Traditional pecan pie

This classic dessert dish has been made time and time again and for a good reason. Pecan pie is traditionally an American delicacy, however, this absolute delight has quickly become known and loved around the world. Not only is it super easy to make with just 20 minutes preparation time, but the fruity taste and homemade crumbly shortcrust pastry will have absolutely everyone coming back for seconds. This dish is ideal to bring to special events as it will please everyone and it isn’t very stressful to cook. Enjoy it by itself or pair it up with a scoop of plain vanilla ice cream and you have yourself the perfect meal!

Ingredients

• 50g unsalted butter, chopped
• 150g (2/3 cup firmly packed) brown sugar
• 160ml (2/3 cup) golden syrup
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 240g (2 cups) pecan halves
• Shortcrust pastry
• 200g (1 1/3 cups) plain flour
• Pinch of salt
• 125g chilled unsalted butter, chopped
• 1 egg, lightly beaten

Method

1. For pastry, add flour and salt in a large bowl. Mix to combine. Add butter and use your fingers to rub everything together until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Form a well in centre. In a separate small bowl, add egg and 1 tablespoon iced water. Stir to combine. Pour into well in dry ingredients. Stir with a round-bladed knife until mixture forms a dough.
2. Lightly flour a solid surface. Turn out dough onto work space and shape into a 2.5cm-thick disc. Wrap dough in plastic wrap. Chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat oven to 200C. Lightly flour work surface again. Place dough on surface and roll out to a 30cm diameter disc. Mould dough to base and sides of pan. Trim and discard any overhang. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
4. Line pastry with baking paper. Place pastry weights on top and bake for 20 minutes or until light golden. Remove weights and paper. Reduce temperature to 175C.
5. For the filling, add butter, sugar and golden syrup to a small saucepan over low–medium heat. Cook and stir for 5 minutes or until butter melts and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Set aside to cool slightly. Add eggs and vanilla, and whisk to combine. Generously scatter pecans over pastry base and pour over golden syrup mixture. Place on an oven tray and bake for 35 minutes or until filling is browned and firm. Cool in pan to room temperature. Slice and serve.