Easy Vegan Pecan Pie — The BEST Classic Pecan Pie Recipe! (2024)

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4.89 from 53 votes

1 hour hour 35 minutes minutes

by Marly

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My homemade vegan pecan pie recipe is simple, sweet, and delicious. You’ll see why it’s everyone’s favorite pie, thanks to the indulgently-sweet filling infused with pecans. It’s made with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. It’s a classic pecan pie, given a southern twist with a bit of rum.

Easy Vegan Pecan Pie — The BEST Classic Pecan Pie Recipe! (1)

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When I went vegan, I discovered that most desserts are made with eggs out of habit. We don’t really need them. There are plenty of ways to make your favorite desserts egg-free, including pecan pie.

My big question, especially as Thanksgiving rolled around, was could I make a pecan pie without eggs? Everyone knows that filling requires eggs!

But guess what? You don’t need eggs to make a fabulous pecan pie that everyone will love!

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Easy Vegan Pecan Pie — The BEST Classic Pecan Pie Recipe! (2)

Key Ingredients

The list of ingredients for this vegan pecan pie is nothing you haven’t seen before. Well, except for the tofu. But the tofu is easy to work with (much easier than cooking with eggs).

  • Vegan pecan pie crust — I typically use my easy vegan pie crust. Looking for more vegan pie crust options? Consider this simple oatmeal pie crust, too.
  • Pecans — Pecan halves work best, and I buy these in bulk at Costco.
  • Syrup — Yes, this is a Karo syrup pecan pie recipe. That’s because Karo is so readily available, affordable, and produces a perfect consistency for the filling. If you want your vegan pecan with no corn syrup, you can substitute maple syrup, agave, or vegan honey.
  • Cornstarch — it’s an excellent thickener for vegan pies!
  • Sugar — We’re using brown sugar for this recipe. I like using dark brown sugar because of its rich flavor and color, but light brown sugar works, too.
  • Vegan Butter — We want a rich, buttery flavor, and I use vegan butter (I typically use Earth Balance) to do the trick.
  • Rum — A little rum added to the filling adds flavor and the alcohol bakes off as it cooks, leaving a richly flavored, gooey dessert. Substitute vanilla extract if you don’t want to use rum.
  • Silken Tofu — I’m using silken tofu as an egg replacer, and it creates a creamy filling.

Marly’s Tips

  • You can add about 1/2 cup of vegan chocolate chips to make a vegan chocolate pecan pie!
  • Blind baking a pie crust means baking the crust without the filling. You’ll want to add pie weights to prevent the crust from bubbling. Blind baking helps create a crispier, flakier crust.
Easy Vegan Pecan Pie — The BEST Classic Pecan Pie Recipe! (3)

The simple vegan pecan pie filling is gluten-free. However, you’ll need a gluten-free crust to make this into a vegan gluten-free pecan pie recipe. You can use gluten-free flour in the crust.

Frequently-Asked Questions

Is Pecan Pie Vegan?

A typical pecan pie is not vegan because the filling is made with eggs, and often, the crust will be made with lard. I know what you’re thinking — gross! But no worries, a vegan pecan pie is just as impressive as the standard pecan pie.

What is the Filling in Pecan Pie?

A classic pecan pie filling is made of eggs, syrup, and pecans. So, what are suitable egg substitutes for pecan pie? Interestingly enough, it’s tofu. It creates such a creamy filling, you won’t even miss the eggs!

How to Tell if Pecan Pie is Done?

Bake your vegan pecan pie for approximately one hour, until the edges are set. There might be a slight jiggle to the center, but not much. You can insert a butter knife in the center, which should come out clean. Remove the pie from the oven and set it aside to cool. The pie will continue to solidify as it cools.

Should I Refrigerate Pecan Pie?

Once your pecan pie has cooled, cover it and refrigerate it unless you plan to eat it immediately. Once refrigerated, you can serve individual slices cold, or heat them in 10-second increments in the microwave.

Making Sure Vegan Pecan Pie Sets

Vegan pecan pie recipes use thickeners to make sure the pie sets. In this recipe, we’re using cornstarch as a thickener. After testing several options, cornstarch offered the best texture. The pie may come out of the oven slightly jiggly, but it will thicken as it cools.

Easy Vegan Pecan Pie — The BEST Classic Pecan Pie Recipe! (4)

Reader Reviews

★★★★★
Excellent pie! I used pure maple syrup and omitted rum. Won 3rd place in a pie cookoff!

Sue

★★★★★
I’ve made this twice now (and will be making it again today in preparation for Thanksgiving), and it’s just incredible! My non-vegan boyfriend loves it.

