National Pecan Pie Day

Tomorrow, July 12th, is National Pecan Pie Day! Whether you pronounce it pee-can, puh-kaan, or another way, it’s hard to deny how widespread and loved the pecan pie is. Its popularity boomed in the 20th century from a marketing scheme for Karo corn syrup, and it has endured to this day. If you want to celebrate this sweet holiday, pick up a fork and dig into the decadent dessert with me!

How to Celebrate Pecan Pie Day

There’s no single way to celebrate this obscure but delicious holiday, but here are a few ideas!

• Bake or buy a pie for a loved one.
• Go pecan picking!
• Treat yourself to a slice of pie.
• Make a pie chart. You know, for fun.
• Have a friendly debate about the correct pronunciation of pecan.
• Flick pecans at your sibling.
• Experiment with new recipes!

What is a Pecan Pie?

Pecan pies have been around for a long time, from Southern kitchens to Karo corn syrup commercials. What are they made of, though? It depends on the regional variant, but the most popular makeup of a pecan pie includes a flour-based crust, pecans, corn syrup, sugar, eggs, and butter!

Pecan pies originated in the Southern United States, in either Texas or New Orleans. The jury is still out on which state got there first, but the dessert snowballed nationally with the introduction of the Karo pecan pie. It has since become a beloved holiday dish served around Thanksgiving and Christmas, but you can grab a slice any time of the year!

Learn how to make this pecan pie recipe here! Thank you, Betty Crocker!

Nontraditional Variations of the Pecan Pie

While most people stick to their guns and bake conventional pecan pie, there is a wide range of ways to add flair to the sugar-coma-inducing delicacy. One of the more popular renditions is the chocolate-pecan pie, which pairs a deep, rich cocoa flavor with crunchy pecans and a flaky crust. For those who like to add a splash of fun to their desserts, there’s the bourbon pecan pie. Last but not least, for a moist, sweet pie that falls apart on your tongue, you can try the coconut pecan pie. Whichever you choose, I hope you sit down with your new favorite pie and enjoy National Pecan Pie Day!