Author: This Easy Vegan Pecan Pie is deliciously gooey, sticky, rich, nutty, and amazing! Traditionally, pecan pie is made with eggs and dairy making it not vegan, but my recipe uses 9 simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen to make it completely plant-based and it can be made gluten-free too. I also add a splash of Bourbon and a dash of cinnamon to make this the best vegan pecan pie ever!
After years of fan requests, I'm finally sharing with you my recipe for my easy vegan pecan pie! This classic dessert is perfect for serving at your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, but it's so delicious, you will want to eat it all year round! Just like my pumpkin pie recipe, this vegan pecan pie recipe needs to set and cool so it is best to make this pie a day or two ahead of time. You can enjoy this pie as is or serve a slice with my homemade vanilla ice cream or coconut whipped cream. OMG I'm drooling...
Ingredients:
Pecan halves: I chop up 1 ½ cups of the pecans, and then keep 1 cup of pecan halves unchopped. I use the unchopped halves to decorate the top of the pie for a gorgeous presentation.
Corn syrup: pecan pie is traditionally made with corn syrup. I used light corn syrup, but if you prefer you could use golden or dark corn syrup which has more of a molasses taste. If you prefer to avoid corn syrup, you can substitute it with equal amounts of agave.
Brown sugar: I also add brown sugar to the pie for the rich flavor. Yum!
Cornstarch: traditionally eggs are used in pecan pie to thicken it making it not vegan. Instead of eggs, I use cornstarch to thicken it which works wonderfully!
Vegan butter: I use Earth Balance Brand but any brand of vegan butter will do.
Bourbon: I like to add a bit of bourbon to punch up the flavor of the pie. If you prefer to omit it, just substitute it with equal amounts of water.
Cinnamon: I also like to add a touch of cinnamon to my vegan pecan pie for a touch of warming spice. Yum!
Salt: a touch of salt to enhance the flavors and for the perfect sweet and salty balance.
Pie crust: I make my homemade vegan pie crust recipe, but you could alternatively use a store-bought frozen pie crust. Just check the ingredients to make sure it is vegan, many of them are. Thaw the pie crust before using. There is no need to pre-bake the pie crust as it will bake in the oven along with the filling. Pre-baking it could cause it to burn. As is common with pecan pie recipes, the filling can sometimes leak through the pie crust. To help the pie from sticking to the pie plate, make sure the grease the pie plate well before lining it with the pie crust. Try to make sure there are no holes in the pie crust. If the filling does leak through, do not worry, I actually love this as it makes the crust extra caramelly and delicious!
How to Make Easy Vegan Pecan Pie:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Grease a 9" (23cm) pie plate to help prevent sticking, then roll out your pie dough and line the pie plate. Try to ensure there are no cracks in the crust to help it from leaking. If you are using a store-bought frozen pie crust, allow it to thaw first. Do not pre-bake the crust.
Roughly chop 1 ½ cups of the pecans. Leave the remaining 1 cup of pecan halves whole.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, and corn starch until there are no lumps. Now stir in the brown sugar, vegan butter, Bourbon, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
Spread 1 ½ cups of chopped pecans across the bottom of the pie crust, then pour over the filling mixture.
Now use the remaining 1 cup of whole pecan halves to decorate the top of the pie. You can just randomly scatter them, or you can make a pattern, your choice!
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake for 40 to 55 minutes until it's bubbling and browned. Remove the pie from the oven and let cool at room temperature until completely cooled and set, about 6 hours or let cool then transfer it to the fridge to set overnight. Store the pecan pie in the fridge for up to 4 days.
This easy vegan pecan pie is:
- Classic old-fashioned dessert, but made vegan
- Gooey, sticky, rich, and nutty delicious
- The perfect dessert for Thanksgiving of Christmas
More holiday vegan desserts recipes to try:
Easy Vegan Pumpkin Pie
Homemade Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream
Easy Vegan Apple Crumble
The Best Vegan Apple Pie Ever
Easy Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake
If you try this recipe let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
(click stars to vote)
Easy Vegan Pecan Pie
Servings: 9" pie (about 6 servings)
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Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups pecan halves, 1 ½ cups chopped, 1 cup left whole (see step 3)
- 1 cup corn syrup, (light or dark)
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup vegan butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons Bourbon , (or substitute with water)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 9" vegan pie crust, homemade or store-bought (gluten-free if preferred)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Grease a 9" (23cm) pie plate to help prevent sticking, then roll out your pie dough and line the pie plate. Try to ensure there are no cracks in the crust to help it from leaking. If you are using a store-bought frozen pie crust, allow it to thaw first. Do not pre-bake the crust.
- Roughly chop 1 ½ cups of the pecans. Leave the remaining 1 cup of pecan halves whole.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, and cornstarch until there are no lumps. Now mix in the brown sugar, vegan butter, Bourbon, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt.
- Spread 1 ½ cups of chopped pecans across the bottom of the pie crust, then pour over the filling mixture. Now use the remaining 1 cup of whole pecan halves to decorate the top of the pie. You can just randomly scatter them, or you can make a pattern, your choice!
