Pecan Pie Filling in a Jar- Pecan Sauce Recipe (2024)

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A fully cooked pecan pie filling recipe that can be canned, used as a sauce for ice cream or cheesecakes, or fill a fully baked pie shell for a quick and easy dessert. But don't worry, we have included instructions if you want to use this filling in your own unbaked pie crust!

Pecan Pie Filling in a Jar- Pecan Sauce Recipe (1)

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Homemade pecan pie is a quintessential Thanksgiving dessert. And while we love making pies, especially our gluten-free pecan pie, sometimes making a whole pie is a lot of work.

This recipe is so popular it was featured in South in Your Mouth's Southern Food Weekend Potluck.

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  • 📖Why This Recipe Works
  • 🧾Ingredient Notes
  • 💭Optional Pecan Pie Filling Add-Ins
  • ⏲️How to Make Stove Top Pecan Pie Filling
  • ⏲️How to Make Pecan Pie Filling for Baking
  • 👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tip
  • 🌡️Storage
  • Canning Instructions
  • More Sweet Treats
  • 💬Frequently Asked Questions
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • ⭐Reviews

📖Why This Recipe Works

This recipe can be canned and given as a gift to a party host or in place of a cookie exchange. It is naturally gluten-free and can be made easily dairy-free.

Made on the stovetop, stirring over low heat prevents the eggs from scrambling. Once fully cooked it can be used in a variety of ways from filling mini tart shells to canning for use later in the year!

This recipe can also be used to make pecan pie bars or a pie when used with your favorite pie crust recipe!

🧾Ingredient Notes

Pecans- I like to use a mix of halves and pieces.

Dark Corn Syrup - There are recipes that use light corn syrup, but I love the richer flavor that dark corn syrup brings to the pecan pie filling.

Light Brown Sugar - I like to use light brown sugar to offset the richness of the dark corn syrup. If you only have dark brown sugar that will work too! I do not recommend substituting granulated sugar, but dark coconut sugar will work.

Unsalted Butter - Melted to keep the filling smooth and creamy. If you use salted butter reduce the salt by half. Use vegan butter for dairy-free.

Vanilla Extract - A touch of vanilla adds warmth and flavor depth to the filling.

Pecan Pie Filling in a Jar- Pecan Sauce Recipe (2)

💭Optional Pecan Pie Filling Add-Ins

This delicious pecan pie filling recipe definitely doesn’t need any changes, but here are a few ways it can be adjusted to fit your needs:

  • Dairy-Free Pecan Pie Sauce- Use dairy-free butter in the filling.
  • Bourbon- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of bourbon along with the vanilla.
  • Walnut- I know. It’s a pecan pie. But you can totally just swap out with your favorite nuts, but walnuts are the most common.
  • Chocolate Pecan-Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips as the sauce is cooling.

⏲️How to Make Stove Top Pecan Pie Filling

  1. Melt- Add all the ingredients, except the vanilla extract, in a saucepan. Heat on low heat and constantly stir until the sugar is dissolved and the butter is melted.
  2. Boil- Gradually increase the heat until the pecan mixture reaches a low boil. Stir every minute to ensure the eggs do not scramble. Once the mixture has thickened add the vanilla extract.
  3. Cool- Cool to room temperature before using.

See below for storage and canning instructions.

Pecan Pie Filling in a Jar- Pecan Sauce Recipe (3)

🥧How to Use Cooked Pecan Pie Sauce

Beyond using this filling for pie (or mini pies), you can use this pecan pie sauce on cheesecakes, stir it into yogurt for a snack, or make an ice cream sundae!

You can also use it on top of pancakes or waffles, like our pumpkin pancake syrup, on top of oatmeal, or stir it into overnight oats.

Cooked pecan pie filling can also be used in pastry treats like homemade pop tarts or hand pies or as a cake filling.

⏲️How to Make Pecan Pie Filling for Baking

  1. Par Bake- Blind bake your crust for at least 15 minutes at 425 F degrees.
  2. Melt- Melt your butter and cool slightly so as not to cook the eggs.
  3. Combine- Whisk in the corn syrup, brown sugar and salt. Add the beaten eggs and vanilla.
  4. Bake- Add your pecans to the pie shell (if you want a pretty design) and pour over the sauce or add them directly to the sauce and pour it into your pie shell. Bake until the center is just set.
  5. Cool- This easy pecan pie recipe needs to cool on a baking rack for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Failing to cool your pecan pie properly will result in a running center. The filling needs time to set up properly.

