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Tar Heel Pie Recipe (Southern, Simple, and Unapologetically Comforting)
Isla Marie

Tar Heel Pie Recipe

A classic Southern pie with a rich, buttery filling and chopped pecans baked into a smooth, sliceable custard. Sweet, dense, and simple to prepare with pantry staples.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 9-inch pie dish
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Step 1. Preheat the Oven
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F and place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish.
  3. Step 2. Mix Eggs and Sugars
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
  5. Step 3. Add Butter and Vanilla
  6. Whisk in melted butter and vanilla extract until fully combined.
  7. Step 4. Add Dry Ingredients
  8. Stir in flour and salt just until incorporated.
  9. Step 5. Fold in Pecans
  10. Gently fold chopped pecans into the filling mixture.
  11. Step 6. Fill the Crust
  12. Pour the filling evenly into the prepared pie crust.
  13. Step 7. Bake
  14. Bake for 45–50 minutes until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
  15. Step 8. Cool Before Serving
  16. Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature before slicing.

Video

Notes

  • Do not overbake; the pie firms as it cools.
  • Store at room temperature for up to one day or refrigerate longer.
  • Use fresh pecans for best flavor.
  • Let the pie cool fully for clean slices.