This Pecan Cream Deep Dish Pie is a sweet treat that features a rich cream filling and crunchy pecans on top. It’s like a hug in pie form, perfect for any dessert lover!
Whenever I make this pie, I can’t help but smile. The creamy filling paired with the nuts is just so good, you might want to keep it all for yourself! 😂
I love serving it chilled with a dollop of whipped cream. It makes for a delightful ending to any meal, and it’s super easy to pull together! Try it and see for yourself!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pecan Nuts: Chopped pecans add a delicious crunch. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can give you a similar texture.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient creates the pie’s creamy texture. You can substitute it with mascarpone cheese for a slightly different flavor, or use a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan version.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Necessary for a rich, fluffy filling. If watching calories, you can use half-and-half, but the texture won’t be as rich. For dairy-free, a coconut cream works well.
Powdered Sugar: While powdered sugar gives sweetness and smoothness, you can use granulated sugar but be sure to beat it longer to dissolve properly.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Whipped Cream?
Whipping cream to the perfect peak is key for this pie’s filling. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with chilled heavy cream and a chilled mixing bowl—this helps it whip faster.
- Add sugar and optional cinnamon. Beat the mixture on medium speed to avoid over-whipping.
- Once you see soft peaks, increase the speed to medium-high. Stop when you hit stiff peaks—this means it holds its shape and isn’t too runny.
Keep an eye on it! Over-whipping can turn it grainy, so it’s good to stop mixing just before you think it’s ready.
Pecan Cream Deep Dish Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie:
- 1 deep-dish pie crust (9-inch), pre-baked
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup pecan halves (for garnish)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pie takes about 20 minutes of active prep time, along with at least 4 hours (or ideally overnight) to set in the refrigerator. So, while the active work is quick, planning ahead is key for the best flavor and texture!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare The Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). If your pie crust isn’t baked yet, follow the instructions on the package or recipe to bake it. Once it’s baked, let it cool completely. This will be the perfect base for our creamy filling!
2. Toast the Pecans:
In a dry skillet, add the chopped pecans and toast them over medium heat. Stir them frequently, and in about 4-5 minutes, they will become fragrant and lightly golden. Remove them from heat and let them cool. Toasting brings out their flavor!
3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes. Then, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until everything is well combined.
4. Whip the Heavy Cream:
In another chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with the granulated sugar (and ground cinnamon if you’re using it). Beat it until stiff peaks form, which means the cream will hold its shape. Be careful not to over-whip it!
5. Combine and Fold:
Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula and be gentle to keep the mixture light and fluffy! Once it’s combined, add the cooled, toasted pecans and fold them in evenly.
6. Fill the Pie Crust:
Pour the pecan cream filling into the cooled pie crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it looks nice and neat. Decorate the top with the pecan halves for a lovely finish!
7. Chill and Serve:
Cover the pie and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for getting that perfect set. When you’re ready to serve, you can add a dollop of whipped cream on top if you like, along with a few additional pecan halves.
Enjoy your creamy, nutty Pecan Cream Deep Dish Pie chilled! It’s sure to impress anyone who tries it!
Can I Use a Store-Bought Pie Crust for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using a store-bought pie crust saves time and effort. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for pre-baking, and you’ll be good to go!
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes! This pie is ideal for making ahead. You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. In fact, letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, it’s best to keep the whipped cream separate until you’re ready to serve again.
What Variations Can I Try?
You can experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds for a unique twist. Additionally, for a chocolatey flair, try folding in some chocolate chips into the filling!