Description
Get ready to fall in love with this Pecan Crust Pie, a dessert that feels both elegant and effortless. With its rich, velvety filling, buttery crust, and the unmistakable crunch of toasted pecans, it’s the kind of treat that looks fancy but comes together with ease. Every bite is a blend of creamy sweetness and nutty warmth—pure indulgence from the first forkful to the last crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie shell (store-bought or homemade—your call!)
Filling
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups cold heavy cream
- ½ cup chopped pecans (toasted for that irresistible aroma and crunch)
Topping
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- Optional: a drizzle of caramel or a cloud of whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Toast the Pecans (Do Not Skip!)
- Start by bringing out that deep, nutty flavor pecans are known for. Add them to a dry skillet over medium heat and stir often for about 3–5 minutes, just until they start releasing their rich scent. Keep an eye on them—pecans can go from golden to burnt fast! Once toasted, set them aside to cool completely.
- Make the Silky Filling
- In a large bowl, beat your softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy with no lumps. Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla until fully blended.
- In another bowl, whip your cold heavy cream until it reaches stiff peaks (this gives your filling that luxurious, airy texture). Gently fold the whipped cream into your cream cheese mixture, keeping it light and fluffy. Finally, fold in half a cup of your toasted pecans for a nutty surprise in every bite.
- Fill the Crust
- Spoon the mixture into your baked pie crust and spread it evenly using a spatula. Smooth out the top—it should already look drool-worthy at this point.
- Chill Until Perfectly Set
- Pop the pie into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. If you can wait overnight, even better! Chilling helps the filling firm up and deepens all the creamy, nutty flavors.
- Add the Finishing Touches
- Before serving, scatter the remaining chopped pecans over the top. Want to go the extra mile? Add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a swirl of whipped cream for that bakery-style presentation.
Notes
- Add a hint of spice: A pinch of cinnamon (or even nutmeg) in the filling adds cozy warmth that pairs beautifully with the pecans.
- Boost the texture: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or shortbread crumbs on top for extra crunch.
- Make ahead: This pie keeps beautifully—just cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Serving idea: Try serving each slice with a drizzle of warm caramel or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an ultra-luxurious finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg