If you adore rich, nutty desserts that offer a perfect balance of creamy sweetness and a delightful crunch, the Pecan Cream Pie Recipe is going to become your new favorite indulgence. This luscious pie combines a velvety cream cheese and maple-sweetened filling with the unmistakable flavor of toasted pecans, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or simply a treat to brighten your day, this Pecan Cream Pie Recipe delivers a deliciously satisfying bite every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this pie is wonderfully straightforward, but every element plays a crucial role in creating that creamy texture and nutty flavor that makes the Pecan Cream Pie Recipe so irresistible. From the rich cream cheese to the pure maple syrup and crunchy pecans, each component adds dimension and depth to the final masterpiece.
- 1 9-inch pie crust, homemade or storebought, baked and cooled for a sturdy, buttery base.
- 1 cup (238 g) heavy whipping cream, which you’ll whip to add lightness and volume to the filling.
- ¼ cup (31 g) confectioner’s sugar, to sweeten the whipped cream just right.
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened to create a rich, smooth texture that forms the pie’s creamy heart.
- ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed for a hint of caramel sweetness in the filling.
- ¼ cup (79 g) pure maple syrup, which adds a deep, natural sweetness and distinctive flavor.
- 1 ½ cups (163.5 g) pecans, finely chopped and divided to incorporate texture inside and a crunchy topping.
- 8 ounces whipped cream, for decorating and adding extra creamy goodness on top.
How to Make Pecan Cream Pie Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Heavy Cream and Sugar
Start by combining the heavy whipping cream with the confectioner’s sugar. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, whip them together until you see stiff peaks forming. This whipped cream will add a fluffy and airy texture that balances the richness of the cream cheese in the filling. Set this aside for later.
Step 2: Beat Cream Cheese with Brown Sugar and Maple Syrup
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, light brown sugar, and pure maple syrup together using your hand mixer on medium speed. Continue until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy—no lumps in sight. This step is key for creating that silky, sweet base of the pie’s filling.
Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Cream
Carefully fold the whipped heavy cream mixture into the cream cheese mixture. Take your time here to gently combine them without deflating the whipped cream. This delicate folding results in a beautifully light but indulgent cream filling that’s irresistibly smooth.
Step 4: Add Chopped Pecans
Next, it’s time to fold in 1 cup of the finely chopped pecans. These bring the pie its signature nutty crunch throughout the filling, making every bite interesting and satisfying.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Scoop the luscious cream and pecan filling into the baked and cooled pie crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula for a clean, polished look. This layer will start to set once chilled, so smooth it out well.
Step 6: Chill the Pie
Place the pie in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours, though overnight chilling works best if you can plan ahead. This chilling time allows the filling to firm up perfectly and lets those flavors meld beautifully.
Step 7: Add the Final Touches
Before serving, spread the whipped cream topping evenly over the chilled pie. Then, generously sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of chopped pecans on top for a gorgeous finish, adding texture and an inviting nutty aroma.
How to Serve Pecan Cream Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Keep it simple with a few extra whole pecans scattered on top or add a light dusting of cinnamon for warmth. A drizzle of warm maple syrup just before serving can elevate the flavors even more. These little touches make the pie look as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine to complement its sweet, creamy richness. Fresh fruit, like sliced pears or crisp apples, can also provide a refreshing balance alongside each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving slices on pretty dessert plates with a sprig of fresh mint or a dollop of extra whipped cream on the side. For a festive occasion, consider individual mini versions of this pie in tartlet shells—perfect for sharing and looking charming on any dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Pecan Cream Pie Recipe refrigerated, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining its creamy texture and nutty flavor beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this pie freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When properly stored, it can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its delicate texture.
Reheating
This pie is best enjoyed chilled and generally does not require reheating. However, if you prefer a slightly softer texture, allow the slice to sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving, so the flavors and textures can shine.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! A good quality store-bought crust works perfectly for the Pecan Cream Pie Recipe, especially if you want to save time. Just make sure it’s fully baked and cooled before adding the filling.
Is it necessary to chill the pie for 4 hours?
Chilling is essential for the filling to properly set. While 4 hours is the minimum, overnight chilling will give you the best texture and flavor.
Can I substitute maple syrup with honey?
While honey can work in a pinch, maple syrup gives this pie its distinctive flavor that pairs perfectly with pecans, so it’s best not to substitute if you can avoid it.
How should I store leftover pie?
Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered tightly to keep it fresh and to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.
Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy ingredients for its creamy texture, so making it vegan would require significant substitutions, but there are vegan cream cheese and dairy-free whipping cream options you could experiment with.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Pecan Cream Pie Recipe, it’s going to become a treasured favorite in your dessert rotation. The combination of creamy, sweet filling with crunchy pecan pieces puts a lovely twist on a classic favorite, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself after a long day. Go ahead, dive into this delicious delight — you won’t regret it!
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Pecan Cream Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for baking pie crust, if homemade)
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pecan Cream Pie is a luscious, no-bake dessert featuring a smooth cream cheese and maple syrup filling folded with whipped cream and chopped pecans, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. Topped with whipped cream and more pecans, this pie is perfect for a sweet treat that requires minimal effort but delivers rich, creamy texture and nutty flavor.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 9-inch pie crust, (homemade or storebought, baked and cooled)
Filling
- 1 cup (238 g) heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup (31 g) confectioner’s sugar
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, (softened)
- ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, (packed)
- ¼ cup (79 g) pure maple syrup
- 1 ½ cups (163.5 g) pecans, (finely chopped, divided)
Topping
- 8 ounces whipped cream
Instructions
- Mix heavy whipping cream and confectioners’ sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream and confectioner’s sugar. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, whip the mixture until stiff peaks form. Set the whipped cream aside for later use.
- Beat cream cheese with brown sugar and maple syrup: In another large bowl, add softened cream cheese, light brown sugar, and pure maple syrup. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Fold in whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped heavy cream mixture into the cream cheese mixture. Incorporate carefully to maintain the light and airy texture without deflating the whipped cream.
- Fold in pecans: Add 1 cup of the finely chopped pecans into the combined cream filling and fold gently to mix evenly.
- Scoop mixture into pie crust: Pour and spread the pecan cream filling evenly into the cooled pie crust. Smooth the top gently with a spatula.
- Chill the pie: Place the pie in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours to set the filling properly. For best results, chill overnight.
- Top with whipped cream: Once chilled, spread an even layer of whipped cream over the top of the pie.
- Garnish with pecans: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of chopped pecans evenly over the whipped cream topping before serving.
Notes
- This pie requires at least 4 hours of chilling, but overnight chilling will improve its texture and flavor.
- Ensure the pie crust is baked and fully cooled before adding the filling to avoid a soggy crust.
- Use finely chopped pecans to evenly distribute nuts throughout the filling and on top.
- If you prefer a sweeter filling, adjust the amount of brown sugar or maple syrup to taste.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with suitable vegan options.
