Joanna Gaines Gives Pecan Pie A Spicy Twist With Ancho Chile

Why ancho chiles are such a great fit for pecan pie

Ancho chiles are dried, nearly ripe poblano chiles known for their sweet, chocolatey taste (some even describe them as having a raisin-like quality) and mild heat, which is less than half that of a jalapeño (a gentle 1000 to 2000 on the Scoville scale). Commonly used in Mexican cuisine, they are available both whole and in powdered form, as seen in Joanna Gaines' pecan pie.

Before you shout "sacrilege," remember that chiles (and other spicy ingredients) are already featured in various sweet dishes — consider spicy almond brownies, Mexican hot chocolate, and chocolate bars from brands like Lindt infused with heat; it's a combination that clearly works. Conversely, if you're familiar with the Mexican sauce mole, you know that many recipes include chocolate or cacao nibs.

By adding ancho chile powder to her pecan pie filling, Gaines enhances the dish's signature caramel sweetness while highlighting the toasted nuttiness of the pecans, resulting in a delightful complexity and an overall boost in flavor. The author and culinary entrepreneur captures this perfectly in her cookbook when she states (via MyRecipes), "I'm not saying traditional pecan pie needs improvement, but incorporating a touch of ground ancho chile creates a sweet-and-heat pairing that elevates this pie to another level."

Tips for baking Joanna Gaines' spicy pecan pie

To recreate Joanna Gaines' pecan pie, you'll only need 2 teaspoons of ancho chile powder, but feel free to adjust the amount or try different types of chile peppers based on your spice preference. For instance, Ree Drummond adds a whole tablespoon of ancho chile powder and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to her spicy pecan pie filling, plus an extra teaspoon and ¼ teaspoon of each to coat the pecans. Just be sure to steer clear of chile blends that include savory ingredients like garlic and cumin, and always be cautious about how much you use.

Although Gaines has achieved food celebrity status with her bakery, coffee shop, restaurant, and cooking show, she values simplicity, and her pecan pie reflects that—she even opts for a store-bought pie crust. The entire process is straightforward, consisting of just two steps: mix the main ingredients (including chile powder, pecans, light brown sugar, light corn syrup, and melted salted butter) in a bowl, pour the mixture into the prepared crust, and bake. Her pie is ready to enjoy in just under an hour at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (after cooling and being topped with whipped cream and cinnamon, of course). This clever addition is easy to incorporate into your own favorite pecan pie recipe.