Transform your dessert table with this pecan cream pie recipe that combines Southern tradition with modern ease. After testing countless variations, including the famous Southern Living pecan cream pie recipe, we've perfected an easy pecan cream pie recipe that delivers consistent, impressive results.
Southern Tradition Made Easy
Unlike standard pecan pies, this cream-based version offers the perfect balance of rich custard and toasted nuts. Whether you prefer the classic old fashioned pecan cream pie recipe or are looking for a quick no bake pecan cream pie recipe, we've got variations to suit your needs.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
The best pecan cream pie recipe should be:
- Perfectly balanced sweetness
- Rich, creamy texture
- Easy to make ahead
- Travel-friendly
- Consistent results
- Crowd-pleasing
- Freezer-friendly
- Traditional flavor
Choose between traditional baked style or try our no-bake version with condensed milk for summer months.
Jump to:
- Southern Tradition Made Easy
- Why This Recipe Stands Out
- Ingredients for Perfect Pecan Cream Pie
- Why These Ingredients Matter:
- How To Make Cream Cheese Pecan Pie Recipe
- Substitutions for Pecan Cream Pie
- Recipe Variations
- Equipment for Pecan Cream Pie
- Storage Guidelines
- From My Family Kitchen to Yours
- A Final Sweet Word
- FAQs
- Related
- Pairing
- Easy Pecan Cream Pie Recipe
Ingredients for Perfect Pecan Cream Pie
Core Ingredients:
- Fresh pecans
- Heavy cream
- Large eggs
- Butter (unsalted)
- Vanilla extract
- Light corn syrup
- Brown sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
For the Cream Layer:
- Heavy whipping cream
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla bean
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- Additional pecans
- Whipped cream
- Caramel drizzle
- Sea salt
Why These Ingredients Matter:
The success of this pecan cream pie recipe depends on quality ingredients. Fresh pecans provide better flavor than packaged ones, while room temperature cream cheese ensures smooth blending. The combination of brown sugar and light corn syrup creates perfect sweetness without being cloying.
Pro Tip: Toast your pecans before adding to enhance their nutty flavor.
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Cream Cheese Pecan Pie Recipe
Let's break down this Southern classic into simple, achievable steps:
- Foundation: Blind bake crust until golden. While cooling, toast and chop pecans - half chopped, half whole for topping.
- The Filling: Beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Fold in cream, vanilla, and chopped pecans. Chill mixture.
- Final Assembly: Pour filling into crust, smooth top. Arrange whole pecans decoratively. Chill 4 hours or overnight.
Hint: For perfect slices in this pecan cream pie recipe, dip knife in hot water between cuts.
Substitutions for Pecan Cream Pie
Core Swaps:
- Heavy cream → Half-and-half
- Corn syrup → Honey/maple syrup
- Fresh pecans → Other nuts
- Cream cheese → Mascarpone
Dietary Options:
- Regular eggs → Egg replacer
- Dairy cream → Coconut cream
- All-purpose flour → GF blend
- Butter → Plant-based butter
Sugar Alternatives:
- White sugar → Coconut sugar
- Brown sugar → Sugar-free brown
- Powdered sugar → Monk fruit blend
- Corn syrup → Sugar-free syrup
Pro Tip: When adapting this pecan cream pie recipe, maintain the same liquid-to-solid ratio for proper setting.
Recipe Variations
Holiday Style:
- Bourbon Pecan: • Add bourbon to filling • Caramel drizzle • Spiced whipped cream
- Chocolate Love: • Dark chocolate layer • Chocolate-dipped pecans • Mocha cream
- Fall Special: • Add pumpkin pie spice • Maple syrup • Cinnamon cream
No-Bake Options:
- Quick Set: • Condensed milk base • Graham cracker crust • Chilled filling
Regional Takes:
- Kentucky Style: • Dark chocolate • Bourbon • Derby pie inspired
- Texas Size: • Extra pecans • Bigger portions • Caramel layer
Each variation maintains the core pecan cream pie recipe ratios while adding unique flavors.
Equipment for Pecan Cream Pie
Essential Tools:
- 9-inch pie dish
- Stand or hand mixer
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Rolling pin
- Mixing bowls
- Offset spatula
- Cooling rack
- Whisk
Pro Equipment:
- Glass pie plate
- Silicone scraper
- Pastry cutter
- Pie shield
- Digital scale
- Pastry brush
Storage Needs:
- Pie keeper
- Plastic wrap
- Aluminum foil
- Airtight containers
Pro Tip: Glass pie plates help monitor bottom crust doneness for perfect pecan cream pie results.
