For me, one dessert that has always stood out above the rest is the Broma Bakery Pecan Pie. It’s rich, gooey, nutty, and downright irresistible. And if you’re looking to elevate this timeless classic, Broma Bakery has the perfect recipe to steal the show.
Table of Contents
How to make Broma Bakery Pecan Pie
Broma Bakery Pecan Pie is a homemade pecan pie recipe from the Broma Bakery food blog.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups (175g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold, unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
- ¼ cup ice-cold water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup light corn syrup (like Karo® Light Corn Syrup)
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional but recommended for depth of flavor)
- 2 cups pecan halves or chopped pecans
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add butter: Using a pastry cutter or food processor, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it forms coarse crumbs resembling pea-sized pieces.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice-cold water (1 tablespoon at a time) and gently combine until the dough holds together but is not sticky.
- Chill it: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll it out: Once chilled, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish.
- Place in the dish: Gently transfer the crust to your pie dish, trim any excess overhang, and crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and bourbon (if using). Make sure the mixture is smooth.
- Add pecans: Fold in your pecan halves or chopped pecans until they’re evenly coated with the filling.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Fill the crust: Pour the filling into the pie crust, spreading the pecans evenly.
- Bake: Place the pie on the center rack of your oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the filling has set. The center should be slightly jiggly but firm around the edges.
- Cool it down: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing. This ensures the filling sets properly for clean slices.
Tips for the Perfect Pecan Pie:
- Keep your crust cold: Cold butter and chilled dough make for a flakier crust. Don’t skip the refrigeration step!
- Don’t overbake: Slight jiggle in the center is good—it’ll firm up as the pie cools. Overbaking may cause cracking or dryness in the filling.
- Use fresh pecans: Fresh pecans make a world of difference in flavor and texture. Toast them lightly for even more flavor!
- Customize the flavor: Adding bourbon is optional, but it enhances the pie with warm, caramel-like notes. You can also substitute maple syrup or add a sprinkle of sea salt for added depth.
- Room temperature eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps the filling mix more smoothly and bake evenly.
- Serve with style: Pair your pecan pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for ultimate indulgence.
What to serve with
While Broma Bakery Pecan Pie is already a star on its own, pairing it with complementary sides and toppings can take your dessert game to the next level.
1. A Scoop of Ice Cream
The warm, gooey pecan pie filling combined with the flaky crust pairs beautifully with cold, creamy ice cream. Here are some flavors to consider:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that beautifully complements the buttery nuttiness of the Broma Bakery Pecan Pie.
- Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Adds another layer of sweetness with a hint of salt for contrast.
- Butter Pecan Ice Cream: A nutty option that enhances the pecan flavor and adds even more richness.
- Cinnamon Ice Cream: Perfect for fall, this spice-forward option echoes the warm, holiday-inspired flavors in the Broma Bakery Pecan Pie.
2. Whipped Cream
Light and airy whipped cream is another timeless pairing for Broma Bakery Pecan Pie. Its subtle sweetness balances the pie’s richness, creating a well-rounded bite. Try one of these options:
- Classic Vanilla Whipped Cream: Add a splash of vanilla extract or powdered sugar for extra flavor.
- Bourbon Whipped Cream: Whisk in a teaspoon of bourbon for a boozy flair that complements any bourbon used in the pie filling.
- Spiced Whipped Cream: Incorporate cinnamon, nutmeg, or even pumpkin pie spice for a cozy seasonal twist.
Ingredients Substitutes
Want to make Broma Bakery Pecan Pie but don’t have all the ingredients on hand?
1. Substitutes for All-Purpose Flour (Crust)
Flour forms the base of the pie crust, but you can swap it out depending on dietary preferences or allergies:
- Whole Wheat Flour: For a slightly nutty flavor and more fiber, use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Note that the crust may be denser.
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend: For a gluten-free alternative, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure it contains a binding agent like xanthan gum to replicate the structure of regular flour.
- Almond Flour: Use almond flour or almond meal for a nutty, gluten-free crust. You may need to combine it with some tapioca starch to improve texture.
- Oat Flour: Create a homemade oat flour by blending oats in a food processor. Great for adding a heartier texture but will require slightly more liquid to hold together.
2. Substitutes for Corn Syrup (Filling)
Corn syrup gives pecan pie its sweet, gooey texture, but if you want to avoid it or don’t have it, try these alternatives:
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is a natural alternative and offers a richer, complex flavor that pairs beautifully with pecans. Use a 1:1 substitution.
- Honey: Honey works well as a substitute but may have a slightly thinner consistency. Consider reducing other liquid ingredients slightly.
- Agave Nectar: Agave’s mild flavor and similar texture make it a great replacement for corn syrup in pecan pie. Again, use a 1:1 ratio.
