Imagine a dessert that combines the creamy, spiced goodness of pumpkin pie with the rich, crunchy texture of pecans - a match made in culinary heaven! This Perfect Pumpkin Pecan Pie is not just a dessert; it's a slice of autumn magic that will have your guests begging for seconds. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to transform your holiday table and create memories that will last long after the last crumb has disappeared.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the rack in the center of the oven.
- Prepare the pie crust by rolling it out and carefully transferring it to a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges decoratively and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, heavy cream, and eggs until smooth and fully combined.
- Add the cinnamon and nutmeg to the pumpkin mixture, stirring until the spices are evenly distributed throughout.
- Pour the pumpkin mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top of the pumpkin filling.
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly puffed.
- To check doneness, gently shake the pie - the center should have a slight wobble but not be liquid.
- Remove from the oven and let the pie cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Serve at room temperature, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Temperature is key: Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother, more consistent filling.
- Crust pro tip: For an extra flaky crust, chill your pie crust for 30 minutes before filling and baking.
- Pecan placement: Sprinkle pecans evenly to ensure every slice gets a perfect crunch.
- Doneness check: The "gentle shake" test is crucial - a slight wobble in the center means your pie is perfectly baked.
- Cooling matters: Allow the pie to cool completely to let the filling set properly and enhance the flavor.
- Make ahead: This pie can be prepared a day in advance, making holiday prep a breeze.
- Storage: Cover and refrigerate any leftovers, though we doubt there will be any!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
