There’s something magical about a pecan cream pie that can transport you straight to a cozy kitchen filled with the warmth of love and laughter. I’m reminded of my grandmother, who would whip up her famous version of this dessert, her laughter filling the air as she recounted family stories from the kitchen. As the sweet aroma of toasted pecans mingled with whipped cream wafted through the house, we’d all gather ’round the table, eagerly waiting for our slice of happiness.
Today, I’m excited to share my adaptation of her classic recipe—a delightful Pecan Cream Pie that could easily become your new family favorite. With a rich and creamy filling, crunchy pecans, and a fluffy whipped cream topping, this pie is not just a dessert; it’s a slice of tradition, served up with love.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 15 minutes
- Active Cooking: 20 minutes
- Total Duration: 4 hours 35 minutes (including chilling time)
- Portion Size: Serves 8
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: 300
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fats: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
Why You’ll Love This Pecan Cream Pie
This Pecan Cream Pie is the perfect blend of flavors and textures—rich and creamy filling, crunchy pecans, and the lightness of whipped cream on top. It’s a dessert that’s not overly sweet but still decadently satisfying. Each bite carries a taste of nostalgia and comfort, making it the ideal choice for family gatherings or a quiet evening with a book. Trust me—this treat will make you feel like a superstar in the kitchen!
The Complete Cooking Journey
Throughout this recipe, you’ll connect the dots between simple ingredients and the sheer joy of homemade pie. Embrace each step, and soon you’ll have a beautiful pecan cream pie that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 pie crust (pre-baked)
- 1 cup pecans (chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Whipped cream (for topping)
Method:
Step 1: Heat the Cream Mixture
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Stir gently as the mixture comes to a simmer, allowing it to thicken beautifully.
Step 2: Add the Vanilla
Once your cream mixture has thickened to a pudding-like consistency, remove it from the heat. The fragrance will be delightful! Stir in the vanilla extract, and watch as your filling transforms into something even more spectacular.
Step 3: Fold in the Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped pecans, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture. This step is where that signature crunch comes from!
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour the luscious filling into your pre-baked pie crust, spreading it evenly. The crust should be slightly golden and perfectly crispy, a lovely counterpart to the creamy filling.
Step 5: Chill the Pie
Once filled, cover the pie and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or until set. Patience is key here—the chilling allows the filling to thicken and the flavors to meld.
Step 6: Whip the Cream
Before serving, whip some cream until it forms soft peaks. This fluffy topping will provide a delightful contrast to the creamy filling below.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top your pie with generous dollops of whipped cream. Slice, serve, and enjoy the sour smiles as everyone takes their first bite!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Pair your Pecan Cream Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some fresh berries to add a touch of acidity. It’s also fantastic alongside a hot cup of coffee or a sweet tea on a warm afternoon.
Storage & Leftovers Guide
This pie can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers, that’s a win in my book! Ensure to keep the whipped cream separate until you’re ready to serve.
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Ensure your cream mixture is thick enough before removing it from heat; it will set more as it cools.
- To enhance pecan flavor, toast them in a skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the filling.
- If you’re short on time, store-bought pie crust works wonderfully as well!
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Feel free to experiment with the flavor! Adding a dash of bourbon can elevate the pie and deepen the flavor profile, or try mixing in chocolate chips for a chocolate-pecan twist.
Reader Questions & Solutions
- Can I use a different type of nut? Absolutely! Walnuts or macadamia nuts can work beautifully as substitutes.
- What if I can’t find heavy cream? You can use half-and-half, but the pie may not have the same richness.
- How do I know when the filling is thick enough? It should coat the back of a spoon well—if it drips off too easily, give it a few more minutes on heat.
- Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes! It keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Is there a gluten-free option for the crust? Definitely! Look for gluten-free pie crusts at your local grocery store, or make your own from almond flour.
Wrapping Up
Creating this Pecan Cream Pie is not just about pie-making; it’s about weaving memories and sharing love through food. I hope you can fill your kitchen with the joy it brings and create your version of this classic dessert. So, roll up your sleeves, gather those ingredients, and let’s make magic happen! Cheers to your next delicious adventure in the kitchen!
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Pecan Cream Pie
- Total Time: 275 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Pecan Cream Pie with a rich creamy filling, crunchy pecans, and a fluffy whipped cream topping—perfect for family gatherings or quiet evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust (pre-baked)
- 1 cup pecans (chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Whipped cream (for topping)
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Stir gently as the mixture comes to a simmer, allowing it to thicken beautifully.
- Once your cream mixture has thickened to a pudding-like consistency, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the creamy mixture.
- Pour the filling into your pre-baked pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Cover the pie and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Whip some cream until it forms soft peaks; this will be your fluffy topping.
- Top the pie with dollops of whipped cream, slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
For extra pecan flavor, toast them before adding to the filling. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
