Caramel Pecan Meringue Pie

A rich and decadent pie with a buttery crust, creamy custard, gooey caramel pecan filling, and a fluffy golden meringue topping — an irresistible dessert for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Decadent Layers – Buttery crust, creamy custard, caramel pecans, and fluffy meringue.
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Perfect for Special Occasions – Makes an impressive centerpiece dessert.
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Sweet & Nutty – Balanced sweetness with crunchy pecans.
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Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be chilled and served later without losing texture.
Ingredients
For the Crust
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1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup cold butter, cubed
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¼ tsp salt
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3–4 tbsp cold water
For the Custard Base
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1 cup whole milk
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2 large egg yolks (reserve whites for meringue)
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2 tbsp sugar
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Caramel Pecan Layer
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1 cup brown sugar
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½ cup butter
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½ cup heavy cream
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 ½ cups pecans, chopped
For the Meringue
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3 large egg whites
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¼ tsp cream of tartar
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½ cup sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Mix flour, salt, and butter until crumbly. Add cold water until dough forms. Roll out and fit into a 9-inch pie dish. Blind bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
Step 2: Make the Custard
Whisk milk, yolks, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened. Stir in vanilla and spread custard over the baked crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Pecan Layer
Melt butter with brown sugar, then stir in cream and vanilla. Simmer until thickened, fold in chopped pecans, and spread over custard layer.
Step 4: Make the Meringue
Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and beat until glossy stiff peaks form. Spread over pie, sealing edges.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden peaks form. Cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Variations
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Prevent Weeping – Seal the meringue edges well to the crust to prevent liquid from seeping.
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Nut Variations – Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
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Caramel Sauce – Drizzle extra caramel on top before serving for added indulgence.
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Make Ahead – Prepare pie layers in advance and add meringue just before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes! A ready-made crust works perfectly and saves prep time.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Cover and refrigerate for up to 2–3 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
3. Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Pecan Meringue Pie is a show-stopping dessert with layers of creamy, nutty, and sweet perfection. Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or any time you want to impress with a decadent homemade treat.