November 3, 2023
Review RecipePecan Cream Pie
Table of Contents
I’m not sure there’s anything better in the world than a slice of delicious pecan cream pie. The rich filling, the crispy crust, and the sweet, nutty flavor of pecans combine to create an amazing dessert experience.
Pecan Cream Pie Ingredients
The pecan crust provides a buttery base, while the creamy filling, featuring cream cheese, brown sugar, and pure maple syrup, offers a luxurious and sweet contrast.
A touch of vanilla extract adds aromatic depth, and Cool Whip whipped topping ensures a light, silky texture.
Toasted pecans, both inside and on top, contribute a satisfying crunch and a roasted taste, completing this indulgent treat.
You’ll need:
- 6-ounce (9-inch) ready-made pecan crust (I used Diamond brand)
- 16 ounces of cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup of light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup of pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 8 ounces of Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed and divided in half
- 1 cup of toasted finely chopped pecans (I used Fisher brand), divided into ¾ cup and ¼ cup
Substitutions And Additions
CRUST: I love using the ready-made pecan nut crust for this no-bake pie.
They are sturdier than the ready-made graham cracker crusts and add an extra punch of pecan flavor to this pie.
You can certainly use a graham cracker crust as a substitute for this recipe if you desire.
PECANS: I like using the Fisher brand finely chopped and toasted pecans as a quick and easy shortcut for this and other recipes.
If you have whole pecans, you can lightly toast them in a dry skillet on medium-low heat for two to three minutes or just until lightly toasted.
Keep an eye on them, as the oils from the nuts can burn quickly. You can finely chop the toasted pecans once they cool to use for this recipe.
MAPLE SYRUP: You will want to make sure you use pure maple syrup and not pancake syrup in this no-bake dessert, as they are not the same.
I like to keep a bottle of Grade A amber pure maple syrup in my refrigerator to use for this recipe.
CREAM CHEESE: I always use full-fat cream cheese when making no-bake pies like this pecan cream pie.
I also like to use good quality cream cheese as I find that it sets up and tastes much better than the low or non-fat versions.
How To Make This Pecan Cream Pie Recipe
Let’s dive into making the delightful filling, adding it to the crust, and serving this yummy pie.
STEP ONE: Remove the plastic lid from the ready-made pecan crust.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
You will want to save the lid as it can be flipped over and used as a storage lid for your creamy pecan pie.
STEP TWO: Beat together the softened cream cheese and light brown sugar for one minute or until fluffy and smooth.
Use a large bowl with a handheld mixer at medium-low speed.
PRO TIP:
Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature, so you don’t have lumps in your creamy filling.
STEP THREE: Add the maple syrup and vanilla extract to the beaten cream cheese and beat for an additional 30 seconds until fully incorporated.
STEP FOUR: Fold half (4 ounces) of the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until the whipped topping is fully incorporated and no streaks remain.
STEP FIVE: Fold three-quarters of a cup of the finely chopped toasted pecans into the pecan cream pie mixture until they are evenly distributed.
STEP SIX: Spread the pecan cream pie filling evenly in the ready-made pecan crust.
PRO TIP:
We’d recommend placing the pie crust and foil plate inside a glass 9-inch pie plate for added stability and easier transport.
STEP SEVEN: Top the pecan cream pie with the remaining whipped topping and spread it to all the edges with an offset spatula.
STEP EIGHT: Garnish the center, leaving about an inch around the edge, of the whipped topping with the remaining quarter cup of toasted finely chopped pecans.
STEP NINE: Chill for six hours, or up to overnight, to allow the pecan cream pie to set up fully.
PRO TIP:
You can slice and serve this pecan cream pie once it has fully chilled.
How To Serve
This creamy sweet pie would be a great addition to any Thanksgiving table alongside our amazing crustless pumpkin pie recipe.
Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful way to finish off a special occasion meal.
We have plenty more no-bake recipes that will make adding dessert to your meal simple.
Our no-bake lemon pie and no-bake Oreo cheesecake are both decadent treats you will enjoy.
Storage
We’ll guide you on how to store this delightful dessert, whether you’re planning ahead for an event or enjoying it over several days.
MAKE AHEAD: If you’d like to prepare your pie in advance, you’re in luck! This pie can be made ahead of time to save you the hassle on busy days.
Once your pie is fully prepared and has set, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store it in the refrigerator for up to two to three days before serving. Making it ahead allows the flavors to meld, resulting in an even more decadent dessert.
IN THE FRIDGE: You can use the plastic lid from the ready-made pie crust as a lid for the pie. This pecan cream pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days.
IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze this pie for up to three months. Wrap it well with plastic wrap before storing it in the freezer.
Why We Love This Recipe
DECADENT CREAMINESS: This pie boasts a velvety, creamy filling that melts in your mouth with each bite. The combination of cream cheese, brown sugar, and pure maple syrup creates a luxurious texture that’s simply irresistible.
CRUNCHY PECAN DELIGHT: Toasted pecans, both inside the filling and on top as a garnish, provide a delightful contrast in texture. They add a satisfying crunch and a rich, roasted taste that complements the creamy filling.
