The former First Lady’s dessert combines two Thanksgiving classics.
Key Points
- Nancy Reagan’s Pumpkin-Pecan Pie combines two Thanksgiving classics into one easy-to-make dessert.
- The pie features a pumpkin base topped with pecans, offering a balance of creamy and crunchy textures.
- This simple recipe brings White House history to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
When it comes to Thanksgiving desserts, pumpkin and pecan pie are two classics that always deserve a spot on the table. But why choose between the two when you can have them together?
Former first lady Nancy Reagan solved this problem by combining the two holiday classics into one dessert. Her Pumpkin-Pecan Pie features a pumpkin base with pecans sprinkled on top, offering the best of both worlds. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it a great addition to your Thanksgiving menu.
According to a collection of recipes preserved by the Ronald Reagan Presidential LibraryReagan’s Pumpkin-Pecan Pie dessert was one of her favorite dishes to serve when entertaining guests at the White House. While the White House may be known for hosting elaborate meals, this dessert proves that a simple, rustic pie can be just as special.
To make this pie, you’ll need to gather four eggs, 2 cups canned or mashed cooked pumpkin, 1 cup sugar, ½ cup dark corn syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt, an unbaked pie shell and 1 cup chopped pecans.
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lightly beaten eggs, pumpkin, sugar, dark corn syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon and salt. Stir until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth.
Next, pour your pumpkin mixture into the pie shell, spreading it evenly to fill the crust. Once the filling is in place, sprinkle the pecans on top, spreading them out to make sure they’re distributed evenly across the surface. Luckily, there is no need to make any pecan filling or topping, which makes this recipe easier than your typical pecan pie.
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake it at 350°F for about 40 minutes or until the filling is set. Once finished, take the pie out of the oven and let it cool before serving.
What makes this recipe especially convenient is how it combines two Thanksgiving favorites without making two separate pies or dishes. The pumpkin filling brings out the flavors of fall while the pecans offer a crunchy contrast. And while you can use your favorite pie dough recipe, you could just as easily use a frozen crust to cut down on time and effort.
Whether you are looking for something different to try for Thanksgiving or simply want a simple dessert to share with family and friends, Nancy Reagan’s Pumpkin-Pecan Pie is a delicious way to bring a little White House history to your holiday table.