Easy Pecan Pie Recipe (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free) - Paleo Grubs (2024)

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By Jess

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When it comes to dessert options over the holiday season, a fresh baked pie is without a doubt the most popular choice. More specifically, there’s usually three pies that are most often enjoyed this time of year above all others -- apple pie, pumpkin pie, and pecan pie. I love all three varieties of pie but I recently found a way to make a homemade paleo style pecan pie that I just had to share. Everything from the homemade crust to the filling can be summarized in just one word: perfection.

Easy Pecan Pie Recipe (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free) - Paleo Grubs (1)

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Easy Pecan Pie Recipe (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free) - Paleo Grubs (2)

The Ultimate Pie Crust

Speaking of the crust, let’s start with that. You won’t believe how tasty this pie crust ends up being, and it’s all thanks to an incredible combination of ingredients that mesh together perfectly. It starts with using two cups of almond flour. This gives the crust a slightly nutty taste while also giving you some great heart-related benefits. (1) A pinch of salt goes in next followed by a tablespoon of maple syrup. I love using real organic maple syrup as a sweeter, as it contains over 65 types of antioxidants that are beneficial for protecting your body from chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes. (2) Finally, add a single egg and some melted coconut oil to complete the crust dough.

Easy Pecan Pie Recipe (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free) - Paleo Grubs (3)

Gooey Pecan Filling

With the pie crust taken care of, it’s time to turn your attention to the filling. Start out by melting the ghee before whisking together three eggs with coconut sugar and more maple syrup. Combine the egg mixture with the melted ghee, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Take a moment to breathe in the filling mixture — it smells delicious! Finally, add in your chopped pecans. While not quite as popular as other nut varieties, like almonds or walnuts, pecans are still incredibly good for you as well. They’re high in healthy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, making them excellent for heart health. They also contain an abundance of vitamins and minerals. So with that in mind, this recipe takes it a step further with the pecans and even uses pecan halves for decoration after the pie comes out of the oven. It all adds up to making not only a pie that’s amazingly yummy, but one that you can enjoy totally guilt-free since it’s so good for you as well.

Easy Pecan Pie Recipe (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free) - Paleo Grubs (4)

All too often pecan pie ends up taking the backseat to more popular options like apple pie or pumpkin pie. Well, let me be the first to tell you that once you try this paleo pecan pie, that definitely won’t be the case anymore. I mentioned it before but it bears repeating again — the homemade crust and ooey gooey pecan filling of this pie can only be summarized with the word ‘perfection’. After you try a slice of this pie, I’m sure you’ll be in agreement.

Easy Pecan Pie Recipe (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free) - Paleo Grubs (5)

Easy Pecan Pie Recipe (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free) - Paleo Grubs (6)

And while we’re on the topic of paleo-friendly alternatives to the more common types of pies, you should have a look at these other fantastic recipes for paleo pies:

  • Dark Chocolate Paleo Pie with Homemade Crust
  • Homemade Flaky Crust Cherry Pie
  • Berry Chocolate Pie

Ingredients

  • For the crust
    • 2 cups almond flour
    • pinch of salt
    • 1 tbsp maple syrup
    • 2 tbsp melted coconut oil plus extra for greasing
    • 1 egg
  • For the filling
    • 1/3 cup ghee
    • 2/3 cup coconut sugar
    • ½ cup maple syrup
    • 3 eggs
    • 1 ½ cups pecan halves, roughly chopped
    • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
    • 1 tsp orange zest
  • For decoration (optional)
    • pecan halves

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. To make the crust, place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix to combine.
  3. Grease 9-inch pan with extra coconut oil.
  4. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan.
  5. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
  6. Refrigerate the crust while making the filling.
  7. To make the filling, melt the ghee in a small sauce pan over medium heat.
  8. Cool slightly.
  9. Whisk the eggs with maple syrup and coconut sugar.
  10. Add the melted ghee, orange zest, vanilla extract and mix to combine.
  11. Fold in the chopped pecans.
  12. Pour the filing into the crust.
  13. Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  14. Remove the foil and bake for 15- 25 minutes more or until the top no longer jiggles in the center.
  15. Remove from the oven.
  16. To decorate, arrange the pecan halves on top in concentric circles.
  17. Cool completely before slicing.

Servings

Time

Total Time

75 minutes

Prep Time

30 minutes

Cook Time

45 minutes

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More Good Pecan Pie Dessert Recipes

Mini Pecan Pie Tarts

These wonderfully delicious pecan pie tarts can help you stay on track with your Paleo goals during the holiday season. The recipe might require a bit more effort than other desserts but the subtly sweet pecan filling and almond tart crust are well worth it. The tarts are done baking when the filling is no longer wobbly and the crust is golden. Let cool and serve slightly warm, or at room temperature.

