The Dreamiest Pecan Cream Pie Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Crafting a luscious pecan cream pie brings pure joy to any dessert table.

Nutty aromas will soon fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

Southern bakers have long cherished this creamy delicacy that marries rich textures with sweet sophistication.

Pecans deliver a delightful crunch against silky smooth custard layers.

Crisp pastry provides the perfect foundation for this decadent treat.

Crumbly, golden-brown nuts scattered across a cloud-like filling promise an unforgettable taste experience.

Come closer and let this irresistible pie sweep you into a world of delectable comfort.

Why Pecan Cream Pie Is So Rich And Dreamy

• Bake with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this pecan pie recipe requires minimal technical expertise and basic kitchen tools.
• Quick and Comforting: Prepare this delightful dessert with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it an ideal choice for spontaneous baking sessions.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: A universally loved treat that suits multiple occasions, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations, guaranteed to impress guests with its rich, nutty flavor profile.
• Customize and Personalize: Offers flexibility to adjust sweetness levels or add creative garnishes like whipped cream, allowing home bakers to put their unique spin on a classic dessert.

Pecan Cream Pie Ingredients You’ll Need

• Pie Crust: A pre-made or homemade base that provides a crisp and buttery foundation for the pecan pie.

• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and create a smooth, custardy texture.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Contribute deep caramel and sweet flavors to the pie filling.
• Flour: Helps thicken and stabilize the filling.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall sweetness of the pie.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice to complement the pecans.

• Butter, Vanilla Extract: Melted butter provides richness, while vanilla extract adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Pecans: Whole nuts that give the pie its signature crunch, nutty taste, and textural contrast.

• Whipped Cream: A light, creamy topping that offers a cool and smooth complement to the rich pie.

How To Make Pecan Cream Pie Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pie Dish

Warm up the oven to 375°F. Gently place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, creating decorative crimped edges around the rim.

Step 2: Create the Filling Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, salt, and ground cinnamon until the mixture becomes silky smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients

Pour in the melted butter and vanilla extract, stirring continuously to develop a glossy, well-integrated filling.

Step 4: Incorporate Pecans

Fold the chopped pecans into the liquid mixture, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.

Step 5: Fill the Pie Crust

Carefully pour the pecan-studded filling into the prepared pie crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and eliminate any potential air pockets.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Look for a golden-brown surface with a slight jiggle in the center, indicating the filling is set but still tender.

Step 7: Cool and Set

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature for about 2 hours. This resting time allows the filling to firm up and maintain its beautiful structure.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

If desired, top with a luxurious dollop of whipped cream just before serving. This adds a creamy contrast to the rich, nutty filling.

Step 9: Enjoy the Delightful Treat

Slice and serve the pie at room temperature, savoring the harmonious blend of sweet, nutty, and warmly spiced flavors that make this pecan pie absolutely irresistible.

Pro Tips For Smooth And Buttery Pecan Cream Pie

• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Brush the pie crust with a beaten egg white before adding the filling to create a protective barrier that keeps the crust crisp.
• Check Doneness Carefully: The pie is ready when the center slightly jiggles but looks set – it will continue cooking while cooling, preventing over-baking.
• Toast Pecans First: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to the filling to enhance their natural nutty flavor and provide extra depth.
• Control Sweetness Level: Adjust sugar quantities to suit your taste, reducing brown sugar for a less sweet pie or adding a touch of molasses for more complexity.

Creative Variations On Pecan Cream Pie

• Gluten-Free Pecan Pie: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie: Swap vanilla extract with bourbon and drizzle maple syrup into the filling for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Vegan Pecan Pie: Use coconut oil instead of butter, replace eggs with flax eggs, and substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a plant-based version.
• Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie: Sprinkle dark chocolate chips over the pecans before baking to add rich, melty chocolate notes to the classic recipe.

What Matches Best With Pecan Cream Pie

• Boost Bourbon Pairing: Match the pecan pie's rich sweetness with a smooth Kentucky bourbon like Maker's Mark, enhancing the nutty caramel undertones and creating a delightful Southern-inspired dessert experience.
• Creamy Companion Contrast: Top the pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, letting the cold, smooth cream balance the warm, dense pecan filling and provide a refreshing temperature contrast.
• Coffee Flavor Harmony: Serve alongside a strong, dark roast coffee or espresso, which cuts through the pie's sweetness and complements the deep, caramelized notes of the pecan filling.
• Dessert Wine Elegance: Pour a small glass of sweet dessert wine like port or Sauternes, whose rich, honeyed character beautifully echoes the pie's nutty, caramelized flavors and adds a luxurious finishing touch.

How To Store Pecan Cream Pie Properly

• Store leftover pecan pie in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, keeping it fresh and preventing moisture loss.
• Wrap the entire pie or individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring maximum preservation of texture and flavor.
• Keep the pie at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving within a short period, placing it in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.

FAQs About Pecan Cream Pie

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds while maintaining a similar texture and flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the pie crust from burning?

Cover the edges with aluminum foil halfway through baking to protect the crust from excessive browning.

• What indicates the pie is fully baked?

The filling should have a slight wobble in the center and a golden-brown surface, which means it’s perfectly done.

• Is it necessary to toast the pecans before adding them to the filling?

While not mandatory, toasting pecans beforehand can enhance their nutty flavor and provide a deeper, richer taste to the pie.

Pecan Cream Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy Southern pecan cream pie brings Southern comfort to dessert tables with rich, silky filling and crunchy nut topping. Buttery graham cracker crust and smooth custard create a delightful balance you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream

Filling Components:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Seasoning and Finishing:

• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Whipped cream (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and gently position the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges for a decorative finish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, salt, and ground cinnamon until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
3. Pour the melted butter and vanilla extract into the egg mixture, stirring continuously to create a uniform, glossy filling.
4. Fold the chopped pecans into the liquid mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
5. Gradually pour the pecan-studded filling into the prepared pie crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly and prevent air pockets.
6. Carefully transfer the pie to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling sets and develops a golden-brown surface with a slight wobble in the center.
7. Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 2 hours, which helps the filling firm up and maintain its structure.
8. Once cooled, optionally garnish with a dollop of whipped cream just before serving to add a luxurious, creamy contrast to the rich pecan filling.
9. Slice and serve the pie at room temperature, appreciating the harmonious blend of sweet, nutty, and spiced flavors.

Notes

• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their rich, nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile in the pie.
• Swap out traditional pie crust with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or graham cracker crust for those with dietary restrictions.
• Cover pie edges with aluminum foil during baking to prevent over-browning and ensure a perfectly golden, evenly cooked crust.
• Create a dairy-free version by using coconut oil instead of butter and coconut cream as a whipped cream substitute, maintaining the pie’s luxurious texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg