L. B. J. (Pres. Johnson'S) Favorite Pecan Pie
A rich and indulgent pecan pie featuring a sweet, sticky filling complemented by crunchy pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings and dessert tables, this classic American favorite offers a balance of caramel-like sweetness and nutty flavor that appeals to both traditional and modern palates.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together sugar, syrup, butter, and salt and cook until dissolved.
- While this is cooking, beat eggs until foamy.
- Add a small amount of hot mixture gradually to the eggs, stirring constantly with a whisk.
- Add the remaining hot mixture gradually to the eggs, stirring rapidly to prevent separation.
- Add pecans and vanilla to the mixture.
- Pour into an unbaked deep dish pie shell.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the pie has set.
- Cool on a rack before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using toasted pecans instead of raw. If you're out of Karo syrup, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, but the flavor will vary slightly. Ensure your butter is melted and not too hot when mixing with the eggs to prevent scrambling. For a twist, add a splash of bourbon to enhance the pie's depth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pecan pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast to the crunchy filling. It pairs beautifully with Delmonico Potatoes, making it a great finish to a hearty meal. For an extra touch, drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice before serving.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover pecan pie, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to four days. You can also freeze slices by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in an airtight container for up to two months. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of L. B. J. (Pres. Johnson'S) Favorite Pecan Pie contains roughly 429 calories, with 4g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1045mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of syrup if I don't have Karo?
Yes, you can substitute Karo syrup with honey or maple syrup, but be aware that it may alter the flavor slightly. The texture may also vary, so ensure the substitute is similar in viscosity to maintain the pie's consistency.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The pecan pie is done when the filling is set and slightly jiggly in the center. It should not be liquidy; a toothpick inserted into the filling should come out clean. Baking times may vary, so keep an eye on it during the last few minutes.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. For best results, let it cool completely before covering. If you plan to freeze it, do so without the pie shell and bake fresh when ready to serve to retain its texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).