Pecan Cream Pie

Decadent Pecan Cream Pie: A Symphony of Indulgence

Prepare your taste buds for a journey into indulgence with our Pecan Cream Pie. This exquisite dessert is a harmonious blend of buttery pecans, velvety cream, and a flaky pie crust that comes together to create a symphony of flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to deliver a slice of pure bliss. Join us as we explore the art of crafting this decadent Pecan Cream Pie that will undoubtedly become the star of your dessert table.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons ice water

For the Pecan Filling:

  • 1 1/2 cups pecans, roughly chopped
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

  • 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

  1. In a food processor, combine flour, cold diced butter, sugar, and salt.
  2. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and pulse until the dough comes together.
  4. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Roll Out and Pre-Bake the Crust

  1. On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
  2. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish and trim the edges.
  3. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork, line it with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper.
  5. Continue baking for an additional 10 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
  6. Allow the crust to cool while preparing the filling.

Step 3: Make the Pecan Filling

  1. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
  2. Stir in chopped pecans.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

  1. Pour the pecan filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
  2. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set and slightly jiggly in the center.
  3. Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping

  1. In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.
  2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

  1. Spread the whipped cream over the cooled pecan pie.
  2. Optionally, garnish with additional chopped pecans.
  3. Slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream on each piece.

Cook Notes

  • To prevent the pie crust from shrinking during baking, make sure to chill it thoroughly before baking.
  • If the edges of the crust are browning too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil during the last few minutes of baking.

Variations

Chocolate Drizzle Delight

  • Add a decadent touch by drizzling melted chocolate over the whipped cream topping.

Bourbon Infusion Adventure

  • Amp up the flavor by adding a splash of bourbon to the pecan filling.

Coconut Crunch Twist

  • Mix shredded coconut into the pecan filling for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Keto Version

For those on a keto journey, savor the flavors with these modifications:

For the Pie Crust:

  • Use a keto-friendly almond flour crust or a mixture of almond and coconut flour.

For the Pecan Filling:

  • Substitute the corn syrup with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or a sugar-free syrup.
  • Use a low-carb flour alternative or a thickening agent like xanthan gum.

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

  • Replace powdered sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener.

Low-Carb Version

Trim down the carbs without sacrificing taste:

For the Pie Crust:

  • Use a low-carb flour alternative or almond flour for the crust.

For the Pecan Filling:

  • Substitute the corn syrup with a low-carb sweetener or a sugar-free syrup.
  • Use a low-carb flour alternative or a thickening agent like xanthan gum.

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

  • Replace powdered sugar with a low-carb sweetener.

In conclusion, the Pecan Cream Pie is a testament to the fact that a well-crafted dessert can be a work of art. Whether you follow the classic recipe, venture into keto or low-carb adaptations, or explore unique variations, the result is a pie that captures the essence of indulgence in every slice. Share this decadent creation with loved ones, serve it at celebrations, or enjoy it as a delightful treat to brighten your day. Let the buttery crust, luscious pecan filling, and airy whipped cream topping transport you to a world of sweet satisfaction. Bon appétit!