Maple Pecan Cream Pie
A rich and creamy maple pecan cream pie featuring toasted pecans and a luscious maple-flavored filling, perfect for dessert lovers seeking a sweet, nutty treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 2-quart glass measure with handle, stir together the light brown sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Add the milk, pure maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract; mix well.
- Microwave on high power for 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 minutes, stirring after 1 1/2 minutes and then after each additional minute until thickened and bubbly.
- Allow the mixture to cool.
- Chill thoroughly for about 1 1/2 hours, then stir in toasted chopped pecans.
- Fold in the stiffly whipped Borden whipping cream.
- Pour the filling into the prepared baked pastry shell.
- Chill thoroughly before serving.
- Garnish as desired and refrigerate leftovers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark maple syrup instead of pure maple syrup. If you're short on time, a store-bought whipped topping can be used instead of whipping cream. Be sure to toast the pecans to enhance their flavor before adding them to the filling. If you want to reduce sugar, you can substitute with a sugar alternative suitable for baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Maple Pecan Cream Pie chilled, garnished with additional whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted pecans on top. This pie pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a light salad such as Funeral Salad or a fruit platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pie can be served cold straight from the fridge, but for a softer texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maple Pecan Cream Pie contains roughly 365 calories, with 4g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 911mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired. Just ensure they're toasted for the best flavor. Keep in mind that the texture and taste will vary slightly, but both alternatives can complement the maple filling nicely.
What can I do if my filling doesn't thicken?
If your filling doesn't thicken as expected, try microwaving it for an additional minute or two, stirring frequently. Ensure that the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the liquid before cooking. If it's still not thickening, you can mix a little more cornstarch with cold water and stir it in while heating.
Is it possible to make this pie dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute Borden milk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or coconut milk. For the whipping cream, use a coconut cream or cashew cream that can be whipped. This way, you can enjoy a delicious dairy-free version of the Maple Pecan Cream Pie.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).