Make this rich, velvety Pecan Cream Pie with a buttery graham cracker crust. This easy, no-bake dessert delivers a satisfying contrast between the smooth filling and crunchy pecan topping, perfect for holidays.
Author:Carla Davis
Prep Time:25 min
Cook Time:0 min
Total Time:4 hr 25 min
Yield:8 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:No-Bake
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup heavy cream, cold
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
1 cup heavy cream, cold (for topping)
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for topping)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for topping)
1/4 cup pecan halves (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a bowl. Pour in melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Chill the crust for at least 30 minutes.
Make the cream cheese base: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside.
Prepare the filling base: In a separate, chilled bowl, whip 1/2 cup cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
Add flavor: Fold in the maple syrup until just combined. Do not overmix.
Assemble the pie: Gently fold in the 1 cup of chopped, toasted pecans into the cream filling. Spread this mixture evenly into the chilled graham cracker crust.
Chill the pie: Cover the pie loosely and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is firm.
Make the topping: Before serving, whip the remaining 1 cup of cold heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Finish and serve: Spread or pipe the whipped cream topping over the chilled pie. Arrange the pecan halves on top for garnish. Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor; spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
This pie is an excellent make-ahead dessert; prepare it a day in advance and add the whipped topping just before serving.
If you are looking for simple recipes for everyday meals, this pie fits the bill without the stress of baking a traditional pie.