Classic Pecan Pie Recipe: A Sweet Slice of Comfort
A Slice of Warm Tradition
There’s something special about a classic pecan pie. That golden filling, the toasted nuts, the flaky pastry: it’s a dessert that feels quietly familiar and always welcome. Whether it’s shared after Sunday lunch or brought to a family celebration, pecan pie carries a sense of comfort and connection.
At Queen Victoria Market, pecans have a proud place among the nut traders’ stalls. This classic pecan pie recipe brings those ingredients together, creating something timeless, generous and full of character.
What You’ll Need
For the crust:
A ready-made shortcrust pastry works well, but homemade will give you that lovely flaky finish.
For the filling:
- ¾ cup golden syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 1½ cups pecan halves (plus extra for the top)
Step-by-Step: Sweet, Caramelly, and Perfect for Aussie Kitchens
- Preheat and prepare.
Heat your oven to 175°C. Line a 23 cm pie dish with your pastry and trim or crimp the edges.
- Toast the pecans.
Spread pecans on a tray and toast for 6-8 minutes, until fragrant. This brings out their natural buttery flavour.
- Make the filling.
In a large bowl, whisk together the golden syrup, sugars, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, salt, and hot water. Stir through the toasted pecans, then pour into your prepared pastry shell. Add a few extra nuts on top for looks.
- Bake slowly.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the edges are set but the centre still has a gentle wobble. If the crust browns too quickly, tent the edges with foil.
- Cool and enjoy.
Let the pie sit for at least two hours before slicing to help it set. Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed with cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Market Kitchen Tips
Choose fresh, local pecans. Look for glossy, well-kept halves. Many Queen Vic Market nut traders stock Australian-grown pecans, known for their buttery texture and natural sweetness.
Balance the sweetness. A splash of espresso or a drizzle of dark rum adds depth and softens the syrup’s richness.
Make it ahead. Bake the pie a day early; it keeps well and slices neatly when cooled. Ideal for sharing with friends or neighbours.
Finding the Heart of It
If this pecan pie recipe has you in the mood to bake, start with a Market wander. Visit the nut traders under the sheds, pick up fresh cream and chat with the people behind the counters. They know their produce and always have a good tip or story to share. Choosing local ingredients adds more than flavour; it keeps our food traditions alive and thriving.
A Sweet Ending
This classic pecan pie is a simple pleasure, best enjoyed with good company. Bake one for a weekend lunch, a family dinner or an afternoon cuppa. Each slice tells a story of care, craft and community, the kind of goodness that’s been part of Queen Victoria Market for generations.
