Pecan pie holds a special place in Texas cuisine, beloved for its rich, nutty flavor and gooey texture. This iconic dessert has made its way to the bustling streets of New York City, bringing a taste of Southern comfort to the Big Apple.
New Yorkers can now satisfy their cravings for authentic Texas-style pecan pie without leaving the city. Several bakeries and pie shops across NYC have perfected the art of crafting this classic dessert, using traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients. From family-owned establishments to trendy bakeries, there are plenty of options for those seeking a slice of the Lone Star State in the heart of Manhattan.
1) Hill Country Pecan Pie
Hill Country pecan pie represents a cherished Texas tradition now available in New York City. This dessert captures the essence of Southern baking with its rich, gooey filling and abundance of pecans.
The pie features a flaky crust filled with a sweet mixture of corn syrup, eggs, sugar, and butter. Pecan halves dot the top, creating a decorative pattern as they toast during baking.
New York bakeries have embraced this classic, offering authentic versions that rival those found in Texas. Some establishments use recipes passed down through generations of Southern bakers.
The pie’s flavor profile balances sweetness with the nutty taste of pecans. A touch of vanilla or bourbon may be added to enhance the complexity of flavors.
Texans pride themselves on using locally sourced pecans, and some New York bakeries follow suit by importing high-quality Texas nuts. This attention to ingredients contributes to the pie’s authenticity.
Serving the pie warm allows the flavors to fully develop. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream often accompanies each slice, complementing the dessert’s richness.
2) Goode Company Pecan Pie
Goode Company, a Texas institution since 1977, offers its famous Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie to satisfy cravings for authentic Texas desserts. This nine-inch pie is renowned for its generous size and rich flavor profile.
The pie features fresh Texas pecans harvested from the banks of the Brazos River. These high-quality nuts are nestled in layers of gooey, homemade filling, creating a decadent treat that captures the essence of Texas baking traditions.
Goode Company uses farm-fresh eggs and all-natural ingredients in their handmade pies. This commitment to quality ensures each slice delivers a genuine taste of the Lone Star State.
The Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie has gained national recognition, even earning the title of “Best Mail Order Pie” from Bloomberg. Its popularity extends beyond Texas borders, allowing dessert enthusiasts across the country to enjoy this Southern delicacy.
For those seeking an authentic Texas pecan pie experience in New York, Goode Company offers nationwide shipping. This service enables New Yorkers to savor a slice of Texas without leaving the city.
3) Royers Round Top Café Pie
Royers Round Top Café in Texas has gained fame for its exceptional pies. The café, located in the small town of Round Top, has been serving gourmet comfort food and memorable desserts for over 35 years.
While primarily known for their pies, Royers also offers a diverse menu including burgers, salads, fresh fish, and pasta dishes. Their commitment to quality has earned them a loyal following among locals and visitors alike.
The café’s pecan pie is particularly renowned, with many considering it a standout offering. They also serve other popular flavors such as apple and “junk berry” pie. Royers’ desserts are often praised for their homemade taste and high-quality ingredients.
Royers has expanded its pie offerings beyond the café. They operate Royers Pie Haven, a dedicated pie shop in Round Top. This expansion allows more people to enjoy their famous pies, even when the café is closed.
For those unable to visit Texas, Royers offers nationwide shipping of their pies. This service brings a taste of authentic Texas-style pecan pie directly to homes across the country, including New York.
4) Collin Street Bakery Pecan Pie
Collin Street Bakery, a renowned Texas institution, offers a delectable Deep Dish Pecan Pie that captures the essence of authentic Texan flavor. This pie features a perfect balance of crunchy pecans and smooth custard filling.
The bakery’s pecan pie boasts a light, flaky crust that complements the rich, caramel-like interior. Each 9-inch pie weighs 1 pound 10 ounces and serves 8 people generously.
