This Pecan Cream Deep Dish Pie is a sweet treat, perfect for any gathering! It’s creamy, nutty, and topped with crunchy pecans, creating a delightful mix of textures.
Honestly, this pie disappears fast at my house. I mean, who could resist that tasty creamy filling? It’s like a hug for your taste buds! 🥰
When I make this pie, I love serving it with a dollop of whipped cream on top. It adds the perfect finishing touch and makes it feel extra special. Enjoy every bite!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: Use a 9-inch deep dish pie crust for this recipe. If you’re short on time, a store-bought crust works just fine! To make it healthier or gluten-free, consider using almond flour or a pre-made gluten-free crust.
Pecans: Chopped pecans enhance the pie’s texture and flavor. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts can be a great alternative. Lightly toast them for an added layer of crunch and flavor.
Cream Cheese: This gives the pie its creamy filling. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but still provides similar taste and texture.
Heavy Whipping Cream: For a lighter version, you could use half-and-half or whole milk, though this will change the richness of the filling. I find that heavy cream truly makes the pie luxuriously creamy!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Creamy Filling?
The key to a smooth and creamy filling lies in how you mix your ingredients. Start by making sure the cream cheese is softened; this makes it easier to blend without lumps. Here’s how to do it right:
- Beat the cream cheese alone first until it’s completely smooth.
- Gradually add in sugar and vanilla, mixing until combined.
- Whip the heavy cream in a separate bowl until you reach stiff peaks. This adds lightness!
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.
Following these steps will give you a pie filling that is light, creamy, and delicious! Enjoy your baking journey!
Pecan Cream Deep Dish Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie:
- 1 9-inch deep dish pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup whole pecan halves (for topping)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: whipped cream for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pie requires about 20 minutes of preparation time and around 40-50 minutes to bake. Then, it needs to cool and chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to set properly. In total, you’re looking at around 5 hours including chilling time, but most of it is hands-off while the pie sets in the fridge!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, follow the package instructions to prepare it. Generally, you’ll want to bake it until it’s lightly golden. Once baked, set it aside to cool completely.
2. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, take your softened cream cheese and beat it with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. Then add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3. Whip the Cream:
In a separate bowl, whip your heavy cream until it reaches stiff peaks—that’s when it holds its shape nicely. This important step gives the pie its delightful lightness!
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much; we want to keep that airy texture!
5. Add the Egg Mixture:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, flour, and salt until smooth. Gradually fold this egg mixture into the cream cheese and whipped cream mixture until everything is just combined.
6. Incorporate the Pecans:
Fold in the chopped pecans evenly throughout the filling. Now you’re ready to pour this luscious mixture into your prepared crust!
7. Bake the Pie:
Carefully pour the filling into the cooled pie crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Then, arrange the whole pecan halves on top for a pretty presentation. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-50 minutes. You want the filling to be set but a little jiggly in the center.
8. Cool and Chill:
Once done, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. After that, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to let it fully set.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, feel free to pipe or spread some whipped cream around the edges for a special touch. Slice up your creamy, nutty Pecan Cream Deep Dish Pie and enjoy every delicious bite!
This delightful dessert combines a rich and creamy filling with the perfect crunch from the pecans, all wrapped up in a flaky crust. It’s perfect for celebrations, dinner parties, or when you just want to treat yourself!
Can I Use a Different Nut Instead of Pecans?
Absolutely! While pecans are traditional for this pie, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds. Just keep in mind that each nut will bring its own unique flavor to the recipe. Toasting the substitute nuts slightly can enhance their flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Pie?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before serving!
Can I Make This Pie Without Eggs?
Yes, you can use egg substitutes if you want to make it egg-free! Consider using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a commercial egg replacer for each egg. This may slightly alter the texture of the filling but will still yield a delicious pie!
Is This Pie Gluten-Free?
To make this pie gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free pie crust. Make sure that any flour you use for dusting or thickening is also gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’re good to go!
