Heavenly Pecan Cream Pie Recipe: Sweet Comfort in Every Bite

Sweet memories flood back when I recall this creamy pecan pie that reminds me of grandmother’s kitchen.

Warm aromas of caramel and toasted nuts drift through the air, promising pure comfort.

My family’s cherished recipe carries generations of love in every delectable slice.

Buttery pecans nestled in silky custard create a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Crisp pastry cradles a filling so rich and decadent, you’ll want seconds before finishing the first bite.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of sweet, nutty goodness that makes ordinary moments extraordinary.

This pie will become your new favorite dessert that sparks conversation and creates instant joy.

What Goes with Pecan Cream Pie

• Pair with Complementary Spirits: Bourbon or aged whiskey beautifully matches the pie's rich, nutty maple flavor, enhancing the creamy texture and pecan undertones.
• Dessert Wine Delight: Late harvest Riesling offers a sweet, balanced counterpoint to the pie's decadent cream cheese filling, cutting through the richness with its bright acidity.
• Nutty Coffee Companion: Dark roast coffee with hints of caramel and vanilla creates a harmonious backdrop, mirroring the pie's deep, complex flavors and providing a warm contrast to the chilled dessert.
• Craft Cocktail Complement: An old fashioned cocktail with its whiskey base and bitters perfectly echoes the pie's warm, sweet notes, making each bite and sip a delightful experience.

Pecan Cream Pie Twists

• Vegan Pecan Dream: Replace cream cheese with cashew cream, use coconut whipped cream, and swap maple syrup for agave nectar. Substitute pecans with toasted almonds for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Nutty Delight: Use gluten-free pie crust made from almond flour or graham cracker crumbs. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Pie: Swap brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt to lower calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.
• Chocolate Pecan Fusion: Add dark chocolate shavings between layers and sprinkle cocoa powder on top. Mix in melted dark chocolate into cream cheese filling for rich, decadent flavor.

FAQs

• What makes the cream cheese filling so creamy?

The filling uses softened cream cheese beaten with brown sugar, salt, and maple syrup, which creates a smooth and rich base that blends perfectly with the whipped cream.

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

While pecans are traditional, you can substitute with toasted walnuts or almonds for a similar crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this pie?

You’ll need an electric mixer for whipping cream and beating the cream cheese mixture, plus pie weights or dried beans for blind baking the crust.

• How do I know if my whipped cream is properly beaten?

Look for stiff peaks that hold their shape when you lift the beater – the cream should stand up straight and not fall back down immediately.

Reasons to Enjoy Pecan Cream Pie at Every Occasion

• Effortless Elegance: This pecan cream pie requires minimal baking skills, making it perfect for novice and experienced bakers alike.
• Quick Preparation: You can whip up this delightful dessert with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, reducing kitchen stress and time spent cooking.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture: The combination of creamy filling and crunchy pecans creates a luxurious mouthfeel that will impress family and friends at gatherings.
• Versatile Dessert Option: Perfect for potlucks, holiday celebrations, or a sweet weekend treat that suits multiple occasions without complicated techniques.

Pecan Cream Pie Pantry Musts

• Pie Crust: Pre-made shell ready for baking.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth and creamy base for the filling.
• Brown Sugar: Adds rich, caramel-like sweetness.
• Maple Syrup: Provides deep, natural sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.

• Pecans, Chopped: Crunchy nutty element for texture and flavor.

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates light and airy texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes whipped cream.

• Chopped Pecans: Additional topping for crunch and visual appeal.

Pecan Cream Pie Recipe Method

Step 1: Prepare Pie Crust

Warm up your oven following the instructions on your pie crust package. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. Allow the crust to cool completely, creating a perfect foundation for your creamy masterpiece.

Step 2: Whip up Fluffy Cream

Grab your electric mixer and a small bowl. Combine heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar. Whip the mixture until it forms elegant, stiff peaks that stand tall and proud. Set this cloud-like cream aside for later.

Step 3: Create Cream Cheese Magic

• Cream cheese
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Maple syrup

Beat these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, velvety mixture that looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 4: Marry the Fillings

• Chopped pecans

Ensure everything is perfectly combined and looks absolutely scrumptious.

Step 5: Assemble Your Pie Masterpiece

Spread the filling evenly across the cooled pie crust, creating a smooth, tempting surface. Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans over the top, adding a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Place the pie in the refrigerator. Let it rest and set for at least 2 hours. For maximum flavor and texture, overnight chilling works wonders.

Step 7: Serve with Joy

Slice the pie with care and serve chilled. Watch as your guests’ eyes light up with the first delicious bite!

Cream Pie Tips for That Perfect Pecan Finish

• Gently Fold Whipped Cream: Carefully incorporate whipped cream into cream cheese mixture to maintain its light, airy texture without deflating the volume.
• Toast Pecans for Depth: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to the pie for enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch.
• Stabilize Whipped Cream: Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to powdered sugar when whipping cream to help maintain stiff peaks and prevent weeping.
• Chill Thoroughly: Allow pie to set completely in refrigerator for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to ensure a firm, sliceable consistency.
• Maple Syrup Swap: Experiment with different sweeteners like honey or agave for a unique twist on the traditional maple flavor profile.

Pecan Cream Pie: How to Keep It Fresh

• Store the pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Place in a freezer-safe container for extra protection.
• Remove the pie from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent texture changes.
• Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For a crisp crust, use an oven preheated to 325°F and warm for 5-7 minutes.

Pecan Cream Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering pecan cream pie brings Southern comfort straight to your dessert table with layers of rich, silky filling and buttery crust. Nutty pecans and smooth cream create a luxurious finale that will delight you at first bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese (softened)
• 1.5 cups pecans (finely chopped)
• 1 9-inch pie crust (unbaked)

Sweeteners:

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven according to pie crust package directions and prepare the crust by lining with parchment paper, filling with pie weights or dried beans to ensure even baking.
2. Bake the crust until it achieves a golden-brown hue, then remove and allow to cool completely, creating a crisp foundation for the creamy filling.
3. Whip heavy cream and powdered sugar using an electric mixer, creating a voluminous mixture with stiff, billowy peaks that will add lightness to the pie.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, brown sugar, salt, and maple syrup until the mixture becomes smooth and velvety, developing a rich flavor profile.
5. Delicately fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring a uniform, airy texture that maintains the filling’s delicate structure.
6. Incorporate one cup of chopped pecans into the filling, distributing them evenly to provide a delightful crunch throughout the pie.
7. Transfer the pecan-studded filling into the cooled pie crust, spreading it smoothly and creating an even surface.
8. Generously sprinkle the remaining half cup of chopped pecans across the top, creating an attractive and textural garnish.
9. Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of two hours, or ideally overnight, allowing the filling to set and flavors to meld completely.
10. Slice the chilled pie and serve, enjoying the harmonious blend of creamy filling and nutty crunch.

Notes

• Enhance the pie’s texture by toasting pecans before adding them to the filling, which intensifies their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
• Create a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free pie crust or making a nut-based crust with ground pecans and dates for a healthier alternative.
• Prevent soggy crust by ensuring the blind-baking process is thorough and the crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese filling.
• Stabilize whipped cream by chilling the mixing bowl and beaters beforehand, ensuring a more consistent and longer-lasting whipped cream texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg