We Made Joanna Gaines Pecan Pie-It Might be the Best We've Had

 Irresistible Homemade Pecan

At Sherri's, Sundays are all about indulging in the best homemade pecan pie. This delightful treat features a classic recipe with a touch of subtle heat that perfectly complements the buttery pecans.

While pumpkin pie takes the spotlight during Thanksgiving and fall, pecan pie often goes unnoticed, unless you're from the south, where it's a staple at every holiday celebration.

Unlike pumpkin pie with its custard, pecan pie offers a rich and thick sugary filling that embraces the buttery pecans. This delectable dessert is made with a blend of eggs, butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and meaty pecans baked inside a flaky pie crust. It's a winning combination that's hard to beat.

I've experimented with various additions like chocolate, bourbon, and maple syrup, but my personal favorite is the subtle heat that adds an elegant contrast. By incorporating red pepper and chili powder, the pie takes on a whole new dimension.

According to MyRecipes, adding ancho chili powder to pecan pie adds a delightful twist that balances out the sweetness. Ancho chilis, as described by the blog Isabel Eats, are dried poblano peppers known for their mild heat and sweet, smoky flavor. I must clarify that I'm not aiming to spark a culinary debate with traditionalists, but incorporating ancho chili powder truly revitalizes the pecan pie.

The Baltimore Sun suggests that chilis pair well with sweets like chocolate because they provide both heat and a touch of sweetness. However, it's important to note that not all chili powders are suitable for this purpose. Regular chili powder often contains additional spices and seasonings that may not complement the flavors of a sweet pecan pie. On the other hand, ancho chili powder is guaranteed to transform your pecan pie into a game-changing delight. And let's not forget to top it off with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate experience.

The pecan pie recipe by Joanna Gaines can be found in her renowned Magnolia Table cookbook. This recipe stays true to the traditional pecan pie ingredients but adds a unique twist. Despite using just 2 teaspoons of ancho chile powder in the filling mixture, it remarkably enhances the flavor of this pecan pie, taking it to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Joanna Gaines Pecan Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 3 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ancho chile powder
• 2 cups chopped pecans
• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell

How to Make Joanna Gaines Pecan Pie

Prepare the filling

Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup, and melted butter. Whisk in the eggs, followed by adding the cinnamon and ancho chile. Stir in the pecans until well incorporated.

Pour and bake!

Pour the filling mixture into the prepared pie shell. Bake the pie for approximately 55 minutes to one hour. To ensure it is fully cooked, insert a knife into the center of the pie—when it comes out clean, the pie is done. Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for about two hours.

This pecan pie is sure to be among your lineup of Thanksgiving favorites.

Important Pie Baking Tips to Consider:

1. Avoid underbaking: Although the ingredients for pecan pie are simple, achieving the perfect result can be a little tricky. One common issue is not baking the pie long enough. Make sure the pie is fully baked before removing it from the oven. Test its readiness with a knife, and let it cool completely to room temperature before slicing and serving.
2. Use a pie crust shield: Pecan pies require a baking time of close to an hour. If you notice the crust browning faster than the pie is baking, use aluminum foil. Wrap the foil around the crust to prevent further browning while the pie finishes baking. This is commonly referred to as a "pie crust shield."
3. Enhance the flavor: Craving even more flavor? Feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon and ancho chile in your pecan pie. Toasting the pecans beforehand can also elevate the overall flavor profile of the pie.
4. Refrigerate for freshness: To maintain freshness, store your pecan pie in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Unlike some pies that can be kept at room temperature, pecan pie should be chilled due to the presence of eggs in the filling.