Pecan Pie Without High Fructose Corn Syrup
Pecan pie is a classic American dessert that is especially popular during the holiday season. However, many traditional pecan pie recipes contain high fructose corn syrup, which has been linked to various health issues when consumed in excess. If you’re looking for a healthier version of this delicious dessert, here’s a pecan pie recipe without high fructose corn syrup that you can try.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup of ice-cold water
For the filling:
- 1 cup of maple syrup
- 3/4 cup of packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 2 cups of pecan halves
Instructions:
For the crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the flour and salt together until combined.
- Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the ice-cold water, a tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together in a ball.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish.
- Trim off any excess dough and crimp the edges.
- Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let cool.
For the filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, light brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Stir in the pecan halves.
- Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust.
- Bake for about 50-55 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack.
- Serve and enjoy!
Why Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup?
High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener that is derived from corn syrup, and is commonly used in processed foods and beverages. However, this sweetener has been linked to various health issues when consumed in excess, including:
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Fatty liver disease
- High cholesterol and triglyceride levels
While small amounts of high fructose corn syrup may not be harmful, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with this sweetener and consume it in moderation.
Conclusion
Making a pecan pie without high fructose corn syrup is easy and delicious. By using natural sweeteners like maple syrup and brown sugar, you can enjoy this classic dessert without worrying about the potential health risks of high fructose corn syrup. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a healthier version of this popular American dessert!