Easy Pecan Pie Recipe (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free) - Paleo Grubs (7)

Ingredients

For the crust:

1 1/2 cups almond flour
1/4 cup coconut flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
1 egg, beaten

For the filling:

1 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup honey
3 tbsp ghee
3 eggs
1 egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
2 cups pecans, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Add the almond flour, coconut flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda to a food processor. Pulse to stir. Add in the coconut oil and egg and pulse until the dough starts to form a ball.

2. Grease a 9-inch pie dish or ramekins with coconut oil spray. Press the dough into the pan or divide among the ramekins. Set in the refrigerator to chill.

3. Warm the maple syrup and honey in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a low simmer.

4. Whisk together the eggs and egg yolk. Slowly drizzle in a little of the honey mixture while at the same time rapidly whisking the eggs to temper them. Then add the eggs into the rest of the honey mixture in the saucepan, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

5. Stir in the vanilla, salt, and pecans. Pour the mixture into the chilled crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the filling is set. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

1 Comment

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  1. This was super easy to make with your directions! I made it early for Thanksgiving so we can’t try it for a whole day but I’m sure it will be fabulous! Thank you!

    Rating: 5

    Reply

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Easy Pecan Pie Recipe (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free) - Paleo Grubs (2024)

FAQs

What is a good substitute for corn 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.

Can I substitute honey for corn syrup in a pie? ›

Some will have a floral flavor while others will have a more bold taste. When substituting honey for corn syrup, using equivalent amounts is recommended. For every one cup of corn syrup, use one cup of honey instead.

What makes a pecan pie not set up? ›

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.

Does pecan pie contain dairy? ›

Most pecan pies are filled with dairy butter and sometimes cream. And a dairy-free search online usually yields an assortment of egg-free and vegan recipes.

Is Karo syrup the same as corn syrup? ›

Karo syrup is a popular brand of corn syrup, which is obtained from corn starch that is derived from maize. It is a concentrated solution of several sugars, such as glucose (dextrose), derived from corn starch. Because of various sugars, corn syrup has a naturally mild sweet taste.

Can I add maple syrup instead of honey? ›

Maple syrup is one of the best substitutes for honey because it has a very similar texture and consistency. If you usually drizzle honey over pancakes or enjoy mixing natural yogurt with honey, then maple syrup is the perfect honey replacement. When used for baking, it can directly replace honey in the recipe.

What can I use if I don't have honey or maple syrup? ›

Agave Nectar

Its golden color resembles honey but it has a consistency closer to maple syrup. Bake with it or use it in a glaze, marinade, dressing, or co*cktail.

What can I substitute for dark karo in pecan pie? ›

Maple Syrup

Swap in equal parts maple syrup for light or dark corn syrup in pies, cakes, or any recipe where its subtle maple flavor would be welcome.

Why is the middle of my pecan pie still liquid? ›

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.

How do you keep pecan pie from being runny? ›

Following the precise measurements and recipe is equally important. Additional tips for preventing a pecan pie that is too runny include: toasting the pecans, properly folding the pecans into the filling, and baking a cold pie.

Why did my pecan pie come out hard? ›

Pecan pie can become hard if it is left in the oven for too long or at a higher temperature than necessary. This could happen due to an inaccurate cooking time, temperature or failing to cover with aluminum foil for part of the baking time.

Are pecans gluten and dairy free? ›

Nuts and seeds are inherently gluten-free and dairy-free, making them a convenient source of healthy fats and plant-based protein.

What are the main ingredients in pecan pie? ›

Please do yourself a favor and pair it with my easy homemade pie crust, that tastes SO much better than store-bought! Basic Ingredients: You only need a few simple pantry ingredients: sugar, brown sugar, salt, corn syrup, vanilla, butter, eggs, pecans.

What is the pecan pie filling made of? ›

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.

What can you substitute for 1 cup corn syrup? ›

You can replace 1 cup of corn syrup with one of these simple substitutes:
  • 1 cup sugar dissolved in 1/4 cup warm water.
  • 1 cup honey.
  • 1 cup light molasses.
  • 1 cup maple-flavored syrup (pancake syrup)
  • 1 cup agave nectar.
  • 1 cup brown rice syrup.
Mar 18, 2024

Why is there corn syrup in pecan pie? ›

Corn syrup is the glue that holds pecan pie filling together. Thicker than other liquid sweeteners, corn syrup works with the eggs to help ensure your pecan pie filling will set.

What has the same consistency as corn syrup? ›

Molasses. The consistency of molasses is very similar to corn syrup and can be used with a 1:1 ratio as an alternative in baked goods.

Can I substitute honey or maple syrup for corn syrup? ›

You can substitute an equal amount of honey for light corn syrup in many recipes. Like maple syrup, honey is not the best choice for making candies or caramel because it may crystallize. However, it is a good option for making frostings, baked goods, jams, and jellies.

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