Brown Butter Gluten Free Pecan Pie

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

The brown butter in this Best Ever Gluten Free Pecan Pie adds a rich nuttiness to the caramel-like filling and elevates the crunchy pecans.

piece of gluten free pecan pie on white plate with another piece in the background.

Some of the items linked in this post are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission.

Best Ever Gluten Free Pecan Pie was originally posted on November 9, 2021 and has been updated with a slightly different filling recipe, new pictures, and a video.

For whatever reason, growing up I'd see pecan pie and think, yuck! I liked nuts okay back then, but not in things. Just on their own. I already shared with you my disgust for sweet potatoes until I was in my early 20's. But there were others. Asparagus. Pot roast. Brussels sprouts.

If there's one thing that makes growing up better, it's developing a more "sophisticated" palate. Not that pecan pie is sophisticated, but I love being able to enjoy so many more foods than I did as a kid. And lucky for me, pecan pie is one of those.

What is pecan pie?

Without the crust, the filling in pecan pie is naturally gluten free. So making it gluten free just means using my easy gluten free pie crust as the vessel for this marvelous filling. But what's the filling like? It's a wonderfully rich and decadent, almost praline-like baked custard that is so yummy. It kind of reminds me of a caramel flavor, but it's very unique in its texture and taste.

What you'll need to make this pie

pecan pie ingredients measured out and labeled.

Gluten free pie crust - while you can make this even easier than it already is by purchasing a pre-made gf pie crust, once you make mine you'll think those store bought ones are garbage.
Pecans - you can't make a pecan pie without pies, obviously. The trick to getting the best top "crust" of pecans is to chop them coarsely instead of leaving them in halves.
Dark brown sugar - you may substitute with light brown sugar.
Corn syrup - I use light corn syrup because it's what I usually have on hand, but you can substitute it with dark corn syrup for a deeper molasses flavor.
Butter - if you can't have dairy, you can simply use melted dairy-free butter (in a slightly altered amount--see the recipe card). But if you're good to eat dairy, I'd really urge you to try browning it.

Brown butter pecan pie is so easy to make!

pouring brown butter into small glass bowl.

Step 1: Melt butter in a small skillet, stirring constantly, until the foam begins to subside and the mild solids turn brown. Immediately remove from the heat and pour into a bowl to cool briefly.

white sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and corn syrup in glass bowl.

Step 2: Whisk together sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and corn syrup in a large bowl until smooth.

Step 3: Add brown butter to filling and whisk to combine fully.

pouring brown liquid on top of pecans in unbaked pie shell.

Step 4: Pour over chopped pecans in unbaked gluten free pie crust.

Step 5: Give the filling a few minutes to settle and allow the pecans to rise to the top.

Step 6: Cover pie loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes; remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 40-50 minutes, or until it no longer jiggles.

Pecan pie FAQs

Does the crust need to be parbaked in gluten free pecan pie?

Because this pie is in the oven so long, it isn't necessary to parbake the pie crust, making this pie even easier than it already is.

Is gluten free pecan pie served hot or cold?

It's best to let pecan pie completely set before serving it, but it can be served at room temperature or cold.

What is typically served with gluten free pecan pie?

Lightly sweetened whipped cream can be dolloped on top of a slice of pecan pie, or you can serve it with a nice big scoop of vanilla ice cream.

More gluten free pie recipes

If you think you don't like pecan pie, give this Brown Butter Gluten Free Pecan Pie a try. It just might convert you.

Best Ever Gluten Free Pecan Pie

Kim

Best ever gluten free pecan pie is the ultimate southern dessert. It's the perfect ending to your Thanksgiving dinner that's so easy to make.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 15

Total Time 1 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings slices

Ingredients

1 unbaked Easy Gluten Free Pie Crust
1 stick (113g) salted butter
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
3 tbsp (38g) packed dark (or light) brown sugar
1 cup (320g) light or dark corn syrup
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup (109g) chopped pecans

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

Prepare the crust for one single crust pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate as the recipe instructs. Crimp the edges as desired and refrigerate until needed.
Preheat oven to 350° F.
In a small saucepan or skillet (preferably lighter in color), melt the butter on medium low, stirring constantly, until the bubbles start slowing down. Watch closely for te milk solids to begin to turn brown. The whole process should take about 5 minutes. Immediately remove it from the heat and pour it into a small bowl and set aside to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugars, corn syrup, and eggs until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, salt, and brown butter (it's okay if it's still warm). Mix well.
Remove the pie crust from the fridge and sprinkle the pecan pieces onto the bottom. Pour the filling over the pecan pieces and cover the pie loosely with foil. Bake for 50-75 minutes, removing the foil halfway through baking. The center should no longer jiggle. Sometimes it will only take 50 minutes and other times it takes as long as 75.
Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Pie can be baked up to 2 days in advance. Keep covered in the refrigerator. Serve with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.