Quick & Heavenly Pecan Cream Pie Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Sweet, silky, and irresistibly decadent, this homemade pecan cream pie recipe delivers pure Southern comfort in every creamy bite.

Roasted pecans dance alongside a luxurious custard filling that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Rich layers of smooth cream and crunchy nut textures create a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of sweetness and nuttiness that will transport you to grandma’s kitchen.

The golden, flaky crust provides the perfect foundation for this indulgent treat.

Layers of flavor and texture come together in a dessert that turns any ordinary moment into something extraordinary.

One slice of this pecan cream pie, and you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic that never goes out of style.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 364 kcal

Servings: 9

What Goes in Pecan Cream Pie

• Pie Crust: The foundation of your dessert, choose a pre-made or homemade crust that's buttery and flaky for the perfect base.

• Heavy Whipping Cream, Powdered Sugar: Creates a cloud-like, silky topping that adds luxurious lightness to the pie.
• Cream Cheese: Provides rich, tangy depth and helps create a stable, smooth filling that holds its shape beautifully.
• Brown Sugar: Brings warm, caramel-like sweetness that complements the nutty flavor profile.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Adds a sophisticated, natural sweetness with complex undertones that elevate the entire dessert.

• Pecans: Delivers a delightful crunch and earthy, buttery flavor that transforms the pie from ordinary to extraordinary. Select fresh, crunchy pecans with a golden-brown color and no signs of rancidity.

Tools You’ll Need for Pecan Cream Pie

• Mixing Bowls: Two medium-sized bowls for separating cream cheese and whipped cream mixtures.
• Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Essential for whipping cream and beating cream cheese mixture until smooth.
• Whisk Attachment: Needed for creating perfect stiff peaks in the whipped cream.
• Pie Dish: To hold and shape the pecan cream pie.
• Cooling Rack: For allowing the pie crust to cool completely before filling.
• Spatula: For gently folding whipped cream into cream cheese mixture and spreading filling evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure ingredients like cream, sugar, and pecans.
• Sharp Knife: For chopping pecans and slicing the pie when serving.

How to Make the Perfect Pecan Cream Pie

• Pie Crust Foundation

Create a perfectly golden and crisp base by baking the pie crust according to traditional methods. Allow the crust to cool completely, ensuring a stable foundation for the luscious filling.

• Whipped Cloud Preparation

Transform heavy cream into a billowy white cloud by whipping it with delicate sweetness. Gradually increase mixer speed until soft, dreamy peaks form effortlessly.

• Creamy Cheese Blend

Marry cream cheese with rich brown sugar and maple syrup, creating a silky smooth mixture that whispers indulgence. Blend until no stubborn lumps remain.

• Pecan Dream Assembly

Gently marry the whipped cloud with the creamy cheese blend, folding softly to maintain airy texture. Sprinkle chopped pecans throughout, adding delightful crunch and nutty warmth.

• Pie Transformation

Spread the luxurious filling into the cooled crust, creating beautiful swirls. Scatter remaining pecans across the top for a rustic, inviting presentation.

• Chilling Magic

Protect the pie with a gentle cover and let it rest in the refrigerator. Overnight relaxation allows flavors to mingle and texture to become perfectly set.

• Sweet Celebration

Slice into this decadent creation and savor each creamy, nutty bite. A true dessert masterpiece awaits.

Tips for Pecan Cream Pie Perfection

• Enhance the nutty profile by lightly toasting pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This step releases natural oils and intensifies their rich, warm taste.
• Prepare the entire pie up to 2 days in advance, keeping it tightly covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together, creating an even more delicious dessert that's perfect for stress-free entertaining.
• Experiment with different sweeteners like honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup to customize the pie's sweetness. Each option adds a unique depth and complexity to the creamy filling.
• Crush pecans roughly for a chunky texture or finely chop for a more delicate crunch. Mix some whole pecans on top for a stunning visual and textural contrast that elevates the pie's presentation.
• Add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the powdered sugar when whipping cream to help stabilize it and prevent weeping, ensuring a perfectly fluffy and long-lasting whipped cream topping.

Pecan Cream Pie: Ways to Serve It

• Decadent Dessert Pairing: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra creamy and indulgent experience that complements the pie's nutty texture.
• Caramel Drizzle Delight: Enhance the pie's richness by adding a warm caramel sauce zigzagged across each slice, creating a luxurious and sweet contrast to the pecan cream filling.
• Coffee Companion: Pair this pie with a freshly brewed espresso or dark roast coffee to balance the sweetness and bring out the deep maple and pecan flavors, making each bite more sophisticated and enjoyable.
• Seasonal Celebration: Garnish with a light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of toasted pecan pieces just before serving to elevate the presentation and add a festive touch perfect for holiday gatherings.

Save & Store Your Pecan Cream Pie

• Refrigeration Strategies: Store the pie in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this delightful dessert up to 3 days in advance, keeping it chilled until ready to serve, which makes party planning a breeze.
• Freezing Finesse: Wrap the entire pie or individual slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 2 weeks, perfect for unexpected sweet cravings or last-minute dessert needs.
• Smart Serving Tips: Remove the pie from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, allowing the flavors to become more pronounced and the texture to become more creamy and luxurious.

Velvety Pecan Cream Pie Recipe

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

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Description

Southern grandmothers perfected this pecan cream pie with silky custard and toasted pecans nestled in a flaky crust. Nutty sweetness and creamy texture invite you to savor each delightful slice of this classic dessert.

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Ingredients

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• 1 (9-inch) uncooked pie crust
• 2 bars (8 oz/226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1½ cups (180 g) finely chopped pecans, divided
• ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup
• ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Bake pie crust according to traditional method until achieving a golden-brown hue. Cool completely on a wire rack to establish a sturdy foundation.
2. Cream Whipping: Employ an electric mixer to transform heavy cream and powdered sugar into a lofty, voluminous mixture. Whisk until firm peaks form, creating a cloud-like consistency that holds its shape effortlessly.
3. Cream Cheese Fusion: Blend softened cream cheese with brown sugar and maple syrup, beating until achieving a smooth, homogeneous texture free from any lingering lumps.
4. Filling Assembly: Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, maintaining its airy structure. Incorporate chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the creamy filling to ensure a balanced nutty profile.
5. Pie Construction: Pour the pecan-infused filling into the cooled crust, smoothing the surface with precision. Garnish the top with additional pecan pieces, creating an appetizing visual and textural contrast.
6. Chilling and Setting: Cover the pie and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours, allowing the filling to solidify and flavors to harmonize completely.
7. Serving: Slice with a sharp knife, showcasing the layers of creamy filling and toasted pecans. Serve chilled, reveling in the decadent nutty essence of this luxurious dessert.

Notes

• Crust Cooling Trick: Allow the pie crust to cool completely before adding filling to prevent soggy bottom and maintain a crisp texture.
• Whipping Cream Technique: Achieve perfect whipped cream by starting at low speed and gradually increasing to prevent splattering and ensure stable peaks.
• Cream Cheese Smoothness: Ensure cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature to eliminate lumps and create a silky smooth mixture.
• Chilling is Crucial: Minimum 8-hour refrigeration is non-negotiable for setting the filling and developing deep, rich flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 364
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 93 mg