Creamy Maple Pecan Delight Pie

This Pecan Cream Pie combines a luscious cream cheese filling with the rich, nutty flavor of pecans and the subtle sweetness of maple syrup, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. This dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings or whenever you’re craving a smooth, creamy twist on classic pecan pie. With a no-bake filling and only minimal prep, it’s an easy dessert that tastes indulgent and festive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy and Nutty: The blend of cream cheese, whipped cream, and chopped pecans makes each bite perfectly creamy with a satisfying crunch.
• Subtle Maple Flavor: The maple syrup adds a hint of natural sweetness that complements the pecans beautifully.
• Perfect for the Holidays: This pie is an elegant, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s great for any holiday dessert table.
• Simple to Make: With a no-bake filling, this pie is surprisingly easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 1/2 cups pecans, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Blind Bake the Pie Crust

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven according to the package or recipe directions for blind baking the pie crust.
2. Blind bake the crust: Line the pie crust with parchment paper, fill it with pie weights or dried beans, and bake until golden and set. Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the filling.

Whip the Cream

3. In a small mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar on high speed until stiff peaks form. This adds a light, fluffy texture to the filling.

Prepare the Filling

4. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, brown sugar, salt, and maple syrup until smooth and creamy. The mixture should be well combined with no lumps.

Combine and Add Pecans

5. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until it’s well incorporated, creating a fluffy, creamy filling.
6. Stir in 1 cup of the finely chopped pecans, mixing gently until evenly distributed.

Assemble the Pie

7. Spread the cream cheese and pecan filling into the cooled pie crust, using a spatula to smooth the top.
8. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped pecans evenly over the top of the pie for garnish.

Chill and Set

9. Place the pie in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up for easier slicing.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 9-inch pie pan for the crust
• Parchment paper and pie weights (or dried beans) for blind baking
• Large mixing bowl and small mixing bowl
• Electric mixer for whipping cream and mixing filling
• Spatula for spreading the filling

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve this pie chilled. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of additional maple syrup.
• Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent the pecans from softening.
• Make-Ahead Tip: This pie is perfect for making a day ahead. The flavors meld beautifully as it chills, making it even more delicious the next day.

Variations

• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top of the pie before chilling for a rich twist.
• Bourbon Maple Flavor: Add 1-2 teaspoons of bourbon to the cream cheese filling for a hint of warmth that complements the pecans and maple.
• Cinnamon Spice: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to the filling for a cozy, spiced flavor.
• Walnut Substitute: Swap pecans with walnuts for a different nutty flavor if preferred.

Helpful Notes and Tips

• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth filling.
• Blind Bake Carefully: Blind baking prevents a soggy crust. Use pie weights to keep the crust from puffing up.
• Gentle Folding: Gently fold in the whipped cream to keep the filling light and airy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a graham cracker crust instead of traditional pie crust?
Yes! A graham cracker crust works beautifully with this creamy filling and adds a sweet crunch.

2. Can I use whipped topping instead of whipping cream?
Yes, you can substitute whipped topping for the whipped cream if you prefer, though homemade whipped cream provides the best texture and flavor.

3. How can I make this pie more firm?
To make the pie more firm, chill it overnight. You can also add an extra 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar to the whipped cream if desired.

4. Can I freeze this pie?
It’s best to refrigerate this pie rather than freeze it, as freezing may change the texture of the cream cheese filling.

5. Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?
Yes, dark brown sugar adds a deeper molasses flavor, which pairs nicely with the pecans and maple syrup.

This Creamy Maple Pecan Delight Pie is a no-bake treat that’s simple yet luxurious. With its smooth filling, rich nutty flavor, and hint of maple, it’s a dessert that’s sure to become a holiday favorite!

Print