The 110-Year-Old Pecan Pie Recipe That Will Change the Way You Make the Classic Dessert

Pie isn’t just dessert—it’s a slice of love and pure comfort. To me, apple pie is great, but no pie holds a candle to my Mamaw’s pecan pie. With its buttery crust, gooey caramel filling and perfectly toasted pecans, it was the highlight of the holidays. And while store-bought pies are convenient, nothing compares to homemade.

Pecan pie is a classic Southern dessert that features a flaky pie crust and a gooey mixture made from eggs, sugar, butter and just a touch of vanilla. Corn syrup is a traditional ingredient that gives the filling its signature smooth texture and sweetness, though some recipes use honey or maple syrup. The highlight, though, is the layer of toasted pecans on top that provides a crisp, crunchy contrast to the gooey filling.

I haven't attempted to make my Mamaw's pie recipe, but I recently saw a 110-year-old pecan pie recipe making the social media rounds. Content creator @tastinghistorywithmaxmiller shared the vintage recipe, which switches the classic nut pie up a bit. Here's what you need to know.

Related: The Incredibly Simple 94-Year-Old Dessert Recipe I'm Definitely Making for Thanksgiving

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What is the 1914 Pecan Pie?

According to Miller, this pecan pie recipe from 1914 is made without corn syrup because corn syrup wasn't invented until the 1930s. This pie doesn't have the "goopy" filling but rather features a custard filling made with eggs, milk, brown sugar, flour, salt and chopped pecans.

"Without the corn syrup, the flavor of the pecans are really allowed to be the star of the pie," he said. If you like a less sweet pie, this is the recipe for you!

The recipe also calls for an unusual topping: meringue. The egg white and sugar mixture is piped on top, much like whipped cream and then gets toasted in the oven or with a culinary torch to give it a toasty flavor.

Related: 12 Pumpkin Pie Twists That Are, Dare We Say, Better Than the Original?

What Is a Custard Pie?

A custard pie is a pie with an egg-based filling that bakes up smooth and creamy. As the filling bakes, the eggs help it set up so it slices cleanly. A pumpkin pie is a classic example of a custard-style pie. A chess pie, which sometimes has a bit of cornmeal mixed into the filling, is also a custard pie.

Related: The Genius Pie Trick That Will Please Everyone at the Thanksgiving Table

What Are People Saying About the 1914 Pecan Pie?

"This recipe may be 110 years old, but I promise it tastes so much better than a modern pecan pie," said Miller in the video. I can't wait to make it!

"My daughter makes one with maple syrup instead of Karo, and she adds the smallest splash of brandy and it’s an amazing alternative too. I’ll have to try this one it looks so good," someone commented on the Instagram post. That also sounds like a wonderful recipe!

"My family usually makes a corn syrup-less version as well and when I first tried a standard one, I legitimately couldn’t finish a single piece," another person commented. That filling isn't for everyone, and that's ok! There are plenty of great alternatives out there and this recipe is just one.

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