The Best Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Topping (So Good!)

This Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Topping is our family’s tried and true pumpkin pie recipe that makes it onto the menu year after year. The pecan topping requires minimal effort but takes plain pumpkin pie to the next level!

Creating This Pumpkin Pecan Pie Recipe

Do you have special traditions for Thanksgiving? Or do you have something new you’re trying this year? I want to hear about it!

For us, Thanksgiving just would not be the same without this pumpkin pie with pecan topping. While we love classic pumpkin pie, we can’t resist the caramel pecan topping in this recipe.

My dad definitely thinks it is the best pumpkin pie recipe and calls me every year to ask how to make it.

The pecan streusel topping is quickly thrown together while the pumpkin pie bakes in a homemade dough that results in a perfectly flaky pie crust. Then, it’s added on top in the last 20 minutes of cooking. It’s such a simple recipe, but it tastes incredible!

Tools Needed to Make this Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Topping

I recommend having the following kitchen tools on hand for use when you’re preparing this recipe for pumpkin pie:

• Measuring Cups and Spoons – to measure the ingredients for this pecan pumpkin pie.
• Microplane – to zest the lemon peel
• Large Bowl – to combine the pumpkin pie filling.
• Wire Whisk – to mix the pumpkin filling ingredients.
• Food Processor – a food processor is helpful when preparing homemade pie crust and for chopping the pecans for the topping. Alternatively, you can use a pastry blender to prepare the pie dough and a cutting board and sharp knife to chop the pecans
• Rolling Pin – you’ll need a rolling pie to roll out the pie dough for the bottom crust
• 9-inch Pie Plate – you’ll need a standard sized pie dish to bake this pecan pumpkin pie. A deep dish pie pan will be too large.
• Large Cookie Sheet – I like to place the pumpkin pie on a baking sheet as it bakes. It makes it easier to transfer in and out of the oven.
• Aluminum Foil or Pie Crust Shield – to cover the pie crust edges if they start to brown too quickly.

Pumpkin Pecan Pie Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe for pecan praline pumpkin pie: flaky pie crust, pumpkin pie filling, and pecan topping:

For the Homemade Pie Crust

• All-purpose flour
• Unsalted butter
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Ice water

For the Pumpkin Filling

• Pumpkin Puree
• Eggs
• Heavy Cream
• Vanilla Extract
• Brown Sugar
• Granulated Sugar
• All-Purpose Flour
• Lemon Zest
• Pumpkin Pie Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves

For the Pecan Topping

• Chopped Pecans
• Butter
• Salt
• Butter

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Topping

You’ll be amazed at how easy this pumpkin pecan pie is to make! Here are the basic steps to making this Thanksgiving pie:

1. Make the pumpkin pie: Prepare the pie crust according to the recipe, or use your preferred pie crust recipe or store-bought dough.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, zest, salt, and spices. 
3. In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin, eggs, half-and-half, and vanilla. 
4. Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and lightly beat by hand until well combined.
5. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the pastry-lined pie plate. Bake at 375° for 25 minutes.
6. Make the topping: While the pie bakes, stir together the brown sugar, pecans, salt, and softened butter until combined.
7. Remove the pie from the oven and sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the top of the pie.
8. Bake until the center is set and the topping is golden and bubbly. Cool on a wire rack.

The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Tips for Making the Best Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Topping

When preparing the pie crust, make sure you use cold water and very cold butter and don’t over knead the dough. This is the best way to ensure that you end up with a flaky crust. Check out my pie crust tips.

It is a good idea to use a lightly floured surface or a silicone pastry mat dusted with flour to roll dough out for the bottom crust. You’ll also want to dust your rolling pin with flour. This keeps the pie dough from sticking.

Don’t use canned pumpkin pie filling or pumpkin pie mix when preparing this recipe for homemade pumpkin pie with pecans. Pumpkin pie filling has sugar, spices, and other ingredients added so this pie recipe would not turn out the same. You need to use pure pumpkin puree.

If you want to use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned, check out this tutorial on How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree.

To substitute pumpkin pie spice for the individual spices, you’ll need to use a total of 1 teaspoon.

Does Pumpkin Pie Need to Be Refrigerated?

Yes, since the filling contains egg and cream, the pumpkin pie with pecan topping must be refrigerated. It will last up to five days in the fridge.

Can Pumpkin Pie Be Frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the pumpkin pecan pie for up to three months (or you can also freeze the pie dough ahead of time).

Let it cool completely to room temperature, then wrap in a few layers of plastic wrap and seal inside a freezer bag.

When you’re ready to eat the frozen pie, thaw overnight in the fridge.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Pie

If you’re searching for easy Thanksgiving recipes to serve alongside this pumpkin pie with pecan topping, here are some of my favorite recipes to make for Thanksgiving dinner:

• Cranberry Orange Relish
• Traeger Smoked Turkey
• Baked Sweet Potato Slices
• Brown Butter Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
• Slow Cooker Ham
• Apple-Stuffed Acorn Squash

Don’t see what you’re looking for here? You can always head over to check out the recipe index to look for more recipes.

Try this Recipe for Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Topping!

Next time you’re looking for a way to switch up your traditional pumpkin pie recipe, give this Pecan Pumpkin Pie a try!

Did you think it was the perfect dessert for the holiday season? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of our family favorite pie recipe.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of this Pumpkin Pie with Pecan Topping!

More Thanksgiving Desserts:

If you’re looking for additional dessert inspiration in addition to this pecan praline pumpkin pie for your Thanksgiving Menu this year, here are a few other favorite recipes.

Be sure to check out the whole Thanksgiving Recipes Archive right here if you need help building the rest of your menu.

This Browned Butter Bourbon Apple Crisp is a guaranteed crowd pleaser and has lots of make-ahead tips to help you simplify your Thanksgiving prep.

If you’re looking for something completely different, be sure to check out this Cinnamon Pear Crostata featuring an Almond Oat Crust. Crostatas are a free form pie, so there is no need to make the crust look perfect.

This Deep Dish Apple Cranberry Pie is the kind of pie you convince yourself is perfectly okay to eat for breakfast once Thanksgiving is over.

Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake with Chocolate Ganache is a decadent and unconventional way to get your pumpkin in for Thanksgiving.

If you’re looking for the perfect kid-friendly Thanksgiving treat, check out this Easy Pumpkin Pudding; it combines a few pantry ingredients for a perfect autumn treat and is simple enough for younger helpers to assist in preparing.

Mini Sweet Potato Tarts with a Gingersnap Pecan Crust are divine if you are looking for individual serving desserts to make, plus it only makes 3 tarts so it is perfect if you need desserts for a smaller gathering.

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Have you ever made a Pecan Pumpkin Pie?