Of all the pies I’ve ever made, this is always the first one gone! Most people have never tried it before and once they do they can’t get enough!

This Pecan Cream Pie is a truly decadent dessert, featuring a smooth, rich vanilla cream filling nestled over a layer of toasted pecans, all held within a flaky pie crust. It’s a comforting and elegant pie that’s perfect for any occasion.

Pecan Cream Pie

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pie Crust: To start, you’ll need one pre-baked pie crust. You can either use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe and bake it until golden brown, or for convenience, use a store-bought pre-baked crust. Set the crust aside to cool completely while you prepare the filling.
2. Toast the Pecans: Spread the chopped pecans evenly on a baking sheet. Toast them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, as nuts can toast quickly. Once toasted, remove the pecans from the oven and set them aside to cool.
3. Prepare the Cream Filling: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, and salt. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until it is smooth and well combined. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon, until the mixture thickens significantly and comes to a gentle boil. This process should take approximately 8-10 minutes.
4. Add Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract. Continue stirring until the butter has completely melted and the filling is smooth and wonderfully creamy.
5. Assemble the Pie: Now, bring all the components together. Start by spreading the toasted pecans evenly across the bottom of the cooled, pre-baked pie crust. Next, carefully pour the warm cream filling over the pecans, making sure they are completely covered. Use a spatula to gently smooth out the top surface of the filling.
6. Chill and Serve: Place the assembled pie in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, or ideally until it is completely set and firm. This chilling time is essential for the filling to firm up properly and for the flavors to fully meld. Once chilled, remove the pie from the refrigerator, slice it into individual wedges, and serve. Optionally, for an extra touch of indulgence, you can garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of additional toasted pecans.