- Brown Sugar Syrup: Combine equal parts brown sugar and water, and simmer it until you achieve a slightly thickened syrup consistency. This option delivers the same sweetness as corn syrup with a molasses-like undertone.
3. Substitutes for Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is essential to the filling’s richness, but you can swap it with other sweeteners:
- Coconut Sugar: A slightly less sweet alternative, coconut sugar imparts a caramel-flavored touch similar to brown sugar. Use a 1:1 ratio.
- White Sugar + Molasses: Make your own brown sugar by mixing white granulated sugar with one tablespoon of molasses per cup.
- Date Sugar: For a natural sweetener, date sugar works surprisingly well. Note that it won’t dissolve as easily, so the filling might be slightly grainier.
- Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a sugar-free version, use a sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. You may need to experiment with amounts, as these are much sweeter than standard sugar.
4. Substitutes for Butter
Butter is vital for both the crust and filling, but here are alternatives:
- Vegan Butter/Margarine: Use a vegan butter or margarine substitute to make the recipe dairy-free. Ensure it’s unsalted if replacing butter in the crust.
- Coconut Oil: Works well for both the crust and filling and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
- Vegetable Shortening: For the crust, shortening is a fantastic substitute for butter and creates a flaky texture.
- Olive Oil: While less common, olive oil can work in the crust, offering a savory twist. For filling, combine it with coconut oil for better consistency.
5. Substitutes for Eggs
Eggs help bind the filling and give it structure; however, there are alternatives for egg-free versions:
- Flax Egg: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2 ½ tablespoons of water per egg. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Chia Seed Egg: Use the same method as flax eggs with chia seeds. It works similarly to bind the filling.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: Replace each egg with 3 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce. It adds moisture to the filling but may make it slightly denser.
- Silken Tofu: Blend ¼ cup of silken tofu per egg to mimic the binding properties and creaminess of eggs.
6. Substitutes for Pecans
While pecans are the soul of pecan pie, you can substitute them with other nuts or seeds for variety or allergies:
- Walnuts: Walnuts have a similar texture and flavor profile, though slightly earthier and less sweet. They’re an excellent replacement for pecans.
- Almonds: Use slivered or chopped almonds for a crunchier texture. Their subtle flavor works well in the pie.
- Hazelnuts: Hazelnuts add a nutty, indulgent twist for those who prefer a more gourmet feel.
- Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): For nut allergies, use unsalted roasted pumpkin seeds for crunch.
- Sunflower Seeds: Another nut-free option, sunflower seeds bring a unique flavor that works well when lightly toasted.
7. Substitutes for Bourbon
If you prefer to skip the bourbon or don’t have it available:
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla is already in the recipe, but increasing the amount slightly provides depth without alcohol.
- Rum: Rum acts as a great substitute for bourbon and offers a warm, spiced sweetness.
- Apple Juice: For a non-alcoholic option, apple juice works well, adding a touch of tartness.
- Cider Vinegar + Water: A mix of equal parts cider vinegar and water mimics bourbon’s tanginess when only a teaspoon or so is needed.
8. Substitutes for Salt
To maintain the savory balance in pecan pie:
- Sea Salt: Perfect substitute for table salt and often provides deeper flavor.
- Kosher Salt: Just use an equal amount of kosher salt for a more nuanced taste.
- Herbed Salt: Enhance the pie’s flavor with lightly herbed salts, such as rosemary or thyme-infused varieties, for a creative twist.
9. Substitutes for Vanilla Extract
If you’re out of vanilla extract:
- Almond Extract: Almond extract provides a nutty, complementary flavor—just use sparingly, as it’s strong!
- Maple Extract: Another great option for a warm, sweet depth of flavor.
- Vanilla Bean Paste: Use an equal amount of vanilla bean paste for rich vanilla notes.
Final Thoughts
Making the Broma Bakery Pecan Pie at home is an experience that blends traditional holiday charm with a touch of creativity. From the flaky homemade crust to the gooey, nutty filling, this recipe is designed to impress.
More Pecan Pie Recipes:
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups (175g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold, unsalted butter
- ¼ cup ice-cold water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon bourbon
- 2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add butter: Using a pastry cutter or food processor, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it forms coarse crumbs resembling pea-sized pieces.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice-cold water (1 tablespoon at a time) and gently combine until the dough holds together but is not sticky.
- Chill it: Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll it out: Once chilled, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish.
- Place in the dish: Gently transfer the crust to your pie dish, trim any excess overhang, and crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and bourbon (if using). Make sure the mixture is smooth.
- Add pecans: Fold in your pecan halves or chopped pecans until they’re evenly coated with the filling.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Fill the crust: Pour the filling into the pie crust, spreading the pecans evenly.
- Bake: Place the pie on the center rack of your oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the filling has set. The center should be slightly jiggly but firm around the edges.
Cool it down: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing. This ensures the filling sets properly for clean slices.