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake for 40 - 55 minutes until it's bubbling and browned. Keep a close eye on it. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool at room temperature until completely cooled and set, about 6 hours or let cool then transfer it to the fridge to set overnight. Store the pecan pie in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
⭐ Did You Make This Recipe?
I’d love if you left a rating and comment, it helps others find the recipe and makes my day! 💕More vegan desserts you might enjoy...
Evan ODell says
I tried this. It didn’t set that well. It was one note sweet. I tried making it again with a 1/3 cup of liquid Just Egg, but 20% of it rose out of the pie and spilled on the baking sheet underneath and it still didn’t set all the way. I intend to continue to experiment with the recipe to get more favorable results.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Evan! This pie fully sets as it cools, so it really does need the full cooling time or an overnight chill, and I don’t recommend adding Just Egg since it can cause overflow and affect setting 😊 If it tasted too sweet, using dark corn syrup instead of light can help balance the flavor next time.
Rosalie says
I originally made this for Thanksgiving last month. It was so delicious that I made it for a holiday get-together (where I was the only vegan and the pie was a huge hit with everyone!). I baked it again tonight for my daughter's birthday tomorrow, per her request, and I refrigerated it after it cooled. Sunce I need space in the refrigerator for a number of dishes, I wanted to know how long I could leave the pie out before serving it. Thanks so much!
Rosalie says
*Since (typo correction)
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
I’m so glad it’s been such a hit, Rosalie! You can safely leave the pie out at room temperature for about 4–6 hours before serving — after that I’d refrigerate again 🎉
Jude says
I tried making this pie today. The flavor is fantastic but even after 6 hours it is still soupy. what could I try to make it less so?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thanks for the feedback, Jude! If it’s still soupy after cooling, it’s usually either that it needed a bit longer in the oven or a full overnight chill. Vegan pecan pie firms up a lot as it cools. Next time, try baking until bubbling a lot, then let it cool completely (ideally overnight) before slicing.
Olga Yevich says
My husband and I made this pie and it was amazing! Even the kids ate this pie and they are very picky eaters. It was a Thanksgiving and anytime keeper.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
That’s wonderful to hear, Olga! So happy everyone loved it! 🥰
kenzie says
Wondering if i could use just egg instead of cornstarch? if so what quantities?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Kenzie, I wouldn't recommend it as I have not tested this recipe with Just Egg. Stick to cornstarch for the best results.
Christina says
I forgot to add tge butter. Will it still turn out okay?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Christina! Unfortunately the butter is essential for this recipe, so it may not turn out properly without it. I’d recommend starting a fresh batch if you can.
Ole says
the pecans at the top were burned (after 40 minutes). Maybe my oven runs hot but just for information: 350f is not 180c. It is closer to 175c (I just followed the temperature in the recipe)
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Ole, Thanks for your feedback! Yes, some ovens run hot, so if the pecans on top burned after 40 minutes, I recommend tenting the pie with foil for the last part of the bake to prevent over-browning. You’re also right that 350°F converts more precisely to 176-177°C, though 180°C is a common rounded standard in baking. I appreciate you pointing that out! If you haven’t already, I highly recommend using an oven thermometer to check if your oven runs hotter or cooler than the set temperature—it can make a big difference in baking accuracy. Hope the pie still turned out delicious, and thanks for trying the recipe! 😊
Berenika says
A little too sweet for me, next time I'll add less sugar. Other than that it tasted amazing!
Carrol Hignight says
This pie is delicious, but my filling came out like firm caramel. It is hard to slice.
I made it by the recipe and it will be the one I continue to use ,but is there something I can use or do to make the filling just a little softer but not runny?
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Carrol, I would try cooking it a bit less. I have now updated the recipe to include the cook time of 40 - 55 minutes as a few people have found their pies overcooked. Use the visual cues to know when your pie is done. I hope that helps!
Vegn says
I only saw the 50-55, you didn’t update it in both places. Mine is so sticky it’s impossible to cut.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Vegn, I am so sorry your pie turned out too sticky, that is really frustrating. Thank you for pointing out the bake time wording, there were two places in the post and I have now updated them both so they match and include a window of 40 to 55 minutes with visual cues. Sticky and impossible to cut usually means it needed a bit more time in your particular oven plus a full cool and chill to set, so if you ever try it again I recommend checking around the 40 minute mark and baking just until the filling is bubbling and the top is deeply golden.
M says
I really wanted to love this pie, I made it exactly as written, it didn't bubble over or burn or harden too much. It looked gorgeous out of the oven and smelled right baking. But it was nearly inedible. The flavors were alright, but there was absolutely no 'body' to the filling, it was just liquid corn syrup with nuts in, not a custard in any way. Sickeningly sweet and sticky and loose.
My previous attempts at vegan pecan pie went very well, I used a different popular recipe that utilizes silken tofu, but as I didn't have a hand blender this year I tried this easier method, and definitely paid the price for it. Disappointing for the whole thanksgiving party. It was picked at, and then the second half thrown away. If you want pretty-tasty sugar gloop, go for this recipe, if not, search elsewhere.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi M, sorry you didn't enjoy it more! The bourbon, cinnamon, and vanilla should make the filling rich in flavor, so I am not sure what went wrong for you...