Pecan Pie Filling in a Jar- Pecan Sauce Recipe (4)

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tip

Using room-temperature eggs will reduce the chances of the eggs scrambling creating an unwelcome texture.

🌡️Storage

Cool the sauce completely and store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Serve at room temperature or warm. You can reheat the sauce in the microwave on 50% power stirring every few minutes. Or reheat in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat.

This recipe can be frozen in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

If baked in a pie, store the pie in its original pie plate at room temperature and cover it with foil or plastic wrap.

Canning Instructions

Leave one inch of headspace in your jar when canning to prevent jar overflow in the canner.Once the sterilized jars are filled and the lids are attached, the pecan pie filling is canned in a water bath canner for 25 minutes.

Remove from the heat and allow the jars to sit for an additional 5 minutes before carefully removing them from the water. Let sit for 24 hours before checking the seal.

Pecan Pie Filling in a Jar- Pecan Sauce Recipe (5)

More Sweet Treats

  • Peppermint Creams
  • Tanghulu
  • Candied Orange Slices with Dark Chocolate
  • Demerara Syrup

💬Frequently Asked Questions

Can you can pecan pie filling?

Yes, you can pecan pie filling if it has been fully cooked. Raw eggs should not be canned. See the post for canning instructions.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with my food.

📖 Recipe Card

Pecan Pie Filling in a Jar- Pecan Sauce Recipe (10)

Pecan Pie Filling

A classic pecan filling recipe that can be used in a variety of desserts from topping ice cream to a pecan pie inspired trifle.

Servings: 8

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 10 minutes mins

Total: 15 minutes mins

5 from 20 votes

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups pecans chopped
  • 1 cup dark corn syrup
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 3 eggs
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Pecan Pie Sauce

  • In a medium saucepan over low heat, stir together the chopped pecans, corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, eggs, and salt. Stir constantly until the sugar has dissolved.

    2 cups pecans, 1 cup dark corn syrup, ½ cup brown sugar, 4 tablespoon unsalted butter, ¾ teaspoon salt, 3 eggs

  • Increase the heat and bring to a slight boil, just so the edges of the pan bubble. Reduce to a simmer. Cook for 8 minutes or until thick. Stir in vanilla.

    1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • Let cool to room temperature before using.

Pecan Pie Instructions

  • Par bake crust for 15 minutes at 425 F degrees. Use pie weights or dry beans to weigh down.

  • Melt the butter in the microwave or in a saucepan. Allow to cool slightly but not solidify. Whisk together the cooled melted butter, corn syrup, brown sugar, and salt until well combined and frothy. Add the eggs and vanilla. Whisk until combined. Stir in pecans.

  • Pour into pie shell. Bake at 350 F degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until the center is just set and reaches 200F degrees.

  • Cool the pie on a baking rack for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. Serve cold or at room temperature.

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Notes

  • Use this pecan pie filling as a sauce for ice cream, cheesecakes, etc, or to make deconstructed pecan pie in a cup.
  • Cool completely and store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
  • Serve at room temperature or warm.
  • This recipe can be canned or frozen in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 422kcal | Carbs: 51g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 2g

Author: Jen Wooster

Course:: Baking, Dessert

Cuisine: American, Christmas, Southern, Thanksgiving

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Pecan Pie Filling in a Jar- Pecan Sauce Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to use light or dark Karo syrup for pecan pie? ›

Light and dark corn syrup can be used interchangeably in almost every instance, with slight flavor variances. In a pecan pie, for example, light corn syrup will contribute sweetness and a hint of vanilla, but that's about it. Dark corn syrup, in addition to sweetness, will add color and a more robust, toasty flavor.

What is the filling made of in pecan pie? ›

Pecan pie is a delightful concoction of pecan nuts mixed with a rich, caramelly filling made from eggs, butter, corn syrup, and sugar. The earliest pecan pie can be traced all the way back to the late 1800s, but it really peaked in the early 20th century when Karo™ syrup printed a pecan pie recipe on its bottles.

How do you eat pecan pie in a jar? ›

Can I eat pecan pie-in-a-jar straight out of the jar? Yes, but the intended use is to bake a pecan pie (instructions on the lid of the jar). It can be poured from the jar as a topping over waffles, or cheesecake or any warm dessert.

