Hey there, pie lovers! If you’re looking for a rich, dreamy dessert that combines the nutty goodness of pecans with a silky, creamy filling, you’re in for a treat. This Pecan Cream Pie is a must-try for holiday gatherings or any time you want a crowd-pleasing dessert. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, buttery, and crunchy flavors, topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel that’ll leave everyone reaching for seconds!
Ingredients
- Pie Crust – 1 pre-made or homemade 9-inch crust, fully baked. The base that holds it all together—crust adds a lovely crunch!
- Cream Cheese – 8 oz, softened. This gives the pie its rich, creamy texture; let it sit at room temp for easy blending.
- Powdered Sugar – 1 cup. Adds sweetness without any graininess.
- Heavy Whipping Cream – 1 cup. Makes the filling extra fluffy and light.
- Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon. For that touch of warmth and depth.
- Pecans – 1 cup, roughly chopped + extra for topping. Toasted pecans give a warm, nutty crunch.
- Whipped Cream – For topping. Optional, but who can resist a little extra creaminess?
- Caramel Sauce – Drizzle on top. Adds a gooey sweetness that pairs beautifully with pecans.
How to Make the Pecan Cream Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
If you’re using a store-bought crust, make sure it’s pre-baked. If homemade, bake and let it cool completely before adding the filling.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. No lumps allowed!
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until it forms stiff peaks. This should only take a few minutes with an electric mixer. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until everything is well-blended and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped pecans into the cream filling. Be careful not to overmix, so the whipped cream doesn’t lose its volume.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Spoon the cream cheese filling into the cooled pie crust and smooth out the top. For an added touch, sprinkle some extra pecans on top.
Step 6: Chill
Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can. This helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, top with whipped cream swirls and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Slice, serve, and enjoy every bite of this creamy pecan delight!
Equipment Needed for This Recipe
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- Mixing Bowls – Essential for blending the filling and whipping cream.
- Electric Hand Mixer – Makes whipping cream and blending filling a breeze.
- Spatula – Perfect for folding and spreading the filling.
- Pie Dish – For baking and serving the pie beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a graham cracker crust instead?
Yes! A graham cracker crust adds a nice twist and pairs beautifully with the creamy filling.
How do I keep the whipped cream from deflating?
Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before blending and fold gently to keep the whipped cream light and airy.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie is even better after chilling overnight, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
What if I don’t have caramel sauce?
You can use maple syrup or even a bit of chocolate sauce for a different but delicious flavor.
Is this pie suitable for freezing?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it if necessary. Just make sure to let it thaw in the fridge before serving.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream is ideal for achieving that fluffy, thick texture, but if you’re in a pinch, try substituting with full-fat half-and-half, knowing it may not be as firm.
We hope this Pecan Cream Pie brings a little extra joy to your table. It’s rich, creamy, and the perfect combination of crunchy pecans and silky filling. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends on Facebook or save it on Pinterest for later. Happy baking!
Creamy Pecan Pie Recipe: A Slice of Pure Bliss!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
Description
Indulge in this creamy pecan pie, a delightful blend of smooth cream filling and crunchy pecans, all topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made or homemade 9-inch pie crust, fully baked
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- Extra pecans, for topping
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the crust by baking and letting it cool completely.
- Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
- Whip heavy cream with vanilla until stiff peaks form; fold into cream cheese mixture.
- Gently fold in chopped pecans.
- Spoon the filling into the cooled crust; smooth the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Top with whipped cream, extra pecans, and a drizzle of caramel before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the pie is well chilled for best texture.
- Toasting pecans adds an extra depth of flavor.