MAKE-AHEAD CONVENIENCE: This recipe is not only delicious but also convenient. You can make the pie ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
With plenty of crunchy pecans and creamy filling, this fantastic pecan cream pie puts a delicious spin on traditional pecan pie. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a little something sweet after your Thanksgiving meal.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Since this pecan cream cheese pie needs to be chilled for about 6 hours, it is best to make it a day ahead to give it time to chill.
This great dessert will keep in the freezer for up to three months.
If you have a preferred homemade recipe for pecan crust, you can easily make your own.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Pecan Cream Pie
Ingredients
- 6 ounce (9-inch) ready-made pecan crust (I used Diamond brand)
- 16 ounces cream cheese, room-temperature
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed and divided in half
- 1 cup toasted finely chopped pecans, I used Fisher brand, divided into ¾ cup and ¼ cup
Instructions
- Remove the plastic lid from the ready-made pecan crust. You will want to save this as it can be flipped over and used as a storage lid for your pie.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and light brown sugar on medium-low speed, using a handheld mixer, for 1 minute or until fluffy and smooth.
- To the beaten cream cheese, add the maple syrup and vanilla extract and beat for an additional 30 seconds until fully incorporated.
- Fold half (4 ounces) of the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until the whipped topping is fully incorporated and no streaks remain.
- Fold ¾ cup of the finely chopped toasted pecans into the pecan cream pie mixture until they are evenly distributed.
- Spread the pecan cream pie mixture evenly in the ready-made pecan crust.
- Top the pecan cream pie with the remaining whipped topping and spread it to all the edges with an offset spatula.
- Garnish the center, leaving about an inch around the edge, of the whipped topping with the remaining ¼ cup of toasted finely chopped pecans.
- Chill for 6 hours, or up to overnight, to allow the pecan cream pie to set up fully.
Video
Notes
- You will want to save the lid as it can be flipped over and used as a storage lid for your creamy pecan pie.
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature, so you don’t have lumps in your creamy filling.
- We’d recommend placing the pie crust and foil plate inside a glass 9-inch pie plate for added stability and easier transport.
- You can slice and serve this pecan cream pie once it has fully chilled.
Nutrition
Even More Easy Recipes
- Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Cranberry Sauce Recipe
- Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Cherry Kool-Aid Pie
- Easy Brownie Pie Recipe
- Pecan Cookies
- S’mores Pockets
- No Bake Raspberry Pie
- Sheet Pan Pie
- Coconut Cream Pie
- Blueberry Hand Pies
- Jello Pie
- Mini Blueberry Pies
- Chocolate Pie
- Oatmeal Cream Pies
- Cream Puffs
- Salted Caramel No-Bake Pie
- Chocolate Covered Graham Crackers
- Custard Pie
- No Bake Snickers Bar Pie
- Pancake in a Mug
- Pecan Pie Balls
Comments
Kenya Thomas says
Oh my goodness, speak to my heart! Pinned!!!
Nana says
I don’t like cheese cake but want to try this. Should I use only one block of cream cheese
Lexus Monroe, Editorial Assistant says
Hi, Nana – we haven’t tried this recipe with one block of cream cheese, so I’m not sure how it would turn out.
Mil Jones says
I don’t care for maple syrup. In my regular pecan pie, I use light Karo. Can I use that as a substitute, or something else?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Mil – we haven’t tested it using light Karo so I’m not sure how that will impact the final product!
Rochelle McWhirter says
Sounds delicious! I’m assuming the brown sugar measurement is packed. Correct?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Rochelle – yes, enjoy!
Carol says
I don’t have maple syrup, Can I use honey in place of the maple syrup? Would the measurements be the same?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Carol – we haven’t tried it with maple syrup so I’m not sure how it would work or if any adjustments would need to be made.
Lisa Ward says
This looks delicious. I’ve never seen or heard of pecan pie crust. Could you tell me where I might be able to find it? Thank you!
Kristi says
Walmart, Kroger
Deanie says
This was the absolute best pie I’ve ever made. Everyone loved it. I made one for work and one for home. They were a hit. I highly recommend this for your Thanksgiving dinner!!
Leelee says
I made it while my husband was at work (night shift) the next day I tasted it & OMG it’s delicious! He got 1 piece & I messed around & ate the rest! He was asking where it was, so I had to breakdown & make another! What a shame.. lol! I used more pecans than it called for bc I love them & I used pancake maple syrup and It was still delicious! I’m going to get real maple syrup for my 3rd one & see if it can really get any better! Awesome recipe 👌
Leelee Bryant says
I’ve made this 4 times in the past couple weeks! It’s so good & easy to make. An absolute hit!
Tina says
Hi, this pie looks so incredible. I don’t however like cream cheese, is there another filling that could be used.
Thanks, Tina
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Tina – we haven’t tried substituting anything for the cream cheese so I’m not sure how subbing that out would turn out. Please let me know if you experiment! Enjoy!
Cortney says
Is that amount of kcal (I converted it to cal but just saying the one you said) for the whole pie or one piece?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Cortney – it’s per serving, enjoy!