Pecan Cream Pie Recipe

Easy Homemade Pecan Cream Pie Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth

Rich, velvety pecan cream pie whispers tales of Southern comfort and indulgent dessert traditions.

Creamy textures and nutty undertones dance harmoniously in this classic sweet creation.

Delicate layers of silky filling promise a decadent experience that enhances ordinary moments into culinary celebrations.

Buttery crusts provide the perfect foundation for a delightful confection that balances sweet and rich flavors.

Carefully selected ingredients elevate this dessert from simple to spectacular, blending traditional techniques with modern sophistication.

Smooth, luscious filling nestled between crisp pastry creates a sensory experience that delights both eyes and palate.

Passionate bakers treasure this recipe for its ability to evoke warmth, nostalgia, and pure gustatory pleasure.

Pecan Cream Pie That’s Rich and Custardy

  • Heavenly Layered Textures: Indulge in a delightful contrast between the silky smooth cream cheese filling and the crunchy, toasted pecans that add a delectable nutty crunch to every bite.
  • Quick and Easy Preparation: Whip up this impressive dessert with minimal cooking skills, using simple ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that make it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
  • Make-Ahead Dessert Perfection: Enjoy the convenience of preparing this pie in advance, as it requires a long chilling time that allows flavors to meld and develop, making it an ideal make-ahead treat for gatherings or special occasions.
  • Rich Maple-Infused Flavor: Experience the luxurious blend of cream cheese, pure maple syrup, and brown sugar that creates a deep, sophisticated sweetness complemented by the earthy warmth of pecans.

Ingredients Needed for Pecan Cream Pie

Pie Crust:
  • Pie Crust: Pre-baked base that provides a crisp foundation for the creamy filling, choose a deep-dish or homemade version for best results.
Cream Filling Ingredients:
  • Heavy Whipping Cream, Powdered Sugar: Light and airy base for the cream pie, select fresh cream with high fat content for better volume and stability.
  • Cream Cheese, Brown Sugar, Pure Maple Syrup: Creamy, rich mixture that adds depth and sweetness, use softened cream cheese for smooth texture.
Nut Ingredients:
  • Pecans: Crunchy, buttery nuts that provide texture and nutty flavor, choose fresh, whole pecans for maximum crispness and best taste.

How to Make a Silky Pecan Cream Pie

Step 1: Craft the Perfect Pie Crust

Follow the package instructions or your favorite pie crust recipe. Bake until golden and let it cool completely on a wire rack. The crust should be crisp and ready to cradle your delightful filling.

Step 2: Whip Up Heavenly Cream

Grab your mixing bowl and pour in heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar. Grab an electric mixer and whisk those ingredients into fluffy clouds. Start slow and gradually increase speed. Whip until stiff peaks stand tall and proud- this should take about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Create Dreamy Cream Cheese Blend

In another bowl, combine:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Brown sugar
  • Pure maple syrup

Beat until silky smooth, ensuring no stubborn lumps remain. The mixture should look creamy and inviting.

Step 4: Marry the Mixtures

Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Think of this as a delicate dance of flavors. Stir in pecans:
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Step 5: Build Your Pie Masterpiece

Spread the luscious filling evenly across the cooled crust. Sprinkle remaining pecans on top for a beautiful, crunchy finish:
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Step 6: Chill and Set

Cover the pie with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid. Slide into the refrigerator and let it rest for at least 8 hours. Overnight is even better- patience rewards you with a perfectly set pie.

Step 7: Slice and Savor

Remove from the refrigerator and cut into beautiful slices. Each bite promises a creamy, nutty adventure that’ll make taste buds dance with joy!

Tips for Balancing Sweetness in Pecan Cream Pie

  • Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture.
  • Whip Cream Like a Pro: Chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping cream for faster and more stable peaks.
  • Prevent Soggy Crust: Blind bake the pie crust for extra crispness and brush with a thin egg wash to create a moisture barrier.
  • Toasting Pecans Boosts Flavor: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before chopping to enhance their nutty, rich flavor profile.
  • Slice with Ease: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts to create clean, smooth slices of the chilled pie.

