2. Make the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Stir in the heavy cream to create a richer, creamier filling.
- Fold in half of the chopped pecans, reserving the rest for garnish.
3. Assemble and Bake
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans over the top of the filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45ā50 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the pie cool completely on a wire rack.
4. Chill the Pie
- Once cooled, cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the filling to set fully.
5. Make the Whipped Cream Topping
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with a hand mixer or whisk until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the chilled pie or dollop it on each slice when serving.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Top with toasted pecan halves and a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg for an elegant finish.
- Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy every bite of this creamy, nutty delight!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: Serve with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or spiced cider for a cozy dessert experience.
- Add a Drizzle: Drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce over the whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Make Mini Pies: Use a muffin tin to make individual mini pecan cream pies for portion-controlled servings.
Pro Tips for Success
- Prevent Overbaking: Keep an eye on the pie during the last 10 minutes of baking to avoid overcooking, which can cause cracks in the filling.
- Use Fresh Pecans: Freshly toasted pecans have a more intense flavor than pre-packaged ones.
- Customize Sweetness: Adjust the sugar in the filling or whipped cream to suit your taste preferences.
- Freeze for Later: Wrap the baked and cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Cream Pie is a true celebration of fall flavors, blending the richness of pecans with the velvety smoothness of a creamy custard filling. Whether youāre hosting a holiday feast or simply treating yourself to a slice of seasonal goodness, this pie is sure to impress. Its nutty crunch, creamy texture, and sweet yet balanced flavor make it a dessert worth savoring.
So grab your ingredients, mix up this decadent filling, and bake your way to pecan perfection. One bite of this creamy, nutty masterpiece, and youāll understand why itās destined to become a fall favorite! šš„§