We’ve always been fans of the classic pecan pie’s irresistible mix of crunchy nuts and sweet filling, but our Golden Eagle Pecan Pie recipe elevates it with a golden-brown crust that captures the essence of comfort and indulgence. Originating from American baking traditions, this twist adds a touch of elegance that’s perfect for holiday feasts or casual get-togethers.
What makes it special is the way simple ingredients come together to create a showstopper that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. We’re confident you’ll love how easy it is to whip up this timeless favorite in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
To bring our Golden Eagle Pecan Pie to life—a recipe rooted in American baking traditions—we’ve curated this list of essential ingredients. These components work together to deliver a golden-brown crust with a rich, nutty indulgence that impresses at any gathering. We’ve organized them by preparation order, from crust to filling, with precise measurements and prep notes for accuracy.
Crust Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base for our flaky, golden-brown crust—chill it beforehand for easier handling.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances the butter’s richness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: Provides tender texture; ensure it’s cold to achieve that signature crispiness.
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water: Added gradually to bind the dough without overworking it.
Filling Ingredients
- 2 cups pecan halves, toasted: The star of our pie, offering a deep, nutty crunch that contributes to the pie’s comforting, golden hue—toast them in a dry skillet for 5 minutes until fragrant.
- 3 large eggs: Bind the filling for a smooth, cohesive set.
- 1 cup light corn syrup: Creates the sweet, glossy filling that complements the pecans’ natural oils.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Delivers the perfect sweetness level for that indulgent bite.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds a creamy richness and helps achieve the pie’s glossy finish.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warm, aromatic notes to elevate the overall flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the pecans’ earthy taste.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Golden Eagle Pecan Pie with precision and ease, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure a flawless crust and perfectly baked filling. These items help us achieve that signature golden-brown finish and rich texture, building on the ingredients we’ve already gathered.
Here’s a curated list of the key equipment, organized by the stages of preparation:
- Mixing Bowls: We use medium and large stainless-steel mixing bowls to combine dry ingredients for the crust and whisk together the wet components for the filling. This keeps our workflow organized and prevents cross-contamination.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for our pie’s balance of flavors, so we recommend a set of sturdy, heat-resistant measuring cups and spoons to portion out flour, sugar, and liquids with confidence.
- Pie Dish: A 9-inch glass or ceramic pie dish is ideal for our Golden Eagle Pecan Pie, as it conducts heat evenly to create that irresistible golden crust while allowing us to monitor baking progress.
- Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough to the perfect thickness, we opt for a wooden or marble rolling pin. This tool ensures an even base that bakes up flaky and holds the pecan filling securely.
- Whisk: A sturdy wire whisk helps us blend eggs, corn syrup, and vanilla extract smoothly for the filling, incorporating air for a lighter texture without overmixing.
- Spatula: We find a silicone spatula invaluable for scraping down bowl sides and folding in pecans, minimizing waste and ensuring every ingredient is evenly distributed.
- Oven: A standard oven preheated to 350°F is essential for baking our pie to golden perfection. We suggest using an oven thermometer for precise temperature control to avoid underbaking or burning.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to move seamlessly into the preparation steps, making our Golden Eagle Pecan Pie a straightforward delight to create.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our ingredients and essential tools, let’s walk through the steps to craft our irresistible Golden Eagle Pecan Pie. We’ll ensure each phase delivers a flaky crust and rich, nutty filling for a dessert that’s sure to impress.
Prep
First, we prepare the crust to achieve that signature golden-brown perfection. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt, then cut in 1 cup of cold, unsalted butter (cut into cubes) using a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 4-6 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough forms a ball—be careful not to overwork it for a tender texture. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Next, we handle the filling ingredients for maximum flavor. Toast 2 cups of pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until they release a fragrant, nutty aroma and turn lightly browned—this step enhances the pie’s deep, earthy taste. In another bowl, beat 3 large eggs with a whisk until smooth, then stir in 1 cup of light corn syrup, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt until fully blended, creating a glossy mixture that promises indulgent sweetness.
Assemble
With our components ready, we assemble the pie for a harmonious blend of textures. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle using a rolling pin, then carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently against the bottom and sides to form an even crust—trim any excess dough and crimp the edges for a decorative finish. Evenly scatter the toasted pecan halves across the bottom of the crust, then pour the egg mixture over them, ensuring the nuts are fully submerged for a uniform, gooey center that contrasts beautifully with the crisp shell.