Melissa says
Hi! I have made your pumpkin pie to peefection...and am again this year...but am trying out your pecan pie this year. I want to sub the corn syrup with maple syrup. How should I adjust the measurement as it is more runny than corn or agave. I was thinking half the amount would use for the corn syrup? Thank you!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Melissa, so happy you love my pumpkin pie! Using maple syrup can make the filling slightly runnier due to its higher water content. To compensate, you can add more cornstarch. I haven't tested this method so I cannot say how much exactly, but I would suggest 1 or 2 tablespoons. Let us know how it turns out! 🙂
Strikkie says
Amaaaazing! I did use half maple and half agave syrup, instead of corn syrup (as that's not readily available in the Netherlands). This might have resulted in the filling being slightly more runny, but it was still absolutely delicious (adding less syrup or more cornstarch should resolve that next time). I also used the recipe for the pastry crust, which was actually super easy. I baked mine around 50 minutes, 180 celsius and it didn't bubble over or overcook, it came out perfect!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
So happy you loved it Strikkie!
Shelly says
WOW, WOW, WOW So good! The bourbon and cinnamon take this recipe over-the-top.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay!! So thrilled you loved it so much Shelly! 🙂
Rachelle says
Would you be able to substitute maple syrup for the corn syrup?
Strikkie says
I did, I used half agave syrup and half maple syrup (bad planning). The taste was amazing! My result was maybe a teeny tiny bit too runny, after mixing everything it looked more liquidy than the pictures. But I think that would have been easily resolved using less maple syrup or adding a bit more cornstarch.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Glad it was mostly a success! Next time I would add just a touch more cornstarch to help it thicken. Enjoy!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Using maple syrup instead of corn syrup in pecan pie will change the flavor and texture. Maple syrup adds a distinct flavor and is less sweet, which can make the filling slightly runnier due to its higher water content. To compensate, you can reduce other liquids or add extra thickener. I haven't tested this method so I cannot say how much exactly.
Christiane says
Delicious! Very easy to make. Everything worked out (the crust did not stick to the pie dish, no boiling over, I was pleasantly surprised because it was the first time that I made that kind of pie). Thanks for your great recipes!
Jess @ IDTLC Support says
Yum! So great!
Jessica Murray says
Did everything exactly as described but the pie filling boiled over and a lot of it was on the baking sheet. The nice pattern of pecans was lost and the pie was a chewy hard mess… a yummy chewy hard mess, but not a pecan pie. Is 50-55 minutes correct? Temperature too high?
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Jessica, do you have an oven thermometer? It sounds like your oven may be running a little high. (This is pretty common). If you have an oven thermometer you can easily test this to see. Hope that helps!
Kelsey says
I had the same thing happen to mine. Way too long of a cook time on this. It basically boiled to a hard caramel and stuck in the pan. What I could get out of the pan was delicious, but it’s a chewy, hard mess and impossible to cut a slice.
lisa buchanan says
I had the same issues. The filling was pretty much to hard tack stage when I pulled it out and it did boil over (I had a drip pan underneath). The taste was good but it was difficult to cut. The fierce bubbling caused the pattern to fall apart as well so the pie did not look pretty. I cook a lot and no problems with my oven so I'd cut back the cooking time if I made it again. Appreciate the recipe though and thanks Sam for all the work and creativity.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Kelsey, I would recommend checking your oven temperature using an oven thermometer. It is pretty common that oven temps do not match what you set it too. If your oven is running too hot this could be the problem. The filling may have been cooked for too long or at too high a temperature, causing the sugars to caramelize excessively and harden.
Lucie B. says
Very good and approved by my family. Don't skip greasing the pie plate like I did, because we ended up eating a deconstruted pie. Next time, I won't forget that step of the recipe.
Sam Turnbull says
Yes, it can definitely stick! So happy you enjoyed it!
Brenda says
Your comment that dark corn syrup will have a bit of a molasses taste makes me wonder about the possibility of subbing some of the corn syrup with actual molasses... Gonna have to try that, I think.
Sam Turnbull says
I usually make my pecan pie with light corn syrup as I like the taste best. If you want to replace a couple of tablespoons of corn syrup for molasses that would work, but I wouldn't replace corn syrup to molasses 1 to 1. I believe the flavor would be way too strong.
Brenda says
I suppose it depends on how much one likes molasses! Even I probably wouldn't replace it all, because that does sound pretty intense. But the idea of a less sweet pecan pie that tastes more like molasses sounds very delicious to this molasses fan. If I get around to it, I'll let you know how it goes!
Brenda says
OK, so I finally did make this pie, and I did sub half the corn syrup for blackstrap molasses. Response at the dinner where I served it was very positive (with some compliments specifically for the crust). My husband said it was good, but the molasses was a bit much for him. Me, I freaking *loved* it. Usually pecan pie is way too sweet for me, but the molasses was just divine. So definitely not for everyone, but for anyone else out there who loves molasses and/or finds standard pecan pie too sweet, it was a win for me.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing your results! So happy you loved it!