cracker Barrel pecan pie recipe a bit healthier or allergy-friendly, or you simply don’t have some ingredients on hand, don’t worry.

You can use several substitutes without compromising your pie’s overall deliciousness.

Here are some suggested ingredient swaps, each with its own benefits and flavor profiles.

Maple Syrup

If you prefer not to use corn syrup or you just want a more natural sweetener, real maple syrup can be an excellent alternative.

The rich flavor of maple syrup complements the taste of pecan pie really well.

Keep in mind that maple syrup is less sweet, so you may need to adjust the other ingredients (like sugar) in your recipe accordingly.

Coconut Sugar or Maple Sugar

For those who want to limit their refined sugar intake, try replacing white granulated sugar with coconut or maple sugar.

These natural sweeteners are less processed and have lower glycemic indexes than regular sugar.

Note that coconut sugar has a slightly caramel-like flavor, while maple sugar tastes similar to maple syrup.

Gluten-Free Pie Crust

If you’re avoiding gluten, there are commercially available gluten-free pie crusts, or you can make your own by using alternative flours such as almond flour, rice flour, or gluten-free all-purpose flour blends.

When making your crust, you may also need to add xanthan gum for better binding and structure.

Remember that swapping out ingredients can sometimes affect the texture or flavor of your pecan pie, so make sure to adjust the other ingredients and cooking times as necessary.

Regardless of your substitutes, your pie will surely be a delicious treat!

How to Store Cracker Barrel Pecan Pie

Cracker Barrel Pecan Pie is a delicious treat that deserves proper storage to maintain its taste and quality.

Here’s how you can store your Pecan Pie effectively:

Cool the Pie Completely

The first and most important step before storage is completely cooling your Cracker Barrel Pecan Pie.

Ensure it reaches room temperature by touching the underside of the pan.

Cooling the pie prevents trapped moisture, which could make the crust soggy or encourage bacterial growth.

Wrap the Pie with Plastic Wrap

Once the pie is cooled, use plastic wrap to cover it tightly.

The plastic wrap helps preserve the pie’s freshness and significantly slows the drying process.

Ensure the plastic wrap touches the pie’s surface to create an airtight seal.

Refrigerate or Freeze the Pie

After covering the pie with plastic wrap, refrigerate it to extend its shelf life.

According to the USDA, egg-rich pies like pecan should be refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth.

Remember not to leave your pie at room temperature for over two hours.

If you intend to store the pie for a more extended period, consider freezing it instead.

Place the plastic-wrapped pie in a resealable plastic bag to protect it from freezer burn or odor absorption.

To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before serving.

Following these storage steps, you can ensure your Cracker Barrel Pecan Pie remains fresh, delicious, and safe to enjoy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Although Cracker Barrel pecan pie is a holiday season favorite that many people enjoy recreating at home, there are a few common mistakes to avoid.

Following these tips can achieve a delicious pecan pie that rivals your favorite restaurants.

Over-mixing the ingredients:

When using a mixing bowl to combine all the ingredients, be sure not to over-mix.

Doing so can cause the filling to become overly aerated, creating uneven and compromised texture. Instead, gently mix the ingredients until they are just combined.

Not preheating the oven:

Failing to preheat your oven before baking can reduce cooking time and cause uneven baking.

Ensure that your oven is heated to the recommended temperature before baking your pie.

Incorrect baking time:

Pecan pies typically need to bake for about 50-60 minutes.

However, some ovens can vary in temperature and performance.

Keep an eye on the pie and adjust the cooking time as necessary, using visual cues like the filling’s texture and the crust’s golden-brown appearance.

Not protecting the crust edges:

The edges of a pie crust can burn more easily than the center, so it’s important to shield them with foil or a crust shield partway through baking when they darken.

Ignoring the pie’s internal temperature:

To ensure your pecan pie is fully cooked, use a digital thermometer to measure it.

The pie is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 200°F (93°C).