Why is my Karo pecan pie runny? ›

A pecan pie is essentially a custard pie, and a liquid center is almost always the result of underbaking. The Karo Classic Pecan Pie recipe calls for baking the pie for 60 to 70 minutes at 350 degrees. In some ovens, however, the pie can take 75 minutes or more.

What is a substitute for Karo syrup in pecan pie? ›

For every one cup of corn syrup that the recipe calls for, use one cup of maple syrup instead. The great thing about maple syrup is it has some nutritional benefits. Maple syrup contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, such as Vitamin B6, calcium, niacin, potassium, and riboflavin.

Why is my pecan pie filling not setting? ›

Here's the thing to remember: If you're filling hasn't set, it means the bottom of the pie crust isn't fully cooked, either. You can prevent the outer crust from further darkening (or even burning) by covering it with aluminum foil or -- more attractively -- with what's known as a pie ring or shield.

How do you keep pecan pie filling from seeping through the crust? ›

Seal the Surface

Brush the surface of the unbaked crust with a beaten egg or egg white mixed with water before adding the filling. As the pie bakes, the proteins in the egg will form a moisture barrier over the crust and provide a layer of protection.

Why add egg to pie filling? ›

There is no liquid apart from the eggs and these are mainly to bind the bacon and onions together in the filling, so that the filling does not fall out when the pie is cut. However, make sure that you don't overbake the pie and just cook until the top is pale gold and the edges are a little darker.

How do you doctor up a store bought pecan pie? ›

Take a tasty Compliments Pecan Pie to a whole new dimension by topping with a thin, smooth layer of homemade dark chocolate ganache. We up the ante by garnishing with mini pretzels, toasted pecans, and sea salt for a savoury textural crunch to offset the sweet filling.

Do you really have to refrigerate pecan pie? ›

Yes. Because pecan pie is an "egg-rich" pie, the USDA recommends you store it in the fridge after it has cooled. Unless you plan on serving the pie within two hours of baking, it shouldn't stay out at room temperature.

How long do pecans last in a jar? ›

You can keep whole pecans in the shell fresh for up to 2 years when done right. Store pecans in small batches in airtight containers. Airtight jars are the best option but zip lock bags can do the job as well. Use two zip lock bags, then wrap them in a brown paper bag.

Is pecan pie filling supposed to be runny? ›

If your pecan pie is still a little soupy, it simply means you need to bake it more. The center or filling of a pecan pie needs time to thicken and set properly. Here are several reasons why your pecan pie is too soupy or runny. Was the oven at the correct temperature?

What happens if my pie filling is too runny? ›

The best way to thicken runny apple pie filling before baking it is to add some cornstarch, tapioca starch, or flour to your mix. To fix a runny pie that's already been baked, simply let it cool to see if it will congeal naturally. If not, you can stick it back in the oven for a bit longer.

Why is my pecan pie fluffy? ›

Pecan pie is meant to be a soft set pie. The filling is very gooey and rich and because it's under a heavy candied pecan crust it won't get very high. However, the filling should not be runny. If your filling is runny chances are you didn't cook it long enough or give it a long enough time to set.

Which is better light or dark Karo syrup? ›

Typically, light corn syrup is used when a delicately sweet flavor is desired, such as in fruit sauces and jams. Karo light corn syrup is made with real vanilla. Dark corn syrup is made with refiners' syrup, a type of molasses. With its more robust flavor and color, it is ideal for many baked goods.

Is light or dark brown sugar better for pie? ›

Again, if you use dark brown sugar, you will find a stronger flavor and the higher acidity will impact the rise, causing a higher rise or wider spread. That being said, if the recipe only calls for a small amount of brown sugar, it may not impact the final product.

How do I substitute light corn syrup for dark corn syrup? ›

All you need to do is add 1/4 cup of molasses to 3/4 cup of your light syrup. This helps the syrup keep the same consistency and gives it that robust flavor of dark syrup. No molasses? You could also dissolve brown sugar in water on the stovetop until it forms a syrup.

Do you use dark or light brown sugar for pie? ›

Using dark brown sugar when a recipe calls for light will give your final product a more robust taste and a darker color, and it might slightly affect the texture. Because acidic molasses reacts with baking soda, using dark brown sugar in place of light might cause a higher rise and/or a wider spread.

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