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
- Preparation: Ensure cream cheese reaches room temperature and gather all ingredients for seamless assembly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Filling Fusion: Delicately fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, using gentle circular motions to maintain the airy consistency and prevent deflation.
- Pecan Integration: Fold toasted, chopped pecans into the filling, reserving some for garnishing, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- 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.
- Final Touches: Sprinkle remaining pecans across the pie’s surface, creating a rustic, appetizing garnish that adds visual appeal and nutty crunch.
- 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