Miki

We topped vegan pecan pie slices with some delicious Vegan Whipped Cream. The good news is you can make your own, or you can even buy some dairy-free “cool whip” at the store these days too.

More Easy Pie Recipes

Do you love this easy vegan pecan pie and want even more pie ideas? You’re in luck because here are some fantastic vegan pie recipes:

Vegan Peanut Butter Pie

75 mins total

Vegan Apple Pie

270 mins total

Easy Vegan Pumpkin Pie

120 mins total

Dark Chocolate Pie

140 mins total

Here are even more stunning Vegan Pies you’ll want to make.

Easy Vegan Pecan Pie — The BEST Classic Pecan Pie Recipe! (9)

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Easy Vegan Pecan Pie — The BEST Classic Pecan Pie Recipe! (10)

Easy Vegan Pecan Pie — The BEST Classic Pecan Pie Recipe! (11)

Vegan Pecan Pie

Everyone's favorite pie, this eggless pecan pie is made with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions. You'll be enjoying it in no time!

4.89 from 53 votes

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes minutes

Resting time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 10

Calories: 424kcal

Author: Marly McMillen

Ingredients

  • Foolproof Vegan Pie Crust

Pecan Pie Filling

  • 5 tablespoons vegan butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • ¾ cup corn syrup (see notes)
  • 4 tablespoons cornstarch (see notes)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon rum (you can increase this to 2 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup silken tofu (see notes)
  • 2 cups whole pecans toasted*
  • coconut whipped cream , optional

Instructions

For the Vegan Crust:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C.

  • Prepare the pie crust, roll it out to about 1/8" thickness, and place it in a 9" pie pan. If you are not blind baking, refrigerate the crust until you're ready to add the filling.

  • To blind bake: Crimp the edges and use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust several times. Add a piece of parchment paper over the bottom of the crust topped with pie weights. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown. Remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool.

For the Pecan Pie Filling:

  • In a saucepan, combine the vegan butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and corn starch. Stir and cook over medium heat until it comes to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for another minute. Add the salt, rum, and vanilla and stir to combine.

  • In a food processor, add the silken tofu and pulse until smooth. Add the corn syrup mixture and pulse again until everything is combined.

  • Add the pecans (reserving about 40 to 60 for the top**) and give it a few quick pulses to roughly chop the pecans.

  • Pour the filling into the pie shell.

  • Arrange the reserved pecans in concentric circles on top of the filling.

  • Place a cookie sheet on the bottom rack of your oven and place your pie on the cookie sheet. Bake for about one hour, until the edges of the pie are set. The center might still be a little jiggly. That's alright. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before serving.

  • Feel free to add a pie shield to prevent the crust from getting too dark.

  • Serve with Vegan Whipped Cream. Forks are nice too, but optional.

Recommended Equipment

Food Processor

Pie Pan

(The products above contain sponsored links to products we use and recommend)

Notes

Toasting Pecans

Toast pecans on a baking sheet in your heated oven (350°F/175°C) for around 5 to 8 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.

Pecan Topping

For the photo above, I used 50+ pecans for the top of the pie. You may choose different patterns to adorn the top of your pie, requiring fewer pecans.

Crust

You can blind-bake the pie crust or not. Here are tips either way:

  • Either way, roll out the dough, transfer it to a pie pan, and crimp the edges.
  • Not Blind Baking — the crust will turn out a lighter shade of gold on the bottom. Once you’ve done the above step, cover the crust and refrigerate.
  • To Blind Bake — prick the bottom of the crust and lay a sheet of parchment paper on the bottom. Then add pie weights and bake for 20 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Set it aside to cool.

Tofu

I use extra-firm silken tofu, but it’s not always easy to find (see the comments for more on this). You can use any form of silken tofu. You might also be able to use soft regular (non-silken) tofu. To learn more about tofu and the different styles, see myTofu Buying Guide.

Whatever form of tofu you use, drain the packing liquid. There’s no need to press it for this recipe.

Cornstarch

You can use between 2 to 4 tablespoons of cornstarch.

  • Fora softer, gooey pecan pie filling — use 2 tablespoons.
  • For a firm pie filling — use 4 tablespoons.

Corn Syrup

If you don’t want to use corn syrup, substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Calories: 424kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 231mg | Potassium: 156mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 0.9mg

The nutrition information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Did you make this recipe?

Leave a rating below then tag @namelymarly on Instagram and hashtag it #namelymarly. I love seeing your creations!

This post was originally published in 2015 and was updated to include new photos, new text, and an updated recipe in 2022.

