Is There a Lot of Sugar in Pecan Pie?

November 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutritional data, a single slice of pecan pie can contain between 29 and over 45 grams of sugar, confirming yes, there is a lot of sugar in pecan pie. This sweet indulgence is known for its decadent, gooey filling, a texture and flavor heavily reliant on high-sugar ingredients.

Quick Summary

This guide examines the high sugar content of traditional pecan pie, exploring the key ingredients like corn syrup and sugar. It compares pecan pie's sweetness to other desserts and provides practical tips for making lower-sugar modifications at home.

Key Points

High Sugar Content: Traditional pecan pie is one of the highest-sugar desserts, primarily due to large amounts of corn syrup and sugar in the filling.
Corn Syrup is Key: Corn syrup acts as the primary sweetener and prevents crystallization, creating the pie's signature gooey texture.
Varies by Recipe: Sugar content differs significantly between commercially prepared pies (~32g/slice) and homemade versions (can exceed 45g/slice).
Calorie and Fat-Dense: Pecan pie's high sugar, corn syrup, butter, and nuts also make it very high in calories and fat.
Modifications are Possible: Less sugary versions can be made by reducing sugar or substituting it with alternatives like maple syrup, though it may alter the final texture.
Enjoy in Moderation: While high in sugar, pecan pie can be enjoyed as a decadent holiday treat, with awareness of its nutritional profile.

The Sweet, Sticky Truth: Why Pecan Pie is Sugar-Heavy

Pecan pie is a quintessential Southern dessert, beloved for its sweet, gooey filling and crunchy pecan topping. However, its signature texture and flavor come at a significant cost: a very high sugar content. The traditional recipe relies on a substantial amount of sweeteners to create that classic sticky consistency. Understanding the components and comparing it to other desserts reveals just how much sugar is packed into each slice.

The Role of Corn Syrup and Sweeteners

The most significant contributor to the high sugar load in pecan pie is corn syrup, often used alongside granulated or brown sugar. Here’s why these are critical ingredients:

Corn Syrup as a Binder: Corn syrup is the key to creating the pie's famously smooth and viscous filling. It prevents the sugar from crystallizing during baking, which would otherwise result in a grainy texture. Without it, the filling would not have its signature gooey consistency.
Intense Sweetness: The combination of corn syrup and sugar, often in large quantities (sometimes over 1 cup of each in a single recipe), provides an intense level of sweetness.
Historical Context: The popularization of pecan pie in its modern form is directly linked to the commercial availability and promotion of corn syrup, particularly by the Karo brand in the 1930s. This cemented corn syrup's role as a core ingredient.

Comparing Pecan Pie to Other Desserts

When placed side-by-side with other popular pies, pecan pie's high sugar content becomes even more apparent. For instance, a comparison between classic holiday pies often places pecan pie at the top or near the top for sugar content. While pumpkin pie also contains significant sugar, some recipes show the added sugar in pecan pie is nearly double that of pumpkin pie. The comparison isn’t just about total sugar, but the type, as pecan pie relies on concentrated syrups for its texture.

How to Reduce Sugar in Pecan Pie

For those who find traditional pecan pie too sweet or are looking to reduce their sugar intake, several modifications are possible. It's important to note that these changes will likely alter the final texture and flavor profile.

Here are some popular methods for a less sugary pecan pie:

Use Natural Sweeteners: Substituting a portion of the corn syrup and sugar with alternatives like honey or maple syrup can reduce overall sweetness and offer a more complex flavor profile. Maple syrup is a thinner liquid, so a small amount of flour may be needed to help the filling set.
Reduce Sugar Quantity: Simply using less granulated or brown sugar than the recipe calls for is an effective way to cut down on sweetness.
Control Sweetness with Flavor: Balance the sugar with other flavors. Adding a pinch of salt is standard for enhancing flavors and cutting sweetness, but introducing a splash of bourbon or lemon juice can also add depth and counter the heavy sweetness.
Make Your Own Crust: Using a homemade crust with less sugar, or even a nut-based crust, can further reduce the total sugar of the finished dessert.

Deciphering the Nutritional Label

Nutritional information can be complex due to the varying sizes and ingredients in different pecan pies. For commercially prepared pies, a single slice (often 1/6th or 1/8th of a pie) is the standard serving size. It is crucial to remember that homemade recipes and serving sizes will drastically change the numbers. A 2024 recipe from Allrecipes, for example, lists 47g of sugar per serving, highlighting the variation. When evaluating a pie, look for the 'Sugars' and 'Added Sugars' lines on the nutritional label to get the clearest picture.

Table: Sugar Content Comparison of Classic Pies


Pie Type	Typical Sugar Content (Per Slice)	Primary Sweeteners	Notes
Pecan Pie	29–47g	Corn Syrup, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar	Often one of the highest in sugar.
Pumpkin Pie	~29g total sugar, ~15g added sugar	Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar	Lower added sugar compared to pecan pie.
Apple Pie	~21g total sugar	Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar	Significantly lower sugar content than pecan pie.

Conclusion: The Bottom Line on Pecan Pie and Sugar

Ultimately, the answer to the question, is there a lot of sugar in pecan pie, is a definitive yes. The traditional recipe, with its heavy reliance on corn syrup and multiple forms of sugar, makes it one of the sweetest and most sugar-laden desserts. However, this doesn't mean it's off-limits. By enjoying it in moderation and exploring modified recipes that use less refined sweeteners, you can still appreciate this classic treat. The key lies in understanding the ingredients and making informed choices about how you prepare and consume it. The sweet, buttery, and nutty profile of pecan pie is a holiday staple for a reason, and a small, thoughtful slice can be a perfect indulgence.

For more recipe ideas and baking tips, you can visit a resource like Allrecipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard serving, such as a commercially prepared slice (1/6th of an 8" pie), typically contains over 30 grams of sugar, but this can vary significantly depending on the recipe.

Yes, pecan pie generally has more total sugar per slice than pumpkin pie, especially in terms of added sugars.

The primary ingredients responsible for the high sugar content are corn syrup and granulated sugar, which make up the bulk of the pie's gooey filling.

Yes, you can modify recipes to use less sugar or substitute some of the corn syrup and sugar with alternatives like honey or maple syrup. Be aware this may change the flavor and texture.

Using brown sugar or maple syrup instead of corn syrup can provide a deeper, more caramel-like flavor. While still sweet, this can result in a different, less syrupy texture.

It varies. Some homemade recipes use significantly more sugar than standard commercial pies. However, making it at home allows you complete control over the quantity and type of sweeteners used.

Pecan pie is also high in calories and fat due to the use of butter, eggs, and nuts. While nuts offer some benefits, they are calorie-dense, and the heavy filling adds significant saturated fat.