Cook
We bake the pie to lock in its flavors and achieve that eye-catching golden hue. Preheat our oven to 350°F and place the assembled pie on the middle rack. Bake for 50-60 minutes, rotating the dish halfway through for even cooking, until the filling is set around the edges but still slightly jiggles in the center—indicating a creamy interior—and the crust turns a deep golden brown, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma of toasted nuts and caramelized sugar.
Cool and Serve
Finally, we cool the pie to perfect its texture and prepare for serving. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours at room temperature, allowing the filling to firm up and develop its rich, velvety consistency without becoming runny. Once cooled, slice into wedges and serve our Golden Eagle Pecan Pie on its own or topped with a dollop of whipped cream for an added layer of creamy indulgence, making it the star of any gathering with its glossy finish and satisfying crunch.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Golden Eagle Pecan Pie even more convenient for busy schedules or holiday prep, we offer these straightforward make-ahead strategies. These tips ensure the pie retains its rich, nutty flavor and golden-brown crust without compromising quality.
Preparing the Crust in Advance
We can prepare the crust dough up to 3 days ahead for optimal freshness:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and butter as outlined in the main instructions, then form the dough and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the wrapped dough in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for up to 2 months.
- If frozen, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out to maintain its flaky texture.
Making the Filling Ahead
The filling for our Golden Eagle Pecan Pie comes together quickly and holds well:
- Toast the pecan halves as directed, then mix all filling ingredients (eggs, light corn syrup, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt) in a bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
- When ready to assemble, give the filling a quick stir to recombine any separated ingredients before pouring it over the crust and pecans.
Assembling and Baking the Pie in Advance
For full make-ahead convenience, we suggest preparing the entire pie:
- Assemble the pie by rolling out the dough, adding the toasted pecans, and pouring in the filling as per the main recipe.
- Instead of baking immediately, cover the unbaked pie loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This allows flavors to meld.
- Bake from cold: Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from the fridge, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 200°F for a perfectly set filling.
Storage and Reheating Tips
After baking, we can store the cooled Golden Eagle Pecan Pie to enjoy later:
- Let the pie cool completely, then cover it with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm individual slices in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until the crust is crisp and the filling is warmed through.
By following these make-ahead instructions, we ensure that our Golden Eagle Pecan Pie remains a showstopping dessert ready for any occasion.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored our Golden Eagle Pecan Pie recipe with us. It’s more than a dessert—it’s a timeless favorite that brings warmth to every gathering.
By mastering this simple yet elegant pie, you’ll create moments that linger long after the last slice. Let’s make it a staple in your kitchen and elevate your baking adventures today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Golden Eagle Pecan Pie?
Golden Eagle Pecan Pie is a classic American dessert with a unique golden-brown crust, offering a rich, nutty flavor perfect for holidays or casual events. It builds on traditional pecan pie recipes, emphasizing simplicity and indulgence to impress guests effortlessly.
What ingredients are needed for Golden Eagle Pecan Pie?
For the crust, you’ll need all-purpose flour, salt, unsalted butter, and ice water. The filling requires toasted pecan halves, eggs, light corn syrup, granulated sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. These ingredients create a delicious, golden-hued pie that’s easy to prepare.
What equipment is required to make Golden Eagle Pecan Pie?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, a 9-inch pie dish, a rolling pin, a whisk, a silicone spatula, and a preheated oven at 350°F. These items ensure precise and straightforward preparation for a perfect bake.
How do I prepare Golden Eagle Pecan Pie?
Start by making the crust: combine flour, salt, and butter, then add ice water and chill. For the filling, toast pecans and mix with eggs, corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Roll out dough, add pecans, pour in filling, and bake at 350°F until golden and set. Cool for two hours before serving.
Can I make Golden Eagle Pecan Pie ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the crust up to three days in advance and refrigerate, or freeze it longer. The filling can be made and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Assemble the full pie and chill for up to 24 hours before baking, making it ideal for busy schedules or holidays.
How should I store and reheat Golden Eagle Pecan Pie?
Store the baked pie in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw if frozen, then warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Always cover to maintain moisture and texture for the best flavor.