Pecan Cream Pie Recipe

Pecan Cream Pie Recipe

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Pecan Cream Pie Recipe is a delightful dessert that brings together the rich flavors of pecans and a creamy filling. I remember the first time I had a slice of pecan cream pie at a family gathering. The combination of the crunchy pecans with the smooth creaminess of the filling was simply irresistible. Since then, I have been on a mission to perfect my own version of this classic dessert.

What Makes Pecan Cream Pie Special?

Pecan cream pie stands out for its unique texture. The crunchy pecans provide a wonderful contrast to the smooth, creamy filling. The sweet, buttery flavor of the pie is irresistible, making it a favorite at gatherings and holidays. Each bite is a sweet experience that leaves you wanting more.

Ingredients for Pecan Cream Pie Recipe

Pie Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • 4 to 5 tablespoons ice water

Filling:

  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Topping:

  • Whipped cream
  • Whole pecans for garnish

How to Make Pecan Cream Pie Recipe

Making the pie crust is easier than it sounds. Here’s how I do it:

  1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: Start by combining the flour and salt in a bowl.
  2. Cut in the Butter: Add the chilled butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Add Water: Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough holds together. Avoid overmixing.
  4. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Baking the Pie Crust

After chilling the dough, it is time to bake the crust:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the dough to fit your pie pan.
  3. Fit to the Pan: Place the rolled dough into the pan and trim any excess.
  4. Blind Bake: To prevent sogginess, blind bake the crust for about 15 minutes. You can use pie weights or dried beans to keep it from puffing up.
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Preparing the Filling

The filling is what makes pecan cream pie truly special. Here’s how I prepare it:

  1. Toast the Pecans: Toasting enhances the flavor. Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet and bake for about 8-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Whisk Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and cornstarch together. Gradually add a bit of the warm cream mixture to temper the eggs, stirring constantly.
  4. Combine: Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Add Butter and Pecans: Remove from heat and stir in the butter and toasted pecans.

Assembling the Pie

Now comes the fun part putting it all together.

  1. Pour Filling into Crust: Pour the pecan filling into the blind-baked pie crust.
  2. Chill: Let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps the filling set nicely.

Serving the Pecan Cream Pie

When you’re ready to serve the pie, it’s time to add some finishing touches.

  1. Add Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream. It balances out the sweetness of the pie perfectly.
  2. Garnish: Place whole pecans on top for a beautiful presentation.

Storage Tips for Pecan Cream Pie

If you have leftover pie, storing it correctly is important to maintain freshness.

  • Refrigerate: Cover the pie with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: You can also freeze slices. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They will keep for about 2 months.
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Why You Will Love This Pecan Cream Pie Recipe

This pecan cream pie recipe is perfect for any occasion.

  • Easy to Make: While it has a few steps, each one is simple.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a good dessert, and this pie is sure to impress.
  • Versatile: You can customize it by adding chocolate or caramel for an extra layer of flavor.

Pecan cream pie is a delightful dessert that combines creamy and crunchy textures in every bite. With this recipe, I hope you can make your own version that will be a hit at gatherings. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a regular weekend, this pie will be a sweet treat for all.