Decadent Pecan Cream Pie is more than just a dessert; it is a delightful experience that brings sweet comfort to any table. I still remember the first time I tried this pie at my grandmother’s house. Every holiday, without fail, she would bring this delicious pie to the dinner table, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. Those memories make this pie so special to me. The creamy filling paired with the nutty crust makes each bite a pleasing journey of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just looking to treat yourself, Decadent Pecan Cream Pie is worth trying. It’s simple to make, and you might just find it becoming a favorite in your household as well.
Why Make This Recipe
This Decadent Pecan Cream Pie holds a remarkable place in dessert history. What makes it special is how easy it is to achieve such a luxurious taste and texture. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a pie that feels like it took hours to prepare. The combination of finely chopped pecans and a creamy filling offers a delightful balance of crunch and smoothness.
Families often gather around to enjoy this pie because it brings together flavors that remind them of home-cooked desserts. You can make this pie for celebrations like birthdays or holidays, or simply for a cozy night at home. No matter the occasion, this pie brings smiles to faces and warmth to hearts. Plus, it’s a beautiful dessert that draws people in visually, making it perfect for sharing.
How to Make Decadent Pecan Cream Pie
Making Decadent Pecan Cream Pie is a straightforward process that will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering scents. First, you will prepare the crust by mixing together the ingredients until they resemble tiny crumbs. Then, you will press this mixture into a pie pan, ensuring it fits snugly.
After blind baking the crust until it turns light golden brown, your kitchen will start to smell fantastic. You’ll then whip up the silky filling by combining cream, milk, and eggs. Pour this creamy mixture into the crust and watch as it bakes to perfection. The waiting is the hardest part, but once it cools, slicing into this pie and tasting it for the first time will be completely worth it.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your crust, giving it structure and texture.
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans: These add a nutty flavor and extra crunch to the crust.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the crust and adds a touch of flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into small pieces: This creates a tender crumbly texture in the crust.
- 1 large egg yolk: Acts as a binding agent, helping the crust hold together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the crust.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pie and balances sweetness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the filling a rich and creamy texture.
- 1 cup whole milk: Lightens the filling while keeping it smooth and delicious.
- 2 large eggs: These provide structure to the filling, helping it set perfectly.
- 2 large egg yolks: Adds richness to the filling, making it velvety.
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s important to give the oven time to reach the right temperature before baking.
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Prepare the crust. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter cut into small pieces. Mix these ingredients together using your fingers or a pastry cutter until it resembles crumbly sand.
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Add the wet ingredients. Stir in 1 large egg yolk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well-combined without overmixing – you want a crumbly texture, not a dough.
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Press the crust into the pie pan. Use your fingertips to spread the crust evenly across the bottom and up the sides of the pan. This step is essential to ensure every bite has a good crust!
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Blind bake the crust for about 15 minutes. This means you will bake it without filling to help it set and become lightly golden. Check frequently to avoid burning. Once it’s lightly golden, remove it from the oven and let it cool.
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Prepare the filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of whole milk, 2 large eggs, and 2 large egg yolks. Mix well until it’s smooth and well-blended.
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Fill the pie crust. Once the crust has cooled, carefully pour the creamy filling into it. Make sure to distribute it evenly.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes. You want the filling to be set but still have a little jiggle in the center. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean but not completely dry.
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Cool before serving. Let the pie cool completely at room temperature. This is an important step that helps the filling firm up. A well-cooked pie is so much easier to slice.
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Slice and enjoy your Decadent Pecan Cream Pie! Serve it plain or add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra creaminess!
How to Serve Decadent Pecan Cream Pie
Decadent Pecan Cream Pie is suitable for many occasions. It’s perfect for dessert after a family dinner or a special treat during the holidays. Consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to enhance the creaminess.
For a cozy movie night, enjoy it with a warm beverage, like hot chocolate or chai tea, to complement its rich flavors. You can even serve it as an indulgent brunch item alongside fresh fruit and coffee. The versatility of this pie makes it an excellent choice for any gathering.
How to Store Decadent Pecan Cream Pie
If you have leftovers (though it’s hard to believe anyone would!), storing your Decadent Pecan Cream Pie is easy. Keep it covered in the fridge for up to four days. To keep it fresh, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the pie. Slice the pie before freezing for easy access later. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
To reheat, simply warm each slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold.
Tips to Make Decadent Pecan Cream Pie
- Use cold ingredients: Keep your butter cold for a flakier crust. It’s key in pie making.
- Don’t overmix: When combining the crust ingredients, mix just enough to combine. Overworking the dough can make it tough.
- Check doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the filling is set. A small jiggle in the center means it will firm up as it cools.
- Let it cool completely: Don’t rush cooling. It helps the pie set properly and makes slicing easier.
Variation
If you want to switch things up, here are a few variations you can try:
- Chocolate Pecan Cream Pie: Add 1/2 cup of melted chocolate to the filling for an indulgent twist. This chocolate kick can turn the pie into a delightful treat.
- Spiced Version: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust mixture for a warm, spiced flavor that evokes cozy vibes.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the pie gluten-free. Just check the baking instructions as some blends may require different amounts of liquid.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Decadent Pecan Cream Pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the pie a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge. It tastes great overnight as the flavors meld together.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat it?
Reheating is simple. Just pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let it sit at room temperature for a while. Enjoying it cold is also delicious!
Q: Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts or hazelnuts work well as substitutes. Just finely chop them and use them in the filling or crust as desired.
Decadent Pecan Cream Pie is a recipe that brings joy to any table. With its rich flavors, easy preparation, and delightful presentation, it’s sure to be a hit in your home!
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Decadent Pecan Cream Pie
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy pie with a nutty crust, perfect for celebrations and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into small pieces
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, pecans, sugar, and salt.
- Add cold butter and mix until crumbly.
- Stir in egg yolk and vanilla extract.
- Press the crust mixture into a pie pan.
- Blind bake the crust for about 15 minutes, until lightly golden.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, eggs, and egg yolks.
- Once the crust is cool, pour the filling into it.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes; the filling should be set with a slight jiggle.
- Let the pie cool completely before serving.
Notes
Serve plain or with whipped cream. Can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: pecan pie, dessert, creamy pie, holiday dessert, family recipes