No matter the season or special occasion, pecan pies are a must-have Texas dessert. In fact, it’s been a Texas tradition since the 1800s - and has become a mainstay during the holidays - such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Fourth of July - alongside special occasions like graduations, corporate events, weddings, and other noteworthy celebrations. It’s the official state pie for a reason.
Because of its cultural significance as a Southern dessert, pecan pies are readily available year-round. That’s why when a pecan pie wows your taste buds, like Goode Co.’s award-winning Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie, you know it’s the real deal. We’ve mastered the art of baking the best pecan pie recipe, so much so it’s earned awards and praise - from Oprah, herself!
So, whether you’re hosting a holiday BBQ or want to give the ultimate gift to a special someone, learn more about our homemade Goodeness and the sweet history of pecan pies in Texas.
The History of Pecan Pie in Texas
The history of pecan pie dates back centuries. In the late 1800s, pecans started gaining popularity for use in recipes as they were featured in various cookbooks in Texas, and later across the United States where pecan trees naturally grow.
By the mid-1920s, the manufacturer of Karo syrup began printing a recipe for pecan pie on cans of its corn syrup. This wide distribution introduced people from across the country to pecan pie. Not to mention, the dessert is easy to make, as pecan pie ingredients typically include pecans, corn syrup, eggs, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and a pie crust.
The popularity of pecan pies is so significant that they became the official state pie of Texas in 2013. Pecans are also the state health nut of Texas, and the pecan tree is the official state tree.
How Pecan Pie Represents Texas
Pecan pies perfectly capture the heart of Texans. Many Texans serve their communities with pride and protection in the same way pecans, with their hard exteriors, are also tough shells. But when you crack them open and get to know them, you’ll discover that Texans are as sweet as baked pecans in a pie.
The Goode Company Recipe
What started as a family recipe turned into a world-famous sweet treat. Goode Co.’s Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie was first perfected by our grandmother, Emma “Nanny” Longoria Goode, and we’ve been baking the same blissful batter from scratch each morning for 47 years.
As for today’s pie-making process? It starts at Goode Co.’s kitchen in Houston, where all the baking is done. Ever since opening Goode Company Texas Barbeque in 1977, our pecan pies have been crafted with the same care and specialty our grandmother made them with - because half-baked just isn’t our style. We handmake each pie with farm-fresh eggs and all-natural mammoth Texas pecans - the biggest you can find! - which are sourced from the Brazos Valley, nearby Columbus, Texas.
The only way to get closer to authenticity is to have had the privilege of bonding with our grandmother over stories as the smell of a fresh-baked pecan pie wafted through the air.
Our best-selling Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie isn’t just a customer favorite with its nearly five-star rating online, but it’s earned awards, too, including the title “Best Mail Order Pie” by Bloomberg. Plus, it’s received Oprah’s stamp of approval, as it was featured in O Magazine.
So, what makes Goode Co.’s Texas pecan pie award-worthy? From the crispy pecan pie crust to the rich, gooey inside, our beloved dessert is Texas-sized and serves up to 10 people, which means you won’t ever feel guilty grabbing a second slice. Even better, our nine-inch homemade pie also has a shelf life of three weeks when stored at room temperature or three months when refrigerated. The Brazos Bottom Pecan Pie isn’t just Goode, it’s great.
Eat and Be Merry With Goode Co.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard Texas BBQ, a Thanksgiving gathering, or want to surprise your loved one with a Pure Texas Gift Box or Texas Style Coffee Break Gift Box, Goode Co.’s famous pecan pie is sure to make the event a little sweeter and more memorable.
Our homemade pies come in our signature pine box, which not only protects the Goodes no matter where they’re being delivered to, but doubles as a keepsake. Our Heritage Script Edition is particularly beautiful. Store your family’s recipes in the decorative box or use it to carry your own delicious creations.
No matter what option you choose, grab our best-selling pecan pie and pair it with our Texas-style BBQ. Choose from our BBQ best sellers or pick up some spices and sauces to bring your pitmaster skills to the next level.
Savor the special moments with your loved ones and a Goode slice of our homemade pecan pies.