About the Recipe
Indulge in a slice of Southern charm with this classic pecan pie recipe. With its rich, caramelized filling nestled in a flaky, buttery crust, this dessert is a timeless favorite that captures the essence of warmth and comfort in every bite.
The journey to creating this delectable pecan pie begins with a perfectly crafted pie crust—simple yet essential. A blend of flour, salt, and cold butter comes together to form a dough that, when rolled out and cradled in a pie dish, becomes the canvas for the luscious filling that awaits.
Speaking of the filling, it's where the magic truly happens. A symphony of flavors unfolds as light corn syrup, packed brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a touch of salt mingle to create a velvety-smooth mixture. But the true stars of this show are the pecan halves, their nutty richness adding depth and texture to every spoonful.
As the pie bakes in the oven, the tantalizing aroma of buttery pastry and caramelized pecans fills the air, creating an anticipation that can only be satisfied by the first slice. The crust turns a golden hue, and the filling sets into a gooey, decadent masterpiece that beckons you to savor each forkful.
Once cooled to perfection, this pecan pie is ready to be enjoyed. Whether served at a holiday gathering, shared with loved ones during a cozy evening, or simply savored as a sweet indulgence, this pie is a true symbol of comfort and tradition.
So, slice into this Southern delicacy, let the flavors dance on your palate, and allow yourself to be transported to a place where every bite brings joy and satisfaction. This pecan pie is more than just a dessert—it's a celebration of timeless flavors and cherished moments shared with those you love. Enjoy every delicious moment!
Ingredients
For the Tart Crust:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg yolk
2-3 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling:
4-5 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons apricot preserves (optional, for glazing)
Preparation
Prepare the Tart Crust:
In a food processor, combine the flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Pulse to mix.
Add the cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of ice water. Pulse until the dough comes together, adding more ice water if needed.
Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but not mushy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Roll out the Tart Crust:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle slightly larger than your tart pan.
Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. Press the dough into the bottom and sides of the pan, trimming any excess dough from the edges.
Assemble the Tart:
Arrange the cooked apple slices in an even layer over the prepared tart crust.
Bake the Tart:
Place the tart pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
Bake the tart in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are soft and caramelized.
Glaze (Optional):
While the tart is still warm, heat the apricot preserves in a small saucepan until melted.
Brush the melted apricot preserves over the top of the warm tart for a glossy finish.
Serve:
Allow the tart to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Serve the apple tart warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
This apple tart is a delightful blend of buttery crust, sweet and spiced apples, and a hint of citrusy glaze, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. Enjoy its comforting flavors and the aroma of cinnamon-infused apples that will fill your kitchen as it bakes. Bon appétit!
Keep us, Lord, so awake in the duties of our callings that we may
sleep in Thy peace and wake in Thy glory. - John Donne.