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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Delicately fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring a uniform, airy texture that maintains the filling’s delicate structure.
- Incorporate one cup of chopped pecans into the filling, distributing them evenly to provide a delightful crunch throughout the pie.
- Transfer the pecan-studded filling into the cooled pie crust, spreading it smoothly and creating an even surface.
- Generously sprinkle the remaining half cup of chopped pecans across the top, creating an attractive and textural garnish.
- Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of two hours, or ideally overnight, allowing the filling to set and flavors to meld completely.
- 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