Whip Up a Silky Pecan Cream Pie Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Rich, buttery pastry cradles a decadent pecan cream pie that blends Southern comfort with luxurious smoothness.

Generations of bakers have cherished this silky pecan cream pie recipe as a treasured dessert tradition.

Pecans bring a delightful crunch against the velvety custard filling, creating a harmonious balance of textures.

Each forkful promises a delectable journey through sweet, nutty layers that melt effortlessly on your palate.

The golden-brown crust provides a perfect foundation for the luscious cream that nestles within its crisp edges.

Warm spices and pure vanilla enhance the pie’s complex flavor profile, making it an irresistible treat for any gathering.

This dessert stands ready to become your new favorite indulgence, waiting to transform an ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

Tips to Store Pecan Cream Pie Without Losing Crunch

• Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 2 hours to enhance flavor fusion and help the filling set perfectly.
• Use a clean, sharp knife dipped in hot water for smooth, clean cuts through the creamy filling and nutty topping.
• Keep the pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining its delicious texture and taste.
• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to preserve its creamy consistency.

FAQs

• Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use a pre-made pie crust to save time. Just ensure it’s a deep-dish crust that can hold the creamy filling and pecan topping.

• How do I prevent my pie crust from becoming soggy?

Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork before baking and blind bake it for 20-25 minutes. This helps create a barrier between the crust and the wet filling.

• Are there any substitutes for cream cheese in this recipe?

You can use mascarpone cheese as a substitute. It has a similar creamy texture and will work well in the filling.

• Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pie up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 hours

Total Time: 45 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 9

Pecan Cream Pie Recipe Ingredient Essentials

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy base for a crisp, flaky foundation that cradles the creamy filling.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the richness of the butter.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates tender, melt-in-your-mouth layers with its cold, high-fat content; choose European-style for extra richness.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough without developing gluten, ensuring a delicate texture.

• Cream Cheese: Delivers a tangy, velvety base that adds depth and richness to the pie's creamy center.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and smooths the filling, creating a silky-soft texture.
• Heavy Cream: Whips into luxurious peaks, adding lightness and airy volume to the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces a warm, aromatic complexity that elevates the entire dessert.

• Pecans: Bring a delightful crunch and nutty warmth; look for fresh, plump nuts with a golden-brown color.
• Brown Sugar: Caramelizes beautifully, creating a glossy, sweet coating that hugs each pecan.
• Butter: Helps toast the pecans and creates a rich, golden-brown glaze that adds depth of flavor.

Tools for a Rich, Nutty Pecan Cream Pie Recipe

• Mixing Bowls: Large bowl for pie crust and separate bowls for cream filling and whipped cream.
• Pie Pan: 9-inch standard pie dish for baking and assembling the pie.
• Fork: To prick pie crust bottom and mix ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
• Electric Mixer or Whisk: To beat cream cheese and whip heavy cream smoothly.
• Skillet: For toasting pecans with brown sugar and butter.
• Rolling Pin: To roll out pie crust evenly.
• Spatula: To fold whipped cream and spread filling.
• Plastic Wrap: To wrap and chill pie dough.

How to Make Pecan Cream Pie with a Silky Center

• Create Buttery Crust

Blend flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in chilled butter until the mixture looks like tiny pebbles. Add cold water drop by drop until dough forms a soft ball. Wrap and chill the dough for half an hour. Roll out and place in pie pan, then bake until golden and crispy.

• Whip Luxurious Cream Filling

Smooth out cream cheese until silky. Mix in powdered sugar gradually. Separately, whip cream until it creates fluffy peaks. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture, creating a cloud-like filling. Pour into cooled crust and spread evenly.

• Toast Crunchy Pecan Topping

Melt butter in a skillet. Toss pecans and brown sugar together, stirring constantly. Cook until pecans smell nutty and turn a rich brown color. Let cool slightly before sprinkling over cream filling.

• Chill and Serve

Refrigerate pie for at least two hours to let flavors blend perfectly. Before serving, garnish with extra whipped cream and whole pecans for a stunning presentation.

Variations for the Pecan Cream Pie Recipe

• Expert Tips and Tasty Twists
• Use cold butter and handle the dough minimally to ensure a flaky, tender pie crust that melts in your mouth.
• Prepare the entire pie up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator for stress-free entertaining and maximum flavor development.
• Swap traditional flour with gluten-free flour blend and almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that doesn't compromise on taste or texture.
• Toast pecans before adding to the topping to intensify their rich, deep flavor and create an extra layer of complexity in every bite.
• Replace cream cheese with coconut cream and use dairy-free whipped topping to create a luscious plant-based alternative that's equally indulgent.

Serving Suggestions for Slices of Pecan Cream Pie

• Pecan Paradise Plating: Sprinkle extra toasted pecans around the pie's edge for a gorgeous, crunchy border that adds texture and visual appeal.
• Sweet Companion Combinations: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to enhance the pie's rich, nutty flavors.
• Festive Presentation Tricks: Dust the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or garnish with fresh mint leaves for an elegant, professional finishing touch that elevates the dessert's appearance.
• Seasonal Serving Style: Pair with a warm cup of coffee or bourbon-spiked hot chocolate during fall and winter gatherings to create a cozy, indulgent dessert experience.

Silky Pecan Cream Pie Recipe

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• Total Time: 45 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade pecan cream pie delivers rich Southern comfort with silky custard and crunchy pecans. Caramel notes and buttery crust create a delightful dessert you’ll savor down to the last delicious crumb.

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Ingredients

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• 2 packages (16 oz / 453 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 ¼ cups pecans, toasted and chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 (9-inch) graham cracker or shortbread pie crust
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• ⅓ cup powdered sugar
• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Pastry Preparation: Combine flour and salt in a large mixing bowl. Cut chilled butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Dough Formation: Add ice water gradually, kneading until the dough forms a cohesive ball. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes to rest and firm up.
3. Crust Baking: Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Roll out chilled dough into a pie pan, prick the bottom with a fork. Bake until golden brown, approximately 20-25 minutes, then cool completely.
4. Cream Filling Creation: Whip cream cheese until smooth, gradually blending in powdered sugar. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with vanilla until soft peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture to create a light, airy filling.
5. Pecan Topping Development: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped pecans and brown sugar, toasting until pecans are fragrant and caramelized, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Pie Assembly: Spread cream filling evenly into the cooled crust. Drizzle caramelized pecan mixture over the top, creating a rich, crunchy layer.
7. Chilling and Finishing: Refrigerate pie for at least two hours to set. Before serving, garnish with additional whipped cream and whole pecans for an elegant touch.

Notes

• Crust Consistency Check: Ensure butter is ice-cold and cut into small cubes for a flaky, tender pie crust that doesn’t become tough.
• Cream Mixing Technique: Fold whipped cream into cream cheese gently to maintain volume and prevent deflating the airy texture.
• Pecan Toasting Precision: Watch pecans carefully while caramelizing to avoid burning; they can quickly turn from perfectly toasted to bitter and burnt.
• Chilling Importance: Allow sufficient refrigeration time to let flavors meld and filling set properly, creating a cohesive and delightful dessert experience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg