Pecan Pie: The Best Southern Dessert You’ll Love

Pecan Pie? Yes, please! This Southern classic combines a rich, buttery filling and crunchy pecans for the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a slice on your own, this pecan pie recipe won’t disappoint. It’s a decadent dessert that delivers Tennessee tradition in every bite.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. These are products I personally use and recommend. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Why Southern Pies Are the Best!

A slice of yummy dessert.
Enjoy a slice of Southern heaven—perfectly sweet and delicious pecan pie.

Southern pies are more than just desserts—they’re a tradition. Their rich, comforting flavors bring people together. Whether it’s a slice of pecan pie with chocolate, coconut, and pecans or another Southern favorite, pies are always a hit. People often enjoy them with coffee or cold milk. They’re perfect for any occasion. And let’s face it, who hasn’t had pie for breakfast at least once? Ultimately, Southern pies offer warmth and sweetness that can’t be beat. They’re the best Southern dessert to share with family and friends.

Pecans: A Southern Thing?

A bowl of pecans, a Southern staple.
Pecans, a Southern staple, are great in desserts, salads, and as toppings—and of course, perfectly delicious in my mom’s pecan pie recipe.

So, pecans have been a staple in Southern kitchens for generations. They are often seen as a Southern treasure. Whether sprinkled over salads, baked into pies, or even cakes (check out Meme’s Hummingbird Cake recipe HERE), pecans add a perfect crunch and nutty flavor. What’s more, pecans are making their way into cocktails. Try a Pecan Pie Moonshine Cocktail for a fun twist on the classic pie. To find this recipe and several other amazing moonshine cocktails, check out our post HERE!

Pecan Pie: A Family Favorite You’ll Love

This pecan pie recipe was passed along to my mom by her friend, Mr. Lucket, who was the principal at the school where she taught. It was his grandmother’s recipe and has been handed down over the years. First of all, this pie is one of my hubby’s all-time favorites, and I’m sure after you try it, it will become one of your family’s favorites too. The rich, buttery filling and crunchy pecans make it absolutely irresistible. Now, let’s dive into the recipe and make a treat that’s sure to win over everyone in your family!

Slice of Southern Pecan PIe.

Meme’s Pecan Pie

Nothing says comfort like a slice of pecan pie! This recipe is packed with sweet, nutty goodness, and it’s the perfect dessert for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or just when you’re craving something special. It’s simple to make but always feels like a homemade masterpiece. So grab your mixing bowls and get ready to whip up a treat everyone will love!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Mixing Spoon
  • 9 inch Pie Dish

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Prepared pie crust
  • 3 Eggs, well beaten
  • 2 tbsp Butter, melted
  • ½ cup Sugar
  • 1 cup Light Syrup
  • 1 tsp Vanilla
  • 1 cup Rounded cup, chopped pecans

Instructions
 

Pie Crust

  • Lightly Bake pie crust (store bought or homemade) and set aside

Filling

  • Mix all ingredients together in mixing bowl. Stir to mix.
  • Pour into prepared and lightly baked pie crust
  • Bake at 275° for around an hour, until set
  • This pie will need to cool completely before slicing

Notes

  • Chocolate Twist: For a delicious twist, add chocolate chips to the filling. About 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips will melt into the pie, adding a rich, chocolatey layer to the sweet and nutty filling. 
  • A Splash of Bourbon: Give your pie a little extra depth of flavor with a tablespoon of bourbon. It complements the pecans and gives the pie a warm, subtle kick. 
  • Baking Time: Baking the pie will take about an hour—or a little more. Just be sure to bake until the pie doesn’t jiggle in the center. It’ll have a nice golden color on top and a lightly firm filling. 
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve your pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra touch, drizzle with a little chocolate or caramel sauce.  And my hubby’s favorite way to enjoy it? With a cold glass of milk! 
This is truly a family favorite, and we hope it becomes one of yours too!  Enjoy!

Dig In… Enjoy a Slice of Pecan Pie

A delicious dessert, ready to be enjoyed.
Now this is the best part—time to enjoy! So, go ahead, take a bite of this pecan pie—it’s just as sweet as it looks!

