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There’s something magical about that golden crust, sticky-sweet filling, and the perfectly toasted pecans that makes it nearly impossible to pass by. Every season, Costco pecan pie becomes the centerpiece of countless dinners, celebrations, and casual indulgences—and for good reason! It’s big, it’s bold, and it tastes like a warm Southern hug.
Table of Contents
How to make Costco Pecan Pie
Costco Pecan Pie is a large, sweet dessert pie sold at Costco, typically designed for sharing at gatherings or holidays. It features a buttery, flaky crust filled with a rich, gooey mixture of pecans, corn syrup, sugar, eggs, and often a touch of vanilla or bourbon flavoring.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
- 6-8 tbsp ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups pecan halves or pieces
- Optional: 2 tbsp apricot jam (to mimic Costco’s glaze finish)
Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch pie pan
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add 1 tbsp of ice water at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. (Be careful not to overwork it!)
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Roll Out the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the dough from the fridge and let it sit for 5 minutes to soften slightly.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to your pie pan, pressing it gently to fit snugly. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Fold in the pecans, ensuring they’re evenly coated with the filling mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading the pecans evenly across the top for a beautiful presentation.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until the filling is set but slightly jiggles in the center when shaken.
- If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil or a pie shield.
Step 5: Optional Apricot Glaze
- While the pie is cooling, gently warm the apricot jam in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Brush the warm glaze over the pecans on top of the pie for that shining Costco-inspired finish.
Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: Keeping the butter and dough cold ensures a flaky and tender crust. Resting it in the fridge also prevents shrinking during baking.
- Don’t Overbake: Watch the filling closely toward the end of baking. An underbaked center is better than an overbaked one, which can dry out the Costco pecan pie.
- Use Fresh Pecans: To elevate your pie’s flavor, opt for high-quality, fresh pecans. Junior Mammoth pecans, like those Costco uses, work best for texture and appearance.
- Let It Cool: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set and creates cleaner cuts.
Ingredients Substitutes
Swapping ingredients doesn’t have to compromise taste or texture—with the right substitutes, you’ll still end up with a delightful dessert.
Corn Syrup Substitutes
Corn syrup is a crucial ingredient in pecan pie as it creates the sticky filling while holding everything together. However, if you’d prefer to avoid it or don’t have any on hand, there are great alternatives:
- Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup offers a rich, earthy sweetness that complements the pecans beautifully. It will change the flavor slightly but delightfully. Use it as a 1:1 substitute.
- Honey: Another natural sweetener, honey works well as a substitute for corn syrup. Use a 1:1 ratio, but note that it adds a more floral note to the pie.
- Golden Syrup: A common substitute for corn syrup, golden syrup (like Lyle’s Golden Syrup) offers a similarly thick consistency and sweetness. Replace in a 1:1 ratio.
- Brown Sugar Syrup: Make your own corn syrup alternative by combining 1 cup packed brown sugar with ¼ cup water in a saucepan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, then let it cool before using.
Sugar Substitutes
Pecan pie traditionally uses a combination of brown sugar and corn syrup for sweetness, but there are substitutes if you’re cutting back on refined sugars:
- Coconut Sugar: Use it as a 1:1 replacement for brown sugar. It has a slightly caramel-like flavor, similar to brown sugar, which works well in pecan pie.
- Date Sugar: Another natural, unrefined substitute that can replace brown sugar in a 1:1 ratio. It adds a subtle, fruity undertone.
- Low-Calorie Sweeteners: Consider monk fruit sweetener or erythritol blends like Swerve, which mimic the sweetness of sugar without the calories. Ensure the sweetener you choose is a 1:1 replacement for sugar.
- Stevia (Liquid or Powder): If using stevia, check the packaging for the proper measurement as it’s significantly sweeter than sugar. Combine it with another bulk sweetener (like agave syrup) to maintain texture.
Pecan Substitutes
If you’re not a fan of pecans or have an allergy to nuts, there are alternatives that still capture the texture and look of the Costco pecan pie:
- Walnuts: The closest substitute for pecans in terms of texture and flavor. Replace in a 1:1 ratio.
- Almonds or Cashews: While their flavor differs slightly (more mild and creamy), they offer a good crunch similar to pecans.
- Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): For a nut-free option, use roasted, unsalted pumpkin seeds for a toasty, nut-like texture.
- Sunflower Seeds: Another nut-free alternative that works well when lightly roasted. Use about 1½ cups to replace the pecans.
- Oats: For a completely different (but allergy-friendly) twist, sprinkle rolled oats on top of the filling to mimic some of the texture of nuts.
Final Thoughts
By thoughtfully pairing Costco pecan pie with these sides, toppings, and accompaniments, you can easily curate a dessert spread that leaves everyone asking for seconds.
More Pie Recipes:
- Copycat 7 Brew Pecan Pie Breve Recipe
- Easy McDonald’s Holiday Pie Recipe
- Copycat Kraft Apple Pie Mac and Cheese Recipe
- A Wisconsin Christmas Pie Recipe
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butterÂ
- 6-8 tbsp ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups pecan halves or pieces
- Optional: 2 tbsp apricot jam
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add 1 tbsp of ice water at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. (Be careful not to overwork it!)
- Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Roll Out the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the dough from the fridge and let it sit for 5 minutes to soften slightly.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to your pie pan, pressing it gently to fit snugly. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Fold in the pecans, ensuring they're evenly coated with the filling mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading the pecans evenly across the top for a beautiful presentation.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until the filling is set but slightly jiggles in the center when shaken.
- If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil or a pie shield.
Step 5: Optional Apricot Glaze
- While the pie is cooling, gently warm the apricot jam in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Brush the warm glaze over the pecans on top of the pie for that shining Costco-inspired finish.
