This Island Pecan Pie is a tropical twist on the classic dessert, featuring rich pecans, shredded coconut, and a hint of rum for an indulgent and flavorful treat. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, this pie combines the nutty richness of pecans with the sweetness of coconut to create a dessert everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tropical Flavor: A unique spin on traditional pecan pie with coconut and rum.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for family gatherings, holidays, or potlucks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3-4 tbsp cold water

For the Filling

• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup dark corn syrup
• 1/4 cup rum (optional, or replace with water)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
4. Roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Trim the edges and prick the bottom with a fork. Chill in the fridge while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Stir in the dark corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, rum, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Fold in the pecans and coconut until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the filling into the prepared crust, spreading evenly.
2. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden.
3. Cover the edges with foil if they brown too quickly.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

1. Let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to firm up.
2. Serve as-is or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 8 slices

Variations

• Chocolate Pecan Pie: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the filling for a richer flavor.
• Maple Twist: Replace the dark corn syrup with maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• Gluten-Free Crust: Use a pre-made gluten-free pie crust or your favorite gluten-free recipe.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I use sweetened coconut flakes?

Yes, but reduce the sugars slightly to balance the sweetness.

2. Can I make this pie without alcohol?

Absolutely! Substitute the rum with water or apple juice.

3. How do I know when the pie is done?

The filling should be set with a slight jiggle in the center, and the crust should be golden.

4. Can I use a store-bought crust?

Yes, a pre-made crust works well and saves time.

5. What type of pecans are best?

Pecan halves create a beautiful presentation, but you can also use chopped pecans.

6. Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, mix the filling and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

7. Can I use light corn syrup instead of dark?

Yes, but the flavor will be milder.

8. What’s the best way to serve this pie?

Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect pairing.

9. How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Blind bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.

10. Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds are great substitutes for pecans.

Conclusion

Island Pecan Pie is a delightful twist on a traditional favorite. With its tropical flavors of coconut and rum paired with classic pecans, this pie is a decadent treat that’s sure to impress. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, it’s a dessert that everyone will savor!

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