Leelanau Country Innkeeper'S Caramel Pecan Pie
A buttery, caramel‑laden pie with crunchy pecan halves, perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet dessert that balances rich sweetness with nutty crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- On a lightly floured surface, roll pastry to a 12-inch circle. Place in a 9-inch pie plate.
- Turn under the edge to create a flute.
- In a saucepan, combine 3/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup water, 1/4 cup margarine, and 36 caramels. Heat over medium until caramel melts and mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in 3 beaten eggs, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Fold in 1 cup pecan halves.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until set and golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. If you can't find caramels, you can substitute with caramel sauce, but reduce the water. Ensure the pie crust is well-chilled before baking to prevent shrinkage. If you prefer a sweeter pie, add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the filling mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this caramel pecan pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast. It also pairs beautifully with Company Pancakes And Homemade Syrup for a brunch spread. You can garnish with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with aluminum foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps retain the pie's gooey texture without overcooking it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Leelanau Country Innkeeper'S Caramel Pecan Pie contains roughly 794 calories, with 1g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of potassium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 937mg per serving (41% 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 different nuts in this pie?
Yes, you can substitute pecan halves with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile. However, keep in mind that the texture and taste will vary slightly, so choose nuts that you enjoy or have on hand.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The pie is done when the filling is set and the top is golden brown. You can gently jiggle the pie; it should not be overly wobbly. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean, indicating it's ready to cool.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie a day in advance and refrigerate it until serving. Just allow it to come to room temperature before serving, or reheat it as mentioned above for the best taste and 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).