Now that you’ve made this pecan pie recipe, it’s time to dig in and enjoy every irresistible bite. The rich, buttery filling and crunchy pecans come together to create the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Not only is this pie amazing fresh out of the oven, but it’s also delicious the next day—if there’s any left! Whether you’re sharing it with family or sneaking a slice on your own, this pecan pie is sure to impress. So go ahead, indulge in this decadent treat, and let the warmth and sweetness bring a little extra joy to your day.

5 Must-Try Spots for a Slice of Pecan Pie in Tennessee

Screen Door Kitchen in Dayton, Tennessee, a great spot to try a slice of pecan pie.
If you’re ever in Dayton (East Tennessee), stop by Screen Door Kitchen for a slice of pecan pie. We highly recommend grabbing lunch too—trust me, all their food is amazing. A must-go spot!
Photo Credit: Screen Door Kitchen

So, craving the perfect slice of pecan pie? Tennessee has delicious spots to satisfy your craving. Whether you’re traveling or nearby, these 5 places serve some of the best. Grab your fork and don’t miss these tasty destinations! For more, find other great spots to eat HERE.

  1. Merridee’s Breadbasket (Franklin)
    Head to Merridee’s at 110 4th Avenue South, a popular bakery known for its homemade pies. Their classic pecan pie, made with Georgia pecans and a splash of Kentucky bourbon, is a must-try for any dessert lover.
  2. The Old Mill (Pigeon Forge)
    In Pigeon Forge, stop by The Old Mill for a slice of their Famous Pecan Pie. While you’re there, visit Old Forge Distillery next door for a moonshine tasting or craft cocktail.
  3. Apple Valley Restaurant (Townsend)
    Over in Townsend, Apple Valley Cafe offers a daily selection of fresh-baked, homemade desserts. If you’re lucky, they’ll be serving up a slice of their delicious pecan pie, and it’s definitely worth trying.
  4. Simon’s (Bolivar)
    Located in West Tennessee, Simon’s serves up a variety of Southern dishes, including a delightful Pecan Pie à la Mode. This cozy spot in Bolivar is worth the stop if you’re exploring local areas and looking for a sweet slice.
  5. Screen Door Kitchen (Dayton)
    Finally, in Dayton, Screen Door Kitchen offers scratch-made desserts, and their chocolate pecan pie is a twist on the classic. With Georgia pecans and chocolate chips, this pie is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

These spots across Tennessee will surely satisfy your pecan pie cravings—one delicious bite at a time!

Bonus: Our Recommendations to Make Baking a Breeze!

Meme holding a red special plate, honoring a family tradition to celebrate special moments.
For years, we’ve had the tradition of using this “You are Special” red plate to honor and celebrate meaningful moments. It’s just one of the ways we cherish family time, especially when sharing homemade treats like Meme’s pecan pie!

To make baking your Meme’s Pecan Pe recipe even easier and more fun, here are a few of our favorite tools and tips:

This section contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. These are products I personally use and recommend.

  • Mixing Bowls: A good set of mixing bowls is essential for combining all the delicious ingredients. Go for ones with a non-slip base to keep things steady.
  • Pie Pans: A sturdy, deep-dish pie pan will give you that perfect crust-to-filling ratio. We love using a ceramic one for even baking.
  • Food Chopper for Chopping Pecans: If you prefer smaller pecan pieces like we do, a food chopper will save time and give you consistent results.
  • Pie Carrier: Keep your pie safe while traveling with a handy pie carrier. It ensures your masterpiece makes it to the table in perfect shape.
  • Our Ultimate Favorite – “You Are Special” Plate: There’s something magical about serving pie on a special plate. We love using a plate that reminds everyone they’re cherished!

These tools will help make the baking process easier and more efficient. With the right equipment, you’ll be ready to enjoy a delicious slice of Meme’s Southern Pecan Pie in no time.

Share a Slice with Us!

We’d love to hear what you think—drop a comment below and let us know how your pecan pie turned out! Be sure to tag us and use #TennesseeTrekkn when sharing your delicious creations. Also, don’t forget to join our Facebook community for all things Tennessee—we can’t wait to connect with you! Keep an eye on our YouTube channel, coming soon, for more fun content. Wishing all our Trekkn friends happy baking and sweet adventures!

Newsletter Updates

Enter your email address below and subscribe to our newsletter

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating