Indulge in the perfect balance of buttery pie crust, rich caramel, crunchy pecans, and fluffy whipped cream with this Caramel Pecan Delight Pie. Whether for a holiday dessert or a sweet treat for any occasion, this pie is sure to impress!
Advertisements
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich and buttery caramel pecan filling
Perfectly flaky homemade pie crust
Light and airy whipped cream topping
Ideal for holidays, special occasions, or a simple indulgence
Ingredients Breakdown
-
All-Purpose Flour & Salt: The base of a tender, flaky pie crust.
-
Unsalted Butter: Used in both the crust and filling, providing richness and a buttery taste.
-
Pecan Halves: Toasted for enhanced flavor and crunch.
-
Granulated Sugar & Light Corn Syrup: Key ingredients for the smooth caramel filling.
-
Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess to both the filling and the whipped topping.
-
Eggs: Help set the filling, creating a custard-like texture.
-
Vanilla Extract & Salt: Enhance flavor depth and balance sweetness.
-
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without making it grainy.
Advertisements
Tips and Tricks
- Chill the pie crust dough to ensure a flakier texture.
- Toast the pecans for a richer, nuttier flavor.
- Use a thermometer – the caramel should reach around 225°F for the perfect consistency.
- Refrigerate the pie before serving for a firmer texture.
Variations and Customizations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted chocolate over the whipped cream for extra decadence.
- Salted Caramel: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel filling before baking.
- Bourbon Pecan Pie: Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the caramel mixture.
- Nut-Free Version: Substitute pecans with sunflower seeds or leave them out for a caramel custard pie.
Pairing Suggestions
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that enhances the caramel notes.
- Hot Coffee or Espresso – Balances the sweetness of the pie.
- Spiced Chai Tea – Complements the warm, nutty flavors.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes or serve chilled.
Popular Questions
Can I make the pie crust in advance?
Yes! Prepare and refrigerate the dough up to 3 days in advance or freeze it for up to 3 months.
How do I prevent the pie crust from becoming soggy?
Prebaking (blind baking) the crust and ensuring the caramel mixture isn’t too hot when adding it will help keep the crust crisp.
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! While homemade crust gives the best flavor, a high-quality pre-made crust works well for convenience.
Advertisements
Caramel Pecan Delight Pie with Whipped Cream Topping
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Caramel Pecan Delight Pie with Whipped Cream Topping is a rich and indulgent dessert that combines a flaky, buttery crust with a luscious caramel pecan filling. The deep, nutty flavors of toasted pecans are balanced by the smooth sweetness of homemade caramel, all topped with a light and airy whipped cream for the perfect finish. This pie is a show-stopping treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3–4 tbsp ice water
- 1 cup pecan halves, toasted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
- Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Roll and Prebake the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess dough.
- Prick the bottom with a fork and line with parchment paper.
- Fill with pie weights or dried beans and bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Remove the weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Let cool.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Pecan Filling
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and sugar over medium heat.
- Stir in the corn syrup and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Gradually pour in the cooled caramel mixture while whisking continuously.
- Stir in the toasted pecans.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
- Pour the caramel pecan filling into the cooled pie crust.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set.
- If the crust starts browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before adding the whipped cream topping.
Step 5: Prepare the Whipped Cream
- In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until soft peaks form.
- Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the cooled pie just before serving
Notes
This Caramel Pecan Delight Pie is a luxurious and irresistible dessert perfect for any occasion. Whether served warm or chilled, with or without the whipped cream topping, it’s a guaranteed showstopper!
Advertisements
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Advertisements