Pecan Slab Pie: The Ultimate Dessert for Feeding a Crowd

Pecan Slab Pie is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the rich, caramel-like flavor of traditional pecan pie
but wants a version that can easily serve a large gathering. This irresistible treat combines a
buttery, flaky crust with a gooey brown sugar and corn syrup filling, all topped with perfectly toasted
pecans that add crunch and depth. Each bite delivers that familiar nutty sweetness, but in a convenient slab form that’s easy to slice and share.

Unlike a classic round pie, a slab pie is baked in a large rectangular pan — making it ideal for holidays, potlucks,
and family gatherings. The texture remains perfectly balanced: crisp on the bottom, rich and chewy in the middle,
and delicately crunchy on top. Best of all, you can cut it into neat squares or bars, making serving a breeze.

The origins of pecan pie trace back to the Southern United States, where pecans were abundant and
corn syrup became a staple sweetener in home kitchens. Over time, bakers created this sheet-pan version
to simplify serving large groups during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Today, Pecan Slab Pie remains one of the most crowd-pleasing desserts you can bring to any celebration.

Ingredients for Pecan Slab Pie

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity — a few pantry staples come together to create an extraordinary dessert.
Below is a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need and why each one matters:

Using high-quality pecans makes all the difference. Toast them lightly before adding to the filling
if you want to bring out even more nutty aroma and depth of flavor. Whether you make your own crust or use
refrigerated pie dough, the result will be absolutely delicious.

How to Make the Perfect Pecan Slab Pie

Making a Pecan Slab Pie is much simpler than it looks. By following these clear steps, you’ll create a dessert that’s
buttery, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet. The slow bake allows the filling to set beautifully while the crust
turns perfectly golden and crisp. Let’s get started!

1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   Grease a 10×15-inch baking sheet or jelly roll pan with butter or non-stick spray.
   This ensures the crust doesn’t stick and gives your pie easy lift after baking.
2. Step 2: Prepare the Crust
   Roll out two pie crusts on a lightly floured surface.
   Press the dough into the prepared baking sheet, overlapping slightly where necessary.
   Seal the seams by pressing them together and trim off any extra dough hanging over the edges.
   If you like a rustic finish, use your fingers or a fork to crimp the edges — it adds a homemade touch and helps keep the filling inside.
3. Step 3: Make the Filling
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 6 eggs, 1 cup light corn syrup, and 1 cup packed brown sugar until smooth and fully blended.
   Add the ½ cup melted butter, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt.
   Whisk again until all ingredients are perfectly combined and the mixture is glossy and golden.
4. Step 4: Add the Pecans
   Fold in 2 cups of pecan halves, making sure they are evenly distributed.
   This ensures every bite has that signature crunch and caramelized nutty flavor that makes pecan pie so iconic.
5. Step 5: Assemble the Pie
   Pour the pecan filling evenly into the prepared crust, using a spatula to smooth out the top.
   Try to arrange some of the pecans face-up for a beautiful presentation once baked.
6. Step 6: Bake
   Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
   The center should be slightly firm but still jiggle just a little when you gently shake the pan — it will continue to set as it cools.
7. Step 7: Cool Completely
   Allow the pie to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
   This step is crucial — cutting too early can cause the filling to run.
   Once cooled, slice into neat squares or bars using a sharp knife.

Pro Tips for the Best Pecan Slab Pie

• Use fresh pecans: Stale nuts can make your pie taste bitter. Fresh or lightly toasted pecans bring out the best flavor.
• Watch your crust edges: If they start browning too quickly, cover them with strips of foil halfway through baking.
• Don’t overbake: The filling should be set but still have a slight wobble — that’s the key to a silky texture.
• Cool completely: Allowing the pie to rest at room temperature helps the filling firm up for perfect, clean slices.
• For an elegant finish: Dust lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate just before serving.

With these tips, your Pecan Slab Pie will have a perfectly flaky crust and a luscious, gooey filling that stays intact when cut.
It’s the kind of dessert that looks as good as it tastes — golden, glossy, and absolutely irresistible.

Serving Suggestions for Pecan Slab Pie

One of the best things about Pecan Slab Pie is how beautifully it serves a crowd.
Since it’s baked in a sheet pan, it’s easy to cut into neat squares or rectangles —
perfect for buffets, parties, and holiday dessert tables.
Each piece holds its shape, offering the perfect balance of buttery crust, sweet filling, and toasted pecans.

• Classic Style: Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Drizzle it: Add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for a luxurious touch.
• Holiday Presentation: Dust the top lightly with powdered sugar and garnish with a few whole pecans for a festive look.
• With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice in the afternoon with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea — the nutty sweetness pairs perfectly.

Whether served as a dessert centerpiece or as bite-sized bars for a potluck,
Pecan Slab Pie never fails to impress.
Its combination of rich, buttery, and caramelized flavors make it an instant favorite at any table.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Hosting a big event or preparing for the holidays? This pie is a baker’s dream because it can be made ahead of time without losing flavor or texture.

• To Make Ahead: Bake the pie up to two days in advance. Once completely cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store at room temperature.
• To Refrigerate: If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
• To Freeze: Cut into squares and freeze individually on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Keeps well for up to 2 months.
• To Reheat: Warm slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8–10 minutes to revive that fresh-from-the-oven aroma.

These tips make Pecan Slab Pie a go-to dessert for holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
You can bake it in advance and focus on other dishes the day of your celebration — stress-free and delicious!

Creative Variations

While traditional Pecan Slab Pie is perfect as-is, you can have fun customizing it to suit your preferences.
Here are a few creative variations to try:

• Chocolate Pecan Slab Pie: Add ½ cup of semisweet chocolate chips to the filling for a rich, indulgent twist.
• Bourbon Pecan Slab Pie: Stir 2 tablespoons of bourbon into the filling for a grown-up version with warm, smoky undertones.
• Maple Pecan Slab Pie: Replace part of the corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a deeper, more natural sweetness.
• Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Bars: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cooled pie and sprinkle with sea salt before slicing.

Each version adds its own charm, but they all share the same signature features — that flaky crust, glossy filling, and irresistible crunch.

Final Thoughts: A Dessert That Feeds Hearts and Crowds

Pecan Slab Pie is more than a dessert — it’s a celebration of Southern tradition, family gatherings, and the joy of sharing food with the people you love.
The simplicity of the recipe means you can focus on what matters most: enjoying time with your guests while still serving a dessert that tastes homemade and extraordinary.

From its golden crust to its rich, gooey filling packed with pecans, every bite of this pie feels like comfort and celebration combined.
It’s perfect for potlucks, parties, or cozy evenings when you crave something sweet and nostalgic.

Try making this Pecan Slab Pie once, and it’ll likely become a permanent part of your holiday traditions.
It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down, requested often, and remembered fondly — a dessert that feels like home, no matter where you serve it.

Simple ingredients. Timeless flavor. Endless smiles — that’s the magic of Pecan Slab Pie.