Collin Street Bakery’s commitment to quality is evident in their use of premium ingredients. The pecans are layered atop a silky custard, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
For those seeking a taste of Texas in New York, Collin Street Bakery’s pecan pie offers an authentic experience. The pie can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
The bakery’s pecan pie has garnered praise from travelers and food enthusiasts alike. Its popularity extends beyond Texas, making it a sought-after treat for those craving a genuine Southern dessert.
5) Pieous Texas Pecan Pie
Pieous, a renowned bakery in New York, offers an authentic Texas-style pecan pie that captures the essence of the Lone Star State’s beloved dessert. This pie features a perfectly flaky crust filled with a rich, caramel-like filling studded with premium Texas pecans.
The recipe stays true to traditional methods, using a carefully balanced mixture of corn syrup, brown sugar, and eggs to create a smooth, custard-like texture. The pecans are generously scattered throughout, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Baked to golden perfection, the Pieous Texas Pecan Pie boasts a glossy top layer that hints at the decadent filling beneath. The pie’s sweetness is well-balanced, allowing the natural nuttiness of the pecans to shine through.
Customers can enjoy this Southern classic by the slice or order a whole pie for special occasions. Pieous recommends serving the pie slightly warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
For New Yorkers craving an authentic taste of Texas, the Pieous Texas Pecan Pie offers a delicious solution without the need for a cross-country trip.
6) Blue Bonnet Café Pecan Pie
Blue Bonnet Café in Marble Falls, Texas, has earned a reputation for serving exceptional pecan pie. This beloved establishment, open since 1929, takes pride in its homemade desserts.
The café’s pecan pie stands out as a customer favorite. Made with a flaky crust and a rich, sweet filling packed with Texas pecans, it exemplifies traditional Texan baking at its finest.
Blue Bonnet Café offers its famous pecan pie daily. Visitors can enjoy a slice during the café’s popular “pie happy hour” or take a whole pie to go.
While the exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, the pie’s consistent quality has earned it numerous accolades. It’s frequently mentioned in lists of the best pies in Texas.
For those unable to visit Marble Falls, Blue Bonnet Café offers pie shipping options. This allows pie enthusiasts across the country to experience a taste of authentic Texas pecan pie.
7) The Salt Lick Pecan Pie
The Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood, Texas, has gained recognition for its delectable pecan pie. This dessert perfectly complements their renowned barbecue offerings.
The Salt Lick’s pecan pie features a rich, gooey filling studded with crunchy pecans. The nuts are sourced locally, showcasing the quality of Texas-grown pecans.
A flaky, buttery crust serves as the foundation for this classic Southern treat. The balance of sweetness and texture makes it a favorite among patrons.
While The Salt Lick is primarily known for its barbecue, their pecan pie has become a standout menu item. It represents the restaurant’s commitment to offering authentic Texas flavors.
For those unable to visit The Salt Lick in person, some specialty stores in New York may offer their packaged pecan pies. This allows New Yorkers to experience a taste of Texas without leaving the city.
8) Emporium Pies Texas Pecan
Emporium Pies in Dallas has gained a reputation for its exceptional pecan pie. The establishment takes a modern approach to classic pie flavors, elevating the traditional Texas pecan pie with a unique twist.
Their signature pecan pie, known as “The Drunken Nut,” features a shortbread crust filled with a sweet sauce made from butter, bourbon, brown sugar, and Texas pecans. Notably, the pie contains no corn syrup, setting it apart from many conventional recipes.
The bakers at Emporium Pies consider this their most perfect pie to date. The addition of bourbon speaks directly to Texan tastes, enhancing the flavor profile and making it a standout among pecan pies.
Food critics, including Alton Brown, have recommended Emporium Pies’ pecan pie. The combination of high-quality ingredients and innovative preparation methods results in a distinctive dessert experience.
While Emporium Pies is based in Texas, their approach to pecan pie serves as inspiration for those seeking authentic Texas flavors in other locations, including New York.
9) Tiny Pies Pecan Pie
Tiny Pies offers a unique take on the classic Texas pecan pie. Their Not So Tiny Texas Pecan Pie has gained recognition as one of the best in the state.