Storage Guidelines
Fresh Storage:
- Refrigerate up to 4 days
- Cover with plastic wrap
- Keep away from strong odors
- Best within first 2 days
Freezing Option:
- Without Topping:
- Double wrap in plastic
- Add foil layer
- Freeze up to 2 months
- Thaw in refrigerator
- Individual Slices:
- Wrap separately
- Store in container
- Label clearly
- Use within 1 month
Serving Tips:
- Let sit 15-20 minutes before serving
- Add fresh whipped cream last
- Garnish just before serving
- Keep chilled between servings
Note: This pecan cream pie recipe freezes well without toppings - add fresh whipped cream after thawing.
From My Family Kitchen to Yours
Let me share a special detail about this pecan cream pie recipe that's been cherished in our family for generations. The secret? We always save a handful of toasted pecans to grind into a fine powder, then dust it between the cream layers. Mom discovered this by accident one Thanksgiving when she had extra crushed pecans, but it created this incredible depth of flavor that made everyone ask what made it taste so nutty and rich.
Now, every time I make this pecan cream pie, I think of Mom's happy accident and how sometimes the best kitchen discoveries happen when we least expect them. That subtle layer of pecan dust has become our family's signature touch - it's amazing how such a small detail can make such a big difference.
A Final Sweet Word
Transforming your dessert table has never been easier with this perfected pecan cream pie recipe. Whether you’re craving the classic baked version or a no-bake twist, this Southern-inspired treat is sure to impress.
Love desserts as much as we do? Don’t miss other must-try recipes like our Strawberry Puff Pastry Recipe, the timeless Canned Cherry Pie, or the elegant Puff Pastry Apple Tart.
Pin this recipe now to save it for later, and be sure to follow us on social media for more irresistible dessert ideas. Let’s bake something unforgettable together!
FAQs
How Long Can I Store a Pecan Pie in the Refrigerator?
You can store pecan pie in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To preserve its freshness, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For the best taste and texture, consume it within the first 2 days.
How to Serve a Pecan Pie?
Pecan pie is best served at room temperature or slightly warm. If you prefer it warm, heat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
Is It Better to Use Light or Dark Karo Syrup for Pecan Pie?
Both light and dark Karo syrup work well, but they create slightly different flavors. Light Karo syrup gives a milder, more delicate sweetness, while dark Karo syrup adds a richer, deeper caramel flavor. Choose based on your preference, or try a mix of both for balance.
Is Derby Pie the Same as Pecan Pie?
No, Derby pie and pecan pie are different. While both are nut-based desserts, Derby pie typically includes chocolate chips and sometimes bourbon, giving it a richer and more indulgent flavor profile. Pecan pie, on the other hand, focuses on the buttery, nutty goodness of pecans without chocolate. Both are delicious in their own unique way!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with pecan cream pie recipe:
Easy Pecan Cream Pie Recipe
Equipment
- 1 9-inch pie dish (Standard size for pie)
- 1 Stand or hand mixer (To beat the filling ingredients)
- 1 Measuring cups/spoons (For accurate measurements of ingredients1)
- 1 Rolling Pin (To roll the pie crust)
- 1 Mixing bowls (To mix ingredients)
- 1 Offset spatula (To smooth and spread the filling)
- 1 Cooling rack (For cooling the baked crust and pie)
- 1 Whisk (To mix ingredients for the custard)
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Fresh pecans - Toasted for enhanced flavor
- 1 cup Heavy cream - For the custard filling
- 3 large Eggs - Beaten for custard base
- ½ cup Unsalted butter - Melted for custard
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract - Adds flavor to the filling
- ¼ cup Light corn syrup - For sweetening and consistency
- ½ cup Brown sugar - Packed adds sweetness
- 2 tablespoon All-purpose flour - For thickening the filling
- ¼ teaspoon Salt - To balance sweetness
- 1 cup Heavy whipping cream - For the cream layer
- 8 oz Package Cream cheese Softened - For the cream layer
- ½ cup Powdered sugar - Sweetener for the cream layer
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla bean - Fresh for cream layer flavor
- ¼ teaspoon Salt - or the cream layer
Additional To Taste
- Additional pecans - For topping
- Whipped cream - For topping
- Caramel drizzle - Optional for garnish
- Sea salt - Optional for garnish
Instructions
Step 1:
- Blind bake your pie crust 30 minutes to ensure a crisp, sturdy base for the cream filling.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place pie weights or beans in the pie crust and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the weights and bake for another 10 minutes until golden.
- Let the crust cool completely on a cooling rack.
Step 2:
- Toast and chop half of the pecans 10 minutes for the filling, and set aside some whole pecans for the topping.
- In a skillet, toast the pecans over medium heat until fragrant.
- Chop half of them for the filling and keep the rest whole for decoration.
Step 3:
- Prepare the smooth, creamy custard filling for your pie.
- Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, then fold in the chopped pecans.
Step 4:
- Fill the baked pie crust with the cream filling, then add whole pecans for decoration.
- Pour the cream filling into the cooled pie crust and smooth the top.
- Arrange the whole pecans decoratively on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 5:
- Garnish the pie just before serving with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Just before serving, add whipped cream, drizzle with caramel, and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for extra flavor.
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