Pecan Cream Pie Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade pecan cream pie with this easy baking recipe. The silky vanilla custard studded with toasted pecans creates the perfect balance of textures. This foolproof method ensures a flaky crust and creamy filling every time for a dessert that will impress everyone.
Difficulty:
Intermediate
Prep Time:
45 mins
Cook Time:
50 mins
Serves:
1 pie (8 slices)
An overhead shot of a perfectly sliced pecan cream pie reveals its luscious layers – the golden-brown flaky crust, velvety cream filling speckled with toasted pecan pieces, and a decorative border of whole pecans. The cross-section captures the contrast between the crisp pastry and smooth custard interior, while soft natural light highlights the caramel tones of the nuts and creates gentle shadows that emphasize the pie's texture. The pie rests on a vintage ceramic plate with delicate floral patterns, placed on a rustic wooden table alongside a silver serving spatula and scattered pecan halves. A dusting of powdered sugar catches the light, giving the surface a subtle sparkle that enhances the pie's homemade charm.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the crust:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">175g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">115g unsalted butter, cold and cubed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4-6 tbsp ice-cold water</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the filling:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">40g cornstarch</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">500ml whole milk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 large egg yolks, room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g unsalted butter, cubed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp vanilla extract (or 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g pecans, divided (150g chopped, 50g halves for decoration)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For topping:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250ml heavy cream</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 tbsp powdered sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">23cm (9-inch) pie dish</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Rolling pin</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pie weights or dried beans</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Medium saucepan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Whisk</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Stand mixer or electric hand mixer</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Start by making the pie crust. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. The cold butter creates pockets of steam during baking, resulting in flaky layers.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Drizzle 4 tablespoons of ice-cold water over the mixture and stir with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Add additional water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed. The dough should hold together when pinched but shouldn't be sticky. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a 30cm (12-inch) circle about 3mm (1/8 inch) thick. Carefully transfer to your pie dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides. Trim excess dough, leaving a 2.5cm (1-inch) overhang, then fold and crimp the edges decoratively.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Line the pie crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Blind bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment and bake for another 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Set aside to cool completely. Blind baking ensures your crust won't become soggy when filled with the custard.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>While the crust cools, toast 150g of chopped pecans on a baking sheet at 160°C (325°F) for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until fragrant and slightly darkened. Watch carefully as nuts can burn quickly. Toasting enhances the natural oils in the pecans, intensifying their flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>For the filling, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth, then cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to simmer and thicken (about 5-7 minutes).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually whisk about 120ml of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks to temper them (this prevents scrambling). Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and cook, whisking constantly, until the custard is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 2-3 minutes). You'll know it's ready when you can draw a line through the custard on the back of a spoon and it holds its shape.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Remove from heat and immediately whisk in the butter and vanilla until fully incorporated. The residual heat will melt the butter, adding richness and sheen to your custard. Fold in the toasted chopped pecans, reserving a handful for garnish if desired.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Pour the warm filling into the cooled pie crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard (this prevents a skin from forming) and refrigerate until completely chilled and set, at least 4 hours or overnight.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Just before serving, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie and decorate with the reserved pecan halves in a circular pattern around the edge. The contrast between the cool, creamy filling and the crunchy nuts creates a delightful textural experience.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>For clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts. The pie will keep refrigerated for up to 3 days, though the crust may soften slightly over time. Let the pie sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Pecan Cream Pie?

The key ingredients are all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, cornstarch, milk, egg yolks, vanilla extract, pecans (both chopped and halves), and heavy cream for topping. The pecans are toasted to enhance their flavour, creating the signature nutty crunch.

How to cook Pecan Cream Pie at home?

Learn how to cook Pecan Cream Pie by mastering three key components: a flaky buttery crust (blind baked to prevent sogginess), a silky vanilla custard filling (properly tempered with egg yolks for smoothness), and toasted pecans folded throughout. The chilled pie is finished with freshly whipped cream and decorative pecan halves.

What's the secret to achieving a perfectly creamy custard filling?

The secret is in the tempering process - gradually adding hot milk to egg yolks prevents scrambling. Constant whisking and cooking until the mixture coats the back of a spoon ensures proper thickness. Adding butter at the end creates silkiness, while chilling allows the custard to set properly.

Can I make this custard pie ahead of time for special occasions?

Yes! This pie is perfect for make-ahead desserts. The complete pie can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, though the crust may soften slightly. For best results, add the whipped cream topping and pecan decoration just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and presentation.

Why should I toast the pecans before adding them to the filling?

Toasting pecans releases their natural oils, significantly enhancing their flavour and adding depth to the pie. It also improves their texture, creating a more pronounced crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky custard. Just watch them carefully as nuts can burn quickly.

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Trim excess dough, leaving a 2.5cm (1-inch) overhang, then fold and crimp the edges decoratively." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Blind bake", "text": "Line the pie crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Blind bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment and bake for another 10-12 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Set aside to cool completely. Blind baking ensures your crust won't become soggy when filled with the custard." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Toast pecans", "text": "While the crust cools, toast 150g of chopped pecans on a baking sheet at 160°C (325°F) for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until fragrant and slightly darkened. Watch carefully as nuts can burn quickly. Toasting enhances the natural oils in the pecans, intensifying their flavor." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Begin the filling", "text": "For the filling, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan. 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Let the pie sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "178" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Maria Sanchez", "datePublished": "2023-10-28", "reviewBody": "Absolute perfection, worth every calorie! The custard is silky smooth and the toasted pecans add just the right amount of crunch. I'll be making this for every holiday from now on.", "name": "Holiday Dessert Perfection", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Liam O'Connor", "datePublished": "2023-11-02", "reviewBody": "This pie converted me to cream pies forever! The texture is incredible and the balance between the nutty pecans and vanilla custard is spot on. My family fought over the last slice!", "name": "Cream Pie Convert", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Aisha Patel", "datePublished": "2023-11-15", "reviewBody": "Better than my grandmother's recipe, though I'd never tell her that! The crust was perfectly flaky and the custard set beautifully. Will definitely make this again for Thanksgiving.", "name": "New Family Favorite", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Hiroshi Tanaka", "datePublished": "2023-11-20", "reviewBody": "Restaurant quality from my home kitchen! I was intimidated by making custard but the instructions were clear and the result was perfect. The toasted pecans really elevate this pie.", "name": "Professional Results", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sophie Dubois", "datePublished": "2023-11-25", "reviewBody": "Perfect balance of sweet and nutty! The silky texture with the perfect nutty crunch made this a crowd-pleaser at our Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone wanted the recipe!", "name": "Thanksgiving Hit", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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