This 9-inch pie serves 6-8 people and is made using a cherished family recipe. It features a less sweet flavor profile compared to traditional pecan pies, striking a perfect balance of taste.
Tiny Pies uses locally-sourced ingredients, including Texas pecans, to create their pies from scratch daily. The company started selling their handheld pies at an Austin farmers market in 2011.
For those outside Texas, Tiny Pies offers nationwide shipping. The pie arrives raw and frozen, allowing customers to bake it fresh at home for the authentic experience.
Tiny Pies also produces miniature versions of their pecan pie, perfect for those who prefer smaller portions or want to sample multiple flavors.
10) Katz’s Delicatessen Texas Pecan Pie
Katz’s Delicatessen, a New York City institution since 1888, is renowned for its classic Jewish deli fare. While not typically associated with Southern desserts, Katz’s has expanded its offerings to include a Texas-style pecan pie.
This dessert combines the iconic New York deli experience with a taste of the Lone Star State. Katz’s version of Texas pecan pie stays true to traditional recipes, featuring a sweet, nutty filling in a flaky crust.
The pie’s filling is made with a blend of eggs, sugar, and corn syrup, creating a custard-like texture. Chopped pecans are generously folded into the mixture, providing a satisfying crunch in every bite.
Customers can enjoy a slice of this Southern comfort food in the bustling atmosphere of Katz’s Lower East Side location. For those unable to visit in person, Katz’s offers nationwide shipping of their pecan pies.
This unexpected menu item showcases Katz’s ability to diversify while maintaining its commitment to quality. The Texas pecan pie at Katz’s Delicatessen offers New Yorkers and visitors alike a taste of authentic Southern dessert in the heart of Manhattan.
History of Texas Style Pecan Pie
Texas style pecan pie emerged in the late 19th century, evolving from earlier pecan desserts. Its iconic ingredients and preparation methods reflect the state’s culinary heritage and abundant pecan harvests.
Origins and Roots
Pecan recipes appeared in Texas cookbooks as early as the 1870s. The first documented pecan pie recipe resembling the modern version surfaced in 1898. A Texas woman submitted it to a church cookbook in St. Louis.
Early pecan pies varied in ingredients and preparation. Some recipes created a custard-like filling, while others used molasses as a sweetener. These variations showcased the versatility of pecans in desserts.
The pie’s popularity grew steadily in the early 20th century. By the 1930s, it had become a beloved staple in Texas households.
Key Ingredients
Texas style pecan pie features a distinctive set of ingredients. The filling typically includes:
- Pecans
- Corn syrup or molasses
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
The use of corn syrup became widespread in the 1930s when Karo included a pecan pie recipe on their product labels. This marketing move significantly boosted the pie’s popularity across the United States.
Regional variations may incorporate additional flavors like bourbon or chocolate. The crust is usually a simple pastry made with flour, butter, and salt.
Finding Authentic Texas Style Pecan Pie in New York
New York City offers several spots to satisfy cravings for genuine Texas-style pecan pie. These locations bring a taste of the Lone Star State to the Big Apple, delivering rich flavors and textures true to Southern traditions.
Where to Explore
Petee’s Pie Company stands out as a top destination for authentic Texas-style pecan pie in New York. This bakery crafts pies with care, using high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes.
Little Pie Company is another excellent choice for those seeking a taste of Texas. Their pecan pie captures the essence of Southern baking, with a perfect balance of sweetness and nutty flavors.
Sweet Chef Southern Style Bakery in Harlem brings a slice of the South to Manhattan. Their pecan pie stays true to Texas roots, offering a genuine taste experience.
Taste Experience
Texas-style pecan pie in New York delivers a rich, buttery flavor with a gooey filling and crunchy nuts. The texture is a defining feature, with a perfect balance between the soft custard and crisp pecans.
The crust is often flaky and golden, complementing the sweet filling. Many bakeries use locally sourced pecans to ensure freshness and quality.
Flavors may vary slightly between bakeries, with some offering unique twists like bourbon-infused or chocolate-pecan variations. These pies often pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
