Pecan cream pie is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances rich creaminess with the nutty, buttery flavor of pecans. With its silky texture and sweet taste, this pie is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday feasts. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to prepare using some readily available ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for pre-baking)
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 320
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 220mg
Why Make This Pecan Cream Pie
This pecan cream pie is not just another dessert; it’s a creamy delight that offers a luscious combination of flavors and textures. The crispy pie crust provides a wonderful contrast to the smooth, creamy filling, while the chopped pecans offer a satisfying crunch with every bite. It’s a deliciously indulgent treat that’s perfect for any dessert lover. Whether you’re serving it during the holiday season or just need a sweet pick-me-up, this pie is sure to impress.
How to Make Pecan Cream Pie
Creating this pecan cream pie is surprisingly straightforward. With a pre-made pie crust and a few key ingredients, you can whip up this impressive dessert without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Pre-bake the pie crust according to package instructions and let it cool.
Step 2: Mixing
In a mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Whisk until smooth and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Step 3: Whipping
In another bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Step 4: Combining
Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Layering
Spread half of the chopped pecans in the bottom of the cooled pie crust.
Step 6: Pouring
Pour the cream mixture over the pecans and smooth it out.
Step 7: Topping
Top with the remaining pecans for an extra crunch.
Step 8: Chilling
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to set.
How to Serve Pecan Cream Pie
When serving your pecan cream pie, consider adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream on each slice to enhance its creaminess. You can also sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans on top for added texture and visual appeal. This pie pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk, making it a perfect choice for dessert after dinner or a delightful afternoon treat.
How to Store Pecan Cream Pie
Keep your pecan cream pie covered in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to make it in advance, you can prepare the pie without the whipped cream topping and add it just before serving. This will help maintain the texture and freshness of the dessert.
Expert Tips for Perfect Pecan Cream Pie
- Make your own pie crust: If you’re feeling adventurous, opt for a homemade pie crust. This will add an extra layer of flavor to your pie.
- Toast the pecans: For an even richer flavor, toast the pecans in the oven for about 5 minutes before adding them to the pie.
- Chill the mixing bowls: For an extra light whipped cream, chill your mixing bowls and beaters before whipping the cream.
- Experiment with flavor: Try using different flavored pudding mixes, like chocolate or butterscotch, to create variations of this pie.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Pecan Cream Pie: Substitute chocolate pudding mix for vanilla and add chocolate shavings on top.
- Pumpkin Pecan Cream Pie: Mix pumpkin puree with the pudding for a fall-inspired twist.
- Maple Pecan Cream Pie: Use maple syrup in place of powdered sugar in the whipped cream for a deliciously sweet variation.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding?
Yes, you can use homemade pudding, but it may require additional ingredients and time. The instant pudding mix simplifies the process! -
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with whipped coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option. -
How do I know when the pie is set?
After chilling, the pie filling should be firm but not hard. A gentle press in the center should show slight resistance. -
Can I freeze the pecan cream pie?
It’s best to avoid freezing the entire pie, as the cream can separate. You can freeze the crust and filling individually and assemble when you’re ready to serve. -
What type of pie crust is best?
A standard pre-made or homemade graham cracker crust works well, but a traditional pie crust also offers a great texture.
Conclusion
This pecan cream pie recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a creamy, nutty dessert that everyone will love. With its easy preparation and rich flavor, it’s a fantastic option for your next gathering. So grab your ingredients and start mixing — your friends and family will be asking for seconds of this deliciously decadent pie!
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Pecan Cream Pie
- Total Time: 265 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and nutty pecan cream pie that offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
Instructions
- Pre-bake the pie crust according to package instructions and let it cool.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Whisk until smooth and let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- In another bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until fully incorporated.
- Spread half of the chopped pecans in the bottom of the cooled pie crust.
- Pour the cream mixture over the pecans and smooth it out.
- Top with the remaining pecans for an extra crunch.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the filling to set.
Notes
For added flavor, consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the pie. Serve with whipped cream for extra creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
