Pecan Cream Cheese Pie Recipe
There is something utterly delightful about a Pecan Cream Cheese Pie that makes it a true crowd-pleaser every time it graces the dessert table. Imagine the luscious cream cheese filling melding perfectly with the rich, buttery graham cracker crust, all studded with crunchy, toasted pecans for that satisfying bite. This pie is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a beautiful balance of creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors that everyone will be asking for seconds of before you know it.
Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step towards creating a Pecan Cream Cheese Pie that tastes like it was made with love and care. Each ingredient plays an important role, from the creamy base to the crunchy topping, building layers of flavor and texture that make this pie unforgettable.
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers: This forms a buttery, slightly sweet crust that perfectly supports the filling.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Helps bind the crust ingredients and adds rich flavor without overpowering.
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened): Provides a creamy, tangy base that is the heart of this pie.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling smoothly and blends effortlessly with the cheese.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant note that complements the nuts and the cream cheese.
- 3 large eggs: These bind the filling, giving it structure and a velvety texture when baked.
- 1 cup dark corn syrup: Offers a deep, molasses-like sweetness and glossy finish to the filling.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Adds crunch, flavor, and that beloved nutty character essential to this pie.
- 1 pinch salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Pecan Cream Cheese Pie
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when you finish the crust. Mix your crushed graham crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your pie pan to create a sturdy base that will hold your filling without crumbling. Bake this for 10 minutes to toast the crust slightly, then let it cool before adding the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s perfectly smooth and fluffy. This step is key for a heavenly texture. Slowly add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to blend until everything is well combined and silky. Then, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is incorporated before adding the next. This method prevents curdling and keeps the filling velvety.
Step 3: Combine Remaining Filling Ingredients
Slowly stir in the dark corn syrup and a pinch of salt, mixing until the filling is uniform and glossy. Finally, fold in the chopped pecans to sprinkle throughout the filling — these nuts bring that signature crunch and flavor that define a Pecan Cream Cheese Pie.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Pour the filling over your cooled graham cracker crust and smooth the surface gently with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the filling is set and just beginning to turn golden at the edges. This ensures a custardy yet firm texture that slices beautifully. Once done, allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature before chilling it in the fridge for a minimum of two hours. This step lets it fully set and develop its flavor.
How to Serve Pecan Cream Cheese Pie
Garnishes
Sprinkling a few extra toasted pecans on top just before serving adds a lovely touch of elegance and extra crunch. For a little indulgence, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the flavors and presentation to a whole new level.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or a bright fruit salad. Their natural acidity beautifully contrasts with the richness of the Pecan Cream Cheese Pie, balancing each bite perfectly. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is another classic accompaniment that never fails to impress.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve slices in crystal-clear glass dishes to showcase the creamy layers. You can also cut the pie into mini servings using tart pans or ramekins for individual, charming desserts perfect for parties or storytelling around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Pecan Cream Cheese Pie is cooled and chilled, cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days, so you can savor every last bite without worry.
Freezing
This pie freezes surprisingly well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. When frozen, it should be eaten within 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain its creamy texture.
Reheating
Since this is a cream cheese-based pie, reheating is usually not necessary or recommended. It’s best served chilled or at room temperature to preserve its signature texture and flavor. Just let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before slicing if it feels too cold.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! While pecans are classic for this pie, walnuts or almonds can be excellent substitutes. Just be sure to toast them lightly to bring out their flavor.
Is this pie very sweet?
The combination of cream cheese and dark corn syrup gives a balanced sweetness that’s rich but not overwhelming. The pinch of salt also helps keep the flavors from becoming cloying.
Can I make the crust without graham crackers?
If graham crackers aren’t available, crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers work well as alternatives to create a similar crisp and buttery base.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The filling should be mostly set with only a slight jiggle in the center. The edges will lightly brown, signaling it’s ready to come out of the oven without overbaking.
Can I prepare the pie a day in advance?
Yes! In fact, chilling it overnight enhances the flavors and texture. Just keep it covered tightly in the fridge until serving.
Final Thoughts
Making a Pecan Cream Cheese Pie is like inviting a little slice of heaven into your kitchen. Its rich, creamy filling with the perfect touch of crunchy pecans wrapped in a buttery crust makes it a dessert worth sharing again and again. Give this recipe a try — I promise it will become a beloved favorite in your home, bringing joy and comfort to every gathering.
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Pecan Cream Cheese Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pecan Cream Cheese Pie is a luscious dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust filled with a smooth cream cheese and dark corn syrup filling, adorned with crunchy chopped pecans. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, this pie combines creaminess with nutty richness, ideal for special occasions or a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
Filling
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup dark corn syrup
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the crust and filling evenly.
- Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers with the melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are well coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a pie pan to create an even crust layer.
- Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely before adding the filling to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, which will ensure a silky texture in the pie filling.
- Add Sweeteners and Flavor: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, mixing continuously until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition to create a stable and homogenous filling.
- Combine Syrup and Salt: Stir in the dark corn syrup along with a pinch of salt. Mixing until fully incorporated will create the signature sweet and rich consistency of the pie filling.
- Fold in Pecans: Gently fold the chopped pecans into the filling to distribute them evenly, adding a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor to every bite.
- Fill the Crust: Pour the prepared filling over the cooled crust, spreading it smoothly with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Bake the Pie: Return the pie to the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes or until the filling is set and the edges turn lightly golden, indicating it is cooked through but still creamy inside.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Do not overbake the pie to maintain a creamy texture; filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Chilling the pie overnight enhances the flavor and texture.
- Use fresh pecans for the best crunch and flavor.
- If dark corn syrup is unavailable, you can substitute with golden syrup or light molasses for a slightly different flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Pecan Cream Cheese Pie, pecan pie, cream cheese dessert, graham cracker crust pie, nutty pie, holiday pie, creamy pie, American dessert