How Do You Know When a Pecan Pie Is Perfectly Done?

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Learn when to take your pie out of the oven with these tips and tricks

Co-authored by Aly Rusciano Reviewed by Craig Watson

Last Updated: October 10, 2024 Fact Checked

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Signs of Doneness

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Can you overcook a pecan pie?

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Cooling a Pecan Pie

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Storing a Pecan Pie

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How Can You Tell When Pecan Pie Is Done Cooking?

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Decadent, nutty, and maplely—what’s not to love about pecan pie? This delicious dessert may be sweet to eat, but it can be a little tricky to make in the kitchen. The crust and filling can easily burn, or the middle can get too hard or runny. So, how do you know when it’s the perfect time to pull your pie out of the oven? Take a look at the list below to know when a pecan pie is done. Plus, we’ll even share some cooling and storing tips so you can enjoy your pie for days (or months) to come.

Things You Should Know

Check your pecan pie for “jiggle” to see if it’s done. A done pecan pie will have a gelatin like consistency in the middle.
Stick a thermometer probe in the center of your pie to see if it’s baked all the way through. The internal temperature should be 200 °F (93 °C).
Use the knife test to see if your pie is ready by sticking a knife into the center of the pie and pulling it out. The pie is done if the knife comes out clean.

Section 1 of 4:

Signs of Doneness

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The jiggle test is a must when making custard pies like a pecan pie. Pull it out of the oven and give it a gentle shake. If the pie is done, the edges of the filling will be stable and the middle will have a slight jiggle or movement to it (like gelatin).^{[1]
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When a pecan pie is done, the top of the pie will have a caramelized look to it. A nice medium- to dark-brown top with a golden-edged crust is a telling sign that the pie is ready to come out of the oven.^{[3]
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If you’re really not sure if the pie is done, check that it’s reached the proper internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. Stick the thermometer’s probe into the center of your pie and wait for the temperature reading to stabilize.^{[4]
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A pecan pie is most likely done cooking when the outer edges of the crust get nice and puffy. They’ll take on a rich golden color and be slightly higher than the innards of the pie.^{[5]
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A knife comes out clean Believe it or not, a pie can be tested just like a cake! The knife test is a sure fire way to determine whether or not your pecan pie is done baking. Simply insert a knife into the center of the pie. Then, pull the knife out. If the knife comes out clean, the pie’s ready. If the knife has soupy filling stuck to it, the pie needs more time to bake.^{[6]
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- Bake the pie for another 5 minutes if the knife comes out dirty. Then, try the test again.

Section 2 of 4:

Can you overcook a pecan pie?

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Yes, you can overcook a pecan pie. As with any dessert, there’s a fine line between perfectly done and overdone. A pecan pie is likely overcooked or has been in the oven too long if the top turns black or the filling starts to crack.^{[7]
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- Overbaking your pie can make it sticky or crunchy, causing the filling to become tough, hard, and difficult to eat.^{[8]
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- Similarly, a pecan pie can also crack if the pie is cooled too quickly (such as being put in the fridge right after coming out of the oven).

Section 3 of 4:

How to Cool a Pecan Pie

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Cool your pecan pie on the counter for at least an hour. When you pull your pie out of the oven, it’ll continue to cook until it cools down completely. While it may be tempting to dig right in, cutting into a piping hot pie won’t give you that beautiful slice you’re looking for. Set the pie on the counter at room temperature and wait for the filling to set.^{[9]
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- Your pie is ready to eat once it’s cool to the touch.
- Speed up the cooling process by placing your pie on top of a cooling rack on the counter. This way, air can circulate under the pie pan as well.^{[10]
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Section 4 of 4:

How to Store a Pecan Pie

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Leave a homemade pecan pie at room temperature for 2 hours or in the fridge for 4 days. Once your pie has cooled, it can be left on the counter for up to 2 hours, which is perfect for gatherings or parties. Cover your fully cooled pie with aluminum foil or plastic wrap after the 2 hours expire and refrigerate it for up to 4 days.^{[11]
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- Store-bought pecan pies tend to contain preservatives that can make them last longer. Check the pie’s packaging to see how long it’ll last in your fridge.
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Freeze pecan pie in an airtight bag or container for up to 3 months. While your pie may be tasty, sometimes you simply can’t eat all of it at once! Freeze leftover pecan pie in the freezer so you can eat the leftovers whenever you’d like. Simply place individual slices or the whole pie in an airtight container or bag and slide it into your freezer.^{[12]
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- Write the date of when you baked the pie on the bag or container. This way, you’ll know when the 3 months are up.
- Thaw frozen pecan pie in the fridge for at least 4 hours before warming it in the oven for 10 minutes at 350 °F (177 °C).^{[13]
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How Can You Tell When Pecan Pie Is Done Cooking?

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Tips

Check on your pie midway through the baking time, and again every 10 to 15 minutes after that to look for signs of doneness.

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Be sure to store your pecan pie in the refrigerator once it's finished baking and cooling.

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