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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chilling and Setting: Cover the pie and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours, allowing the filling to solidify and flavors to harmonize completely.
- 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