Pecan Cream Pie Recipe

Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of our pecan cream pie. This classic dessert is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to your holiday table. 

Combining a flaky crust, a luscious, creamy filling, and crunchy pecans creates a truly unforgettable flavor. It makes a creamy pecan pie.

Why This Recipe Works

• Creamy filling: The creamy filling, made with cream cheese, heavy cream, powdered sugar, pecans, and pure vanilla, is the star of the show.
• Flaky crust: Whether you use a store-bought pie crust or make your own, the flaky crust provides a perfect base for the creamy filling.
• Crunchy pecans: Crunchy pecans add a delightful crunch and a hint of nutty sweetness.
• Caramel Sauce: Before serving, drizzle each piece of pie with a sweet, sticky caramel sauce, a delightful addition to this pecan cream pie.

Equipment

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• Electric mixer with a whisk attachment
• Mixing bowl
• Rubber spatula
• Pie plate
• Aluminum foil
• Plastic wrap

Ingredients

Below, I discuss the ingredients and possible substitutions if you don’t have a specific ingredient. However, if you are looking for the specific measurements of each ingredient, scroll down to the bottom of this article, just above the comments, for the printable recipe card, which includes all the ingredients and the specific amounts of each one.

• Refrigerated Pie Crust – I used a store-bought, pre-made, refrigerated pie crust. However, if you prefer, you can make your own pie crust.
• Cream cheese – Allow cream cheese to come to room temperature before starting.
• Powdered Sugar – Confectioners or powdered sugar will be needed.
• Vanilla extract – I used a Mexican vanilla extract that is clear in color. However, you can use regular, pure vanilla extract.
• Heavy Whipping Cream—Heavy whipping cream is preferred to milk for its extra richness.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – This adds additional sweetness and creaminess.
• Chopped Pecans. Pecans are used in both the pie filling and garnish. You could use roasted pecans or walnuts if you prefer.

How To Make Pecan Cream Pie

Bake The Pie Crust:

Bake the pie crust with foil or parchment and beans or pie weights until golden brown. Cool completely before adding the filling. (If the edges brown too fast, add foil around them.)

Prepare the filling: 

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer for 3 minutes until smooth.

Add the sweetened condensed milk and beat for another minute.

In a separate bowl, beat the whipping cream until stiff peaks form.

Then add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla and beat some more.

Gently fold the heavy whipping cream into the cream cheese mixture, then add the pecans and stir.

Pour into the crust: 

Pour the pie filling into the cooled pie crust and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or freeze overnight.

Make the Topping and Garnish The Pie:

In a large bowl, beat the ½ cup whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Then add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla and beat in.

You can spoon the whipped cream into a bag and pipe it onto the edge of the pie.

Add whole or chopped pecans and serve with caramel sauce.

Recipe Tips

• For best results, use room-temperature cream cheese.
• To prevent overcooking, Cover the pie crust’s edges with aluminum foil to prevent overbaking.
• To make it easier, If you don’t wish to pipe the whipped cream over the pie, you can spread it over the top of the pie. 
• To make it even easier, use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream and confectioners’ sugar in the pie or to decorate. Cool whip will hold its shape a little better. 
• Refrigerate until ready to serve, or freeze and serve as a frozen dessert.

Variations

• Pudding pie: Add a layer of instant vanilla pudding to the bottom of the pie crust before pouring in the cream cheese filling.
• Ice cream topping: Serve the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup.

Storage

• Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze leftover pie for up to 3 months.

FAQs

More Pie Recipes

• Kentucky Derby Pie – This recipe is like a chocolate chip cookie and pecan pie mash-up.
• Mini Pecan Pies – Mini Pecan Tarts, AKA Pecan Tassies, are bite-sized pecan pies with a refrigerated pie crust and pecan pie filling.
• German Chocolate Pecan Pie – This German Chocolate Pecan Pie combines German Chocolate Cake and Pecan Pie into a fantastic dessert!

This decadent pecan cream pie is a true indulgence. Its creamy filling, flaky crust, and pecans make it a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers exceptional results.

Enjoy this classic Southern treat and impress your loved ones with culinary skills.