Best Practices for Storing and Reheating Pecan Cream Pie

  • Refrigerate: Cover pie tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store in refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption.
  • Freeze: Wrap pie securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving to preserve texture and taste.
  • Reheat: Enjoy cold directly from refrigerator. Avoid microwaving, which can make crust soggy. Let pie sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and creamy consistency.

Serve This Pecan Pie With These Drink Options

  • Elevate the Sweetness: Pair this decadent pecan cream pie with a classic bourbon or a smooth caramel-infused whiskey to complement its rich, nutty flavor profile.
  • Brew the Perfect Match: Serve alongside a robust dark roast coffee or a creamy cappuccino to balance the pie's sweetness and enhance its luxurious texture.
  • Scoop Up Delight: Top the pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of cinnamon-spiced whipped cream to add an extra layer of indulgence and creamy contrast.
  • Fresh Fruity Finish: Garnish with fresh raspberries or a light raspberry coulis to cut through the pie's richness and provide a bright, tangy counterpoint.

Variations to Try with Pecan Cream Pie

  • Caramel Pecan Cream Pie: Drizzle rich caramel sauce over the top of the pie before chilling, creating a decadent layer of sweetness that complements the pecan and cream cheese flavors.
  • Chocolate Pecan Cream Pie: Sprinkle dark chocolate shavings between layers and on top of the pie, adding a luxurious chocolate undertone to the classic recipe.
  • Bourbon Pecan Cream Pie: Incorporate a tablespoon of bourbon into the cream cheese mixture for a sophisticated adult version with a warm, rich depth of flavor.
  • Maple Praline Pecan Cream Pie: Crush praline pecans and mix them into the filling, then top with additional praline pieces for extra crunch and caramelized sweetness.
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Pecan Cream Pie Recipe

Pecan Cream Pie Recipe


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4.7 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Pecan cream pie brings Southern comfort to dessert tables with its silky filling and golden-brown nutty topping. Creamy custard blends seamlessly with toasted pecans, offering you a slice of pure indulgence that melts deliciously on the palate.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 bars (8 ounces/226 grams each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1½ cups (180 grams) finely chopped pecans, divided
  • 1 (9-inch) uncooked pie crust

Sweeteners:

  • ½ cup (100 grams) light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) pure maple syrup
  • ¼ cup (30 grams) powdered sugar

Dairy and Cream:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream

Instructions

  1. Craft the pie foundation by meticulously following crust preparation guidelines, ensuring a golden-brown surface. Allow the baked shell to cool completely on a wire rack, creating a stable base for the luscious filling.
  2. Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar using an electric mixer. Gradually increase speed, transforming the liquid into a voluminous, cloud-like texture with firm, sturdy peaks. This process typically requires 4-5 minutes of dedicated whisking.
  3. Create a velvety cream cheese blend by thoroughly combining softened cream cheese, rich brown sugar, and pure maple syrup. Beat the mixture until it achieves a silky, uniform consistency without any stubborn lumps.
  4. Delicately incorporate the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, using gentle folding techniques to maintain the airy texture. Gently fold in a generous portion of chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the creamy filling.
  5. Transfer the luxurious pecan-studded filling into the cooled pie crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure an even distribution. Artfully sprinkle the remaining pecan pieces across the top, creating an inviting textural garnish.
  6. Carefully seal the pie with a protective cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours. This crucial resting period allows the filling to set and the flavors to meld, transforming the dessert into a perfectly harmonious treat.
  7. When ready to serve, slice the chilled pie with a sharp knife, revealing the creamy layers and toasted pecan accents. Present this decadent dessert immediately, savoring the rich, nutty essence of this indulgent creation.

Notes

  • Cooling is Crucial: Let the pie crust cool completely before adding filling to prevent soggy texture and maintain the crisp base’s integrity.
  • Whipping Wisdom: Beat heavy cream at low speed first, gradually increasing to prevent splattering and achieve perfect stiff peaks in about 4-5 minutes.
  • Smoothness Matters: Ensure cream cheese is fully softened and beat until completely smooth to eliminate any lumpy texture in the filling.
  • Gentle Folding Technique: Carefully fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture to preserve the light, airy texture of the filling.
  • Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate the pie for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and filling to set properly.
  • Pecan Power: Reserve some chopped pecans for a beautiful topping that adds crunch and visual appeal to the creamy pie.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 392
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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