Classic Karo Syrup Pecan Pie Recipe: 50-Year Family Tradition

Experience the classic pecan pie recipe with this time-tested Karo syrup pecan pie that has delighted families for over five decades. This cherished family recipe delivers the perfect balance of rich, buttery filling and toasted pecans, creating the ideal texture that sets beautifully every time. Originally developed using the classic Karo recipe, this version has earned countless requests at family gatherings and holiday celebrations. The secret lies in the precise butter-to-sugar ratio that creates a custard-like filling with deep, robust pecan flavor and sweetness.

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Why is this Karo Syrup Pecan Pie the best?

This Karo syrup pecan pie succeeds because it achieves the perfect custard consistency through the ideal ratio of eggs, sugar, and corn syrup. The corn syrup provides the essential structure that allows the filling to set properly while maintaining a smooth, silky texture. Butter adds richness without overwhelming the pecan flavor, while the combination of whole eggs creates the custard base that binds everything together. The pecans naturally rise to the surface during baking, forming an attractive crusty layer that provides textural contrast to the creamy filling beneath..

Karo pecan pie ingredients

This is quite a simple recipe that produces an extraordinary southern pecan pie. As such, you will most likely have all the ingredients at home if you are an avid baker. But just in case, here’s a list of what you need:

Custard Filling Foundation

• Large eggs – Creates rich custard base that sets the pie and provides protein structure
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens filling and helps create proper texture when combined with corn syrup
• Karo corn syrup – Essential for achieving signature pecan pie consistency and preventing crystallization
• Salt – Enhances sweetness and balances flavors throughout the filling
• Pure vanilla extract – Adds aromatic depth that complements pecan flavor without competing

Rich Flavor Components

• Unsalted butter – Provides richness and helps create a smooth, silky-filling texture
• Fresh pecans – Star ingredient that provides a nutty flavor and appealing visual presentation
• Unbaked pie crust – Foundation that holds filling and adds buttery pastry contrast

Flavor Enhancement Options

• Light Corn Syrup vs. Dark Corn Syrup – Light provides vanilla notes, dark adds robust molasses flavor
• Toasted pecans – Optional enhancement for deeper, more complex nut flavor

Store-bought pie crust or homemade?

You know the answer to this one, but either will do! But, of course, using a homemade pie shell will add an extra flair to the already amazing pie recipe. If you want to make your own pie crust, try this homemade recipe.

However, if you aren’t up for making a pie crust from scratch, don’t worry. Using a store-bought shell will still make an outstanding pecan pie. I think the refrigerated crust tastes more like homemade than the frozen crust, and you can still shape the edges to make it look like a homemade crust.

Is light or dark Karo syrup better for pecan pie?

There is no right or wrong answer to this. It comes down to what you want your pie to taste or even what you might already have in your pantry.

Light Karo Syrup will give the pecan pie more of a vanilla flavor, which is scrumptious, so you cannot go wrong there.

If you choose to use dark Karo Syrup, the pie will have a slightly toasted flavor and a slightly more robust amber color.

How to make Karo pecan pie

1. Set the oven temperature to 350 degrees.
2. Beat the eggs in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add sugar, corn syrup, salt, vanilla, and melted butter. Whisk to combine.

3. Place the pecans in the pie shell. Pour in the filling mixture.

4. Place the pie on the center rack of oven.
5. Bake in a 350°F preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. The nuts will rise to the top and form a crusted layer.

Storage & Serving Tips

• Freezing Instructions: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months, thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Cooling Process: Allow complete cooling at room temperature for 2-3 hours before refrigerating to prevent condensation.
• Refrigerator Storage: Cover with plastic wrap or pie keeper and refrigerate up to 4-5 days for food safety.
• Serving Temperature: Serve at room temperature or warm slightly for 10-15 seconds in microwave per slice.

Love homemade pies? Try these recipes!

• Caramel Pie
• Chocolate Pudding Pie
• Coconut Custard Pie
• Double Layer Pumpkin Pie
• Eggnog Pie
• Lemon Meringue Pie
• Marie Callender’s Banana Cream Pie
• Million Dollar Pie
• Ritz Mock Apple Pie
• Sour Cream Raisin Pie
• Toll House Cookie Pie

Favorite Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes

• Pig Pickin Cake
• Sock It To Me Cake

Check out my easy pie recipes and the best Thanksgiving dessert recipes here on CopyKat!