The Karo Syrup pecan pie recipe is the classic pecan pie recipe. Why settle for anything else?
Karo Syrup Pecan Pie
It may be the best pecan pie recipe in the world. It’s definitely the easiest pecan pie recipe. The only question it needs to answer once and for all is what color corn syrup you should use. But I digress; we’ll get to that in a minute.
I think a lot of people are intimidated by the idea of making a pecan pie from scratch. And by “from scratch,” I mean even with using a frozen pie crust rather than making your own. People can’t wrap their heads around how all those pecans end up in a perfect layer without some kind of magic happening. Luckily, the magic is pure slight of hand—it’s only the illusion of hard work and skill.
A pecan pie is just a stir and a pour away. Truly. You put corn syrup, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and melted butter in a bowl, stir it up, add pecans and stir again, then pour the whole thing in a pie crust. Then bake it. How do you know when a pecan pie is set? A pecan pie is set when the temperature in the middle of the pie reaches 200°F. Then, take it out and let it cool for 2 hours to fully solidify.
Chocolate Pecan Pie Variation
To make a chocolate pecan pie, stir 2 ounces semi-sweet OR bittersweet chocolate, melted, into the pie filling mixture before you stir in the pecans.
More Southern Pies
Bonus Question: Which Color Corn Syrup?
Should you use light or dark corn syrup for pecan pie? Choose dark corn syrup for a deeper, more caramelized flavor, light syrup for a cleaner, lighter flavor.

Karo Syrup Pecan Pie
The Karo Syrup Pecan Pie recipe is the classic pecan pie recipe. Get the original authentic recipe that works every single time!
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup Karo corn syrup light or dark, see note
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole pecans
- 1 unbaked deep dish 9-inch pie crust see note
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the pie crust on a baking sheet for easy handling and cleanup.
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In a large mixing bowl, mix the eggs, corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla until thoroughly combined. Add the pecans and stir.
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Pour the mixture into the pie crust. Place the baking sheet with the filled pie crust into the preheated oven. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the center of the pie reaches 200°F as measured with an instant read thermometer.
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Remove from the oven and cool for 2 hours before serving.
Recipe Notes
Choose dark corn syrup for a deeper, more caramelized flavor, light syrup for a cleaner, lighter flavor.
If you have a regular pie crust but not a deep dish pie crust, leave out a little pie filling so that the pie doesn't bubble up and overflow when cooking.
Amber Myers says
I love Pecan Pie. This looks so delicious. I haven’t ever made it on my own, so maybe I should try this out.
Pam Wattenbarger says
My mom used this recipe when I was growing up. It brings back a lot of memories, especially of the holidays.
Paula says
My mom always made hers by this recipe with the light Kari syrup. It was the bomb!
melissa chapman says
That pie looks amazing and everyone loves pecan pie. My husband has made a similar pie and it never fails to impress the guests.
Gladys says
My pecans ended up being over cooked and it was only 40 mins in… It was in the middle of the oven too and set at 350.
Any reasons why this might happen?
Katie Moseman says
That’s unusual. My first guess would be that the oven might need calibration. My second guess would be to take a look at the pie pan material. Dark metals tend to run hot in the oven. Other than those possibilities, I’m not quite sure what happened.
cait says
my kids are huge fans of pecan pie and id love to try and make something like this for them to enjoy! cant wait to try your recipe.
Tasheena says
I’ve never tried making pecan pie at home. Looking forward to making this for dessert for my family.
Brianne Tursi Manz says
Pecan pie is one of my favorite desserts! It looks so easy to make and very delicious. With your recipe I’ll be able to step out of my comfort zone and make a homemade crust!
Melanie says
This is very similar to how my husband’s grandmother made pecan pie. It was always a tasty Thanksgiving treat for us.
Beth says
I have never made pecan pie because I thought it was tough to make. I need to make this recipe.
Rena says
My husband would go crazy for this! We have a couple of pecan trees in our front yard!
Terri Steffes says
My husband loves pecan pie but I don’t know about the karo syrup pie. It looks amazing. I don’t like pecan pie but that is because I don’t like molasses. I bet karo syrup would be very tasty.
Chef Dennis says
This Karo Syrup Pecan Pie is mouthwatering and I’m starting to drool! I will definitely make this at home
Melissa Dixon says
This looks amazing! I bet my husband would want me to make this one if I showed it to him, he loves pecan pie. We may have to make this one soon.
Lynndee says
Yum! I love pies and pecan pie is one of my favorites. I haven’t tried preparing one, though. I just always buy one at the store. Would love to try your recipe.
Kathy says
I love pecan pie. It’s probably one of my favorite types of pie. I have never tried making it myself before though. This sure looks good.
Dhemz says
Oh, I love pecan pie! It’s my favorite pie ever since we moved to Texas. I would love to try this recipe with karo syrup. Thanks for sharing!
Barbies Beauty Bits says
I haven;t had Karo syrup since I was a kid. I love both pecan pie and karo, so I will be making this soon.
rika says
That looks so good! I want to try this pecan pie because I love pies!
Angela says
I’m making this pie right now and it looks so good. Reminds me of my mom making pecan pie
Katie Moseman says
I love this recipe! Reminds me of Thanksgiving.
Randal Brown says
I have used this recipe for years and my mother used it for many years, easy and delicious. I heard of a new twist that I am going to try, instead of pecans substitute peanuts, I heard it is also very good.
Jess says
This recipe is a family favorite! My mom has always used this recipe and every year everyone goes crazy for them. We also add semi sweet chocolate chips. Absolutely amazing
Debra says
Quick and easy to do also easy cleanup is a plus have used this recipe many years. Sometimes used salted butter gives whole pie that buttery taste Never have leftovers always have great comments
love this
Vanesta Walker says
I use the green label Karo syrup and 1/8 cup to 1/4 cup of bourbon. Tastes fantastic!!
Jennie Skimbo says
I use this recipe every year for the holidays. I found that if you see the pecans getting overdone or too brown just use non stick reynolds wrap. Just lay it gently on top when pie has cooked for a time. Then I remove foil at the end. Easy.