Pecan Cream Pie – Silky, Nutty, and Irresistibly Sweet

Pecan Cream Pie is a luscious twist on the traditional pecan pie, offering all the nutty sweetness you love in a creamy, dreamy form. With its buttery pie crust, velvety pecan-infused filling, and fluffy whipped topping, this dessert is pure Southern comfort in every bite. I first made this pie for Thanksgiving when I wanted something lighter than the classic syrupy pecan pie, and it quickly became a family favorite. The creamy texture is luxurious, the flavor perfectly balanced, and every slice feels indulgent without being overly sweet. I once added a splash of bourbon to the filling for an extra depth of flavor—it was incredible. Whether for holidays or a cozy Sunday dessert, this Pecan Cream Pie is a showstopper that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pecan Cream Pie is smooth, rich, and delightfully nutty with a creamy filling that melts in your mouth. It combines the comforting flavors of toasted pecans and caramel with the lightness of a cream pie, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. It’s make-ahead friendly, simple to prepare, and looks elegant enough for a celebration table. The balance between the buttery crust, creamy center, and crunchy topping makes it a truly unforgettable dessert.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pie crust (baked and cooled) – Use homemade or store-bought for a flaky, buttery base.

Pecans (chopped and toasted) – Add nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.

Brown sugar – Adds caramel-like sweetness to the filling.

Cream cheese (softened) – Creates a smooth, rich, and creamy texture.

Powdered sugar – Sweetens the cream filling without graininess.

Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor and adds warmth.

Heavy cream (whipped) – Adds lightness and airiness to the filling.

Instant vanilla pudding mix – Helps the filling set perfectly while maintaining creaminess.

Milk – Combines with pudding for a silky, stable texture.

Butter (melted) – Adds richness to the filling and binds the pecans together.

Optional garnish: Extra whipped cream, pecan halves, or caramel drizzle.

Directions

Prepare and bake your pie crust according to package or recipe instructions. Let it cool completely.

In a skillet over medium heat, toast the chopped pecans for 3–5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let cool.

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, brown sugar, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In another bowl, whisk the pudding mix and milk together until thickened.

Fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined. Gently fold in half of the whipped cream to lighten the filling.

Stir in the cooled, toasted pecans (reserving a few for topping) and pour the filling into the cooled pie crust. Smooth the top and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.

Before serving, spread or pipe the remaining whipped cream on top and sprinkle with the reserved pecans. Drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8–10 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best texture, keep it chilled until serving. Avoid freezing, as the creamy filling may separate when thawed.

Variations and Customizations

Chocolate Pecan Cream Pie – Add melted chocolate or cocoa powder to the filling for a chocolatey twist.

Bourbon Pecan Cream Pie – Stir in a tablespoon of bourbon for a rich, grown-up flavor.

Maple Pecan Version – Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a sweet, earthy note.

Coconut Pecan Pie – Mix shredded coconut into the filling for extra texture and flavor.

Salted Caramel Pecan Cream Pie – Add a layer of caramel sauce between the crust and filling, and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt.

Mini Pecan Cream Pies – Make individual servings in tart shells for parties or gatherings.

No-Bake Option – Use a graham cracker crust and skip baking entirely for a quicker version.

FAQs

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better after chilling overnight as the flavors meld beautifully.

Can I use a graham cracker crust?

Absolutely—it adds a deliciously sweet and crunchy twist.

Do I need to toast the pecans?

Yes, toasting brings out their rich, nutty flavor and adds crunch.

Can I make it without pudding mix?

You can, but the pudding helps stabilize the filling. Use a bit of cornstarch instead if desired.

How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Let the crust cool completely before adding the filling and avoid overmixing the pudding.

Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream?

Yes, it’s a convenient substitute and holds its shape well.

Can I make this pie nut-free?

You can omit the pecans, though it won’t have the same flavor—try toasted coconut for texture.

Can I freeze this pie?

It’s best enjoyed fresh; freezing can cause the cream filling to separate.

Can I use dark brown sugar?

Yes, it adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor to the pie.

How can I make it less sweet?

Reduce the powdered sugar slightly or use unsweetened whipped cream.

Conclusion

Pecan Cream Pie is the ultimate blend of rich, creamy, and nutty perfection. With its smooth filling, buttery crust, and crunchy pecan topping, it’s a dessert that feels luxurious yet homey. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering, this pie offers all the familiar flavors of a classic pecan dessert in a lighter, creamier form. Serve it chilled with a drizzle of caramel, and watch it disappear slice by slice—it’s pure dessert bliss.