Easy Vegan Pecan Pie — The BEST Classic Pecan Pie Recipe! (2024)

FAQs

Is dark or light corn syrup better for pecan pie? ›

Light and dark corn syrup can be used interchangeably in almost every instance, with slight flavor variances. In a pecan pie, for example, light corn syrup will contribute sweetness and a hint of vanilla, but that's about it. Dark corn syrup, in addition to sweetness, will add color and a more robust, toasty flavor.

What makes a pecan pie not set up? ›

Here's the thing to remember: If you're filling hasn't set, it means the bottom of the pie crust isn't fully cooked, either. You can prevent the outer crust from further darkening (or even burning) by covering it with aluminum foil or -- more attractively -- with what's known as a pie ring or shield.

How do you keep pecan pie from getting soggy? ›

Brush Your Pie in Egg Wash

Once you've pre-baked your pie, brush the bottom and sides of the crust with egg wash, then reheat at 400° for 4 minutes to set the glaze. This creates a seal between the crust and the filling so that your crust stays crispy and golden once the filling is added.

Does Karo syrup go bad? ›

Karo syrup is safe to eat for an indefinite period of time whether it has been opened or not opened. However, for best results we recommend using before the "Best by" date stamped on the container. Bottles may be refrigerated after opening, however, the syrup will be thicker and slower to pour.

Which is sweeter maple syrup or corn syrup? ›

2. Maple Syrup. Maple syrup is another corn syrup substitute you can try out and is most likely in your pantry right now. Keep in mind, maple syrup is not the best corn syrup substitute as it has a lower viscosity, different flavor, and a Brix level that trickles between 66 and 68 (not as sweet as corn syrup).

Is corn syrup or maple syrup better for pecan pie? ›

You can use corn syrup, which is essentially flavorless, or you can use maple syrup or honey, both of which bring slightly different flavor profiles to your pie. Maple is more traditional with pecans, but a similar pie made with cashews, pistachios, or walnuts is nice with honey.

Why is my homemade pecan pie runny? ›

A pecan pie is essentially a custard pie, and a liquid center is almost always the result of underbaking. The Karo Classic Pecan Pie recipe calls for baking the pie for 60 to 70 minutes at 350 degrees. In some ovens, however, the pie can take 75 minutes or more.

What is a healthy alternative to Karo syrup? ›

Popular substitutes for corn syrup include maple syrup, honey, and molasses, among others. You may need to adjust the amount with some substitutes. Corn syrup is a common ingredient used to make everything from candies and caramel to frosting, baked goods, jams, and jellies.

Why did my pecan pie come out hard? ›

Pecan pie can become hard if it is left in the oven for too long or at a higher temperature than necessary. This could happen due to an inaccurate cooking time, temperature or failing to cover with aluminum foil for part of the baking time.

Why is pecan pie too hard? ›

A hard pecan pie means it was cooked too long.

Can I leave my pecan pie out overnight? ›

Pecan pies can stay on the counter for up to two hours before they need to be refrigerated, according to the FDA. After two hours at room temperature, your food is at risk for harmful bacteria growth. The FDA recommends you store foods at or below 40 degrees F (4 degrees C).

What are common pecan pie mistakes? ›

Pecan pie has a somewhat similar set of issues—the filling can crack, the bottom can be under-baked, the filling can seep under the crust, and the nuts can be soggy. Like the pumpkin pie, the filling will crack if the pie is over-baked or cools too quickly.

Should I bake the bottom pie crust first? ›

Pre-baking is a must if you're looking for a flaky pie crust. It's especially helpful for recipes with a wet center. Recipes for most tarts, pies, and quiches call for pre-baking to ensure that the final product doesn't end up soggy.

Why is my Karo pecan pie runny? ›

A pecan pie is essentially a custard pie, and a liquid center is almost always the result of underbaking. The Karo Classic Pecan Pie recipe calls for baking the pie for 60 to 70 minutes at 350 degrees. In some ovens, however, the pie can take 75 minutes or more.

What is the difference between light corn syrup and dark corn syrup? ›

There are two main varieties of corn syrup: light and dark. Light corn syrup is transparent, often vanilla-flavored, and milder in sweetness, while dark corn syrup features molasses, resulting in a deeper, richer sweetness and caramel coloring.

How do I substitute light corn syrup for dark corn syrup? ›

All you need to do is add 1/4 cup of molasses to 3/4 cup of your light syrup. This helps the syrup keep the same consistency and gives it that robust flavor of dark syrup. No molasses? You could also dissolve brown sugar in water on the stovetop until it forms a syrup.

Is light or dark brown sugar better for pie? ›

You can use either one. The recipe will work whichever one you choose. If you like a darker, more bitter, more molasses-y flavor, pick the dark brown sugar. If you like it lighter, use the light brown.

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