Velvety Pecan Delight Cream Pie Recipe

Southern Charm: Fresh Pecan Delight Cream Pie Recipe

Decadent desserts have a way of stealing the spotlight, and this pecan delight cream pie recipe does exactly that with its irresistible charm.

Rich, velvety layers meld together in a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

The smooth cream filling blends perfectly with a crunchy pecan topping that adds delightful texture to every bite.

Nutty, sweet, and utterly indulgent, this pie turns an ordinary meal into a special occasion.

Each forkful promises a delectable experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

The simple yet elegant combination of ingredients creates a dessert that feels both comforting and luxurious.

Grab your apron and get ready to make a pie that will become the star of any gathering.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 482 kcal

Servings: 9

Pecan Cream Pie: What You’ll Use

For Pie Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crust: Provides a crunchy, sweet foundation that complements the creamy filling perfectly.
For Cream Cheese Base:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers rich, tangy smoothness and creates the pie's luxurious texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel undertones and enhances the overall sweetness.
  • Maple Syrup: Introduces a warm, complex sweetness with subtle woodsy notes.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies the other flavors, creating depth.
For Whipping and Topping:
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates light, airy texture that makes the filling impossibly smooth.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream for perfect consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides subtle aromatic warmth and rounds out the flavor profile.
  • Pecans: Brings nutty crunch, toasting enhances their rich, buttery flavor and adds delightful texture contrast.

Tools To Whip Up Pecan Cream Pie

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for blending cream cheese mixture.
  • Electric mixer: Essential for achieving smooth, creamy textures.
  • Spatula: Helps spread filling evenly in pie crust.
  • Measuring cups: Precise for ingredients like cream and pecans.
  • Whisk: Useful for initial cream whipping.
  • Pie dish: Holds the delicious pecan cream pie.
  • Sharp knife: Needed for chopping pecans.
  • Cutting board: Provides surface for chopping nuts.

Baking The Pecan Cream Pie

  • Creamy Cheese Base

Whip together soft cream cheese and rich brown sugar until silky smooth. Drizzle in sweet maple syrup and a tiny pinch of salt, blending everything until perfectly combined.

  • Fluffy Whipped Cloud

Grab cold heavy cream and powdered sugar, whisking gently until it starts transforming. Add a splash of vanilla, then whip more intensely until peaks stand tall and proud.

  • Nutty Pecan Elegance

Tenderly fold the whipped cream into the cheese mixture. Sprinkle in crunchy toasted pecans, stirring carefully. Pour this dreamy filling into a waiting pie shell, smoothing the top with graceful sweeps.

  • Chilling and Finishing

Scatter remaining pecans across the pie’s surface like delicate confetti. Tuck the pie into the refrigerator for a long, cool rest – at least 8 hours or an entire night – allowing flavors to mingle and texture to become luxuriously firm.

Tricks & Flavor Options For Pecan Cream Pie

  • Enhance the nutty flavor by spreading pecans on a baking sheet and roasting at 350°F for 8-10 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent burning.
  • Prepare this pie up to 2 days in advance, keeping it covered in the refrigerator for maximum convenience and flavor development.
  • Swap graham cracker crust with a chocolate cookie crust or a traditional pastry crust to add unexpected depth and personal flair to the dessert.
  • Drizzle caramel sauce or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before serving to elevate the pie's richness and create a more complex flavor profile.
  • Keep the pie refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for the best texture and taste, covering loosely with plastic wrap to maintain freshness.

Plating Up Your Pecan Cream Pie

  • Serve with Golden Warmth: Top each slice with a drizzle of warm maple syrup for an extra layer of rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the pecan's nutty flavor.
  • Create Creamy Contrast: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side to enhance the pie's luxurious texture and provide a light, airy counterpoint to the dense filling.
  • Elevate with Caramel Crunch: Sprinkle some additional toasted pecans around the plate's edge and add a small caramel sauce swirl to bring out the pie's deep, nutty undertones and create a stunning presentation.
  • Pair with Beverage Bliss: Serve alongside a steaming cup of coffee or a chilled glass of bourbon to balance the pie's creamy sweetness and highlight its sophisticated flavor profile.

Pecan Cream Pie: Savings The Right Way

  • Refrigerate and Rest: Allow the pie to chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, giving the creamy filling time to set perfectly and develop rich, deep flavors.
  • Maintain Freshness: Store the pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it cool and protecting it from absorbing other food odors.
  • Freeze with Care: Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil if you want to freeze it. The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months, making it a great make-ahead dessert for special occasions.
  • Serving Tip: Remove the pie from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to soften slightly, enhancing its creamy texture and making it easier to slice and enjoy.
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Velvety Pecan Delight Cream Pie Recipe

Velvety Pecan Delight Cream Pie Recipe


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4.9 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Homemade pecan delight cream pie combines Southern comfort with creamy indulgence. Rich layers of nutty pecans and silky filling invite sweet satisfaction for dessert enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (8 oz / 226 g) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups pecan halves, toasted, chopped, and divided
  • 1 (9-inch) baked pie crust (or Graham cracker crust)
  • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Ensure cream cheese reaches room temperature and gather all ingredients for seamless assembly.
  2. Base Creation: Combine cream cheese and brown sugar in a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer to whip until silky smooth, eliminating any lumps and creating a uniform texture.
  3. Flavor Infusion: Incorporate maple syrup and salt into the cream cheese mixture, blending thoroughly to develop a rich, balanced flavor profile that enhances the pie’s complexity.
  4. Cream Whipping: In a separate chilled bowl, transform heavy cream into a voluminous cloud by whisking with powdered sugar and vanilla extract, gradually increasing mixer speed until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  5. Filling Fusion: Delicately fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, using gentle circular motions to maintain the airy consistency and prevent deflation.
  6. Pecan Integration: Fold toasted, chopped pecans into the filling, reserving some for garnishing, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
  7. Pie Assembly: Pour the luxurious filling into a prepared pie crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula and creating an elegant, even layer that promises a decadent dessert experience.
  8. Final Touches: Sprinkle remaining pecans across the pie’s surface, creating a rustic, appetizing garnish that adds visual appeal and nutty crunch.
  9. Chilling: Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 8 hours, allowing the filling to set completely and develop a rich, indulgent consistency that will delight dessert enthusiasts.

Notes

  • Cream Cheese Temperature: Ensure cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, silky base.
  • Whipping Cream Technique: Use cold heavy cream and a chilled bowl to maximize volume and create stable, fluffy peaks that hold their structure.
  • Folding Method: Incorporate whipped cream gently with minimal stirring to preserve delicate air bubbles and maintain a light, airy texture.
  • Chilling Requirement: Allow pie to set completely in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, to develop optimal flavor and consistency.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 482
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 21 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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