Cast Iron Skillet Pecan Pie — Crispy Edges, Gooey Center

This Cast Iron Skillet Pecan Pie captures all the gooey, buttery goodness of a classic pecan pie with an extra dose of rustic charm since it’s baked and served right in a cast iron skillet. The result is a golden, crisp crust surrounding a rich, caramel-like filling studded with crunchy pecans. It’s easy to make, impressive on the holiday table, and perfectly shareable straight from the skillet.

pecan pie baked in a cast iron skillet with pecans on top
Cast Iron Skillet Pecan Pie Images by Sarah Alvord

Cast Iron Skillet Pecan Pie

This skillet pecan pie is approachable for bakers of all levels. The crust is a simple, buttery crumb that you press directly into the skillet—no rolling pin, no chilled dough needed. That makes assembly quick and forgiving, and the skillet produces an evenly baked, beautifully caramelized edge. The filling mixes up in one bowl and pours into the pre-baked crust, so this dessert comes together in stages without complicated steps.

Think of this pecan pie as a creamy caramel custard baked in a buttery, shortbread-like crust and finished with plenty of pecans for texture and flavor. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of softly whipped cream for a classic presentation.

Recommended Equipment

  • 10 inch cast iron skillet – a sturdy 10-inch skillet is ideal for this recipe; it helps the crust brown evenly and holds heat well so the filling sets nicely.

Why Bake a Pie in a Cast Iron Skillet

Cast iron is versatile: it sears and sautés during the week and bakes and browns on weekends. For pies, its excellent heat retention helps create an evenly baked crust and a reliably set filling. The skillet’s surface also lends a rustic, homestyle look when you serve the pie straight from the oven, and many skillets develop a naturally non-stick surface that makes slicing and serving simpler. If you enjoy warm, cozy desserts with a homemade feel, skillet baking is an easy way to elevate classic recipes.

pecan pie baked in a cast iron skillet

Pecan Pie Skillet Ingredients

This recipe stands out because of its buttery crumb crust and simple, caramel-like filling. Everything comes from common pantry ingredients, and the total ingredient list is straightforward:

Crust

  • 1 cup cold butter
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Pecan Pie Filling

  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pecan halves, plus extra for topping, chopped or left whole as preferred
cast iron skillet with a pecan pie baked in it

How to Make Pecan Pie in a Skillet

Follow these clear steps to bake a dependable, delicious skillet pecan pie. Read through the steps before starting so you can prep and time the bake efficiently.

  1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10 to 10.25-inch cast iron skillet so the crust won’t stick.
  2. Make the crust: In a mixing bowl combine the flour, brown sugar, and salt. Grate cold butter or cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse sand with pea-sized pieces of butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared skillet. Bake the crust for 10 minutes while you prepare the filling.
  3. Mix the filling: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Whisk in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, salt, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in the chopped pecans.
  4. Assemble and bake: Pour the filling into the partially baked crust, spreading pecans evenly. Top with a few whole halves if you like a decorative finish. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The pie is done when the center is no longer giggly and a toothpick comes out coated in thick, caramel-like filling.
  5. Cool and set: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the pie to cool for at least an hour so the filling firms up. Chilling briefly in the refrigerator after it reaches room temperature will make slicing cleaner.
unbaked shortbread crust in a cast iron skillet

How to Serve and Store

Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Slices taken straight from the skillet make a dramatic presentation for guests. Store leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pie can be made a day ahead and kept chilled until serving; bring it to room temperature or warm gently before plating if you prefer it slightly warm.

slice of pecan pie on a white plate cut from a skillet of pecan pie

Cast Iron Skillet Pecan Pie Recipe

This skillet pecan pie is a dependable showstopper for holidays and special gatherings. The buttery crust and caramel-like filling pair perfectly with pecans for a comforting finish. If you try this recipe, note any tweaks you make—different nuts, more or less corn syrup, or a sprinkle of flaky salt on top can customize the flavor to your taste.

Notes

  • Nutrition information is an estimate based on the listed ingredients and serving size.
  • Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
  • If the top begins to brown too quickly while baking, tent the pie loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining bake time.

Enjoy this easy, rustic pecan pie baked in a cast iron skillet—simple steps, timeless flavor, and plenty of warmth for your holiday table or any cozy dessert moment.