Best Pecan Cream Pie

Ingredients  

  • 1 (6-ounce) graham cracker pie crust (9-inch) (or baked 9-inch pie crust)
  • 1 (3.4-ounce) package cheesecake or white chocolate instant pudding mix
  • 1 ½ cups milk (this is less than pudding package directions) (whole or 2% works best)
  • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened (see Notes for softening tip)
  • ½ cup dark brown or light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 8-ounce container Cool Whip, divided (I prefer Extra Creamy Cool Whip for this recipe)
  • 1 ⅓ cups toasted and cooled chopped pecans, divided (See Notes for How to Toast pecans)
  • Garnish: 8 whole pecans (Optional)

Instructions 

  • Remove the lid from the store bought graham cracker crust but save it to invert and cover the pie when it’s finished.
  • Whisk together the pudding mix and milk in a medium size bowl. Using a hand mixer at medium speed or a large whisk, beat the pudding mixture 2 minutes or until thickened. Place in the refrigerator to completely set up while preparing the rest of the pie filling.
  • Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add brown sugar and vanilla and beat 1 minute or until brown sugar is thoroughly blended.
  • Stir in the chilled, thickened pudding and 1 cup of the toasted pecans.
  • Gently fold in HALF of the Cool Whip until no white streaks show. Spoon the pecan cream pie filling into pie crust. Sprinkle with the remaining chopped pecans.
  • Dollop remaining Cool Whip in the center of the pie or dollop around the edges of the pie. If you like, you can gild the lily by garnishing with whole pecans. Chill loosely covered 2 hours or until firm.

Notes

Pro tip: No need to wait for hours for cream cheese to come to room temperature! Microwave the block of cream cheese straight from the fridge for 10 seconds on HIGH in a microwave-safe mixing bowl. Flip over the cream cheese and microwave 10 more seconds. Voila! Room temperature cream cheese.

How to toast pecans in air fryer and oven: Air Fryer: For the basket style air fryer, remove the rack and place the chopped pecans in the bottom. Air fry at 360F degrees for 2 minutes; shake well. Air fry an additional 1 minute.Oven: Place chopped pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 5 minutes. Stir well and bake an additional 1 minute.

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