Apple Brandy Candied Pecan Pie
The delightful Apple Brandy Candied Pecan Pie combines the warm, comforting flavors of apple brandy with a spicy twist from southern candied pecans, making it a delightful centerpiece for your holiday gatherings. Baked in a cast iron skillet and finished with a dollop of homemade whipped cream, this pie is sure to impress your guests. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Cast Iron Skillet Pecan Pie
This pie is inspired by my fondness for candied pecans, a touch of chocolate admiration (which we won’t use here), some locally sourced honey, and an extra splash of apple brandy I had lying around our kitchen shelf. Cooking with alcohol brings a wonderful depth of flavor and delightful aromas to dishes, and fear not—the alcohol cooks off, making this pie family-friendly while still feeling luxurious for the adults.
Pecan Pie Ingredients
To create this traditional pecan pie with a unique twist, gather the following ingredients:
- Pie crust
- Eggs
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Butter
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Pecans
- Cinnamon
- Smoked paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Apple brandy
This version of pecan pie is lighter in sweetness, as we’re replacing the usual corn syrup with honey and adding an array of warm spices, giving you a pie that satisfies your sweet tooth without being overly indulgent.
How to Make Pecan Pie in a Cast Iron Skillet
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by adding the butter, brown sugar, spices, honey, and apple brandy into a saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until the butter melts. Once melted, let it simmer until the mixture bubbles consistently, even when stirred. Then, remove from the heat.
Step 2: Prep the Skillet
While your sauce is bubbling away, grab your cast iron skillet and give it a light spray with cooking spray to ensure the pie won’t stick. Carefully unroll your pie crust and gently press it into the skillet’s shape, being careful not to stretch it. A ready-made pie crust fits perfectly in the skillet and accommodates the filling wonderfully.
To prevent any cracking or tearing, allow your pie crust to come to room temperature for about an hour before working with it. This will make it easier to handle.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
After allowing your caramelized mixture to cool for a few minutes, transfer it into a bowl and add in the pecans, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together. In a separate bowl, lightly beat your eggs and then, while constantly stirring, pour them slowly into the pecan mixture to prevent the eggs from cooking if the mixture is still hot. Once fully combined, pour it into your prepared crust.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Place your skillet in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C) and let it bake for about 50 minutes. Once done, allow the pie to cool completely, as this will help the sugars crystallize, making cutting easier. While it cools, whip up a batch of homemade whipped cream to crown this delicious creation!
Pecan Pie without Corn Syrup
While corn syrup has its place in many recipes, I prefer to keep things a bit lighter during the holiday season when we’re all indulging a bit more. The key is creating a pecan pie that is sweet but not overwhelmingly so—honey serves as a fantastic substitute here, resulting in a pie that warms you without weighing you down.
Substitutions for Corn Syrup
If you’re looking to avoid corn syrup but can’t use honey due to allergies, consider these alternatives:
- Agave syrup
- Maple syrup
- Brown rice syrup
How to Store and Serve Pecan Pie
Does Pecan Pie Need to Be Refrigerated?
Yes, since pecan pie contains eggs, it should be refrigerated once cooled to help it set properly for slicing.
How to Store Leftover Pecan Pie
Store any leftovers in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.
Can You Freeze Pecan Pie?
Absolutely! You can freeze a pecan pie for up to two weeks. Just make sure to let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly and place it in the freezer. To serve, remove it from the freezer the night before and let it thaw in the refrigerator.
How to Reheat a Frozen Pecan Pie
When ready to eat, allow the pie to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Then bake it on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore its lovely texture. You can serve it warm or let it cool again before enjoying.
What to Serve with Pecan Pie
Pecan pie is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with ice cream or whipped cream. To make homemade whipped cream, simply beat a cup of heavy cream until it thickens. Avoid overbeating! Add a tablespoon of sugar and a splash of vanilla for extra flavor.
Holiday Dishes to Pair with Pecan Pie
Complement your pecan pie with some festive holiday dishes like roasted vegetables, honey-glazed ham, or even a light salad to balance out all the rich flavors. These dishes will ensure a well-rounded and satisfying holiday meal.
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