Ingredients
Gathering these ingredients is like preparing for a culinary adventure. Each component plays a vital role, and substitutions can add your own twist to this classic.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup shaved chocolate for garnish (optional)
You can swap pecans for walnuts if you prefer, and feel free to use a pre-made crust to save time. But remember, crafting from scratch brings a taste of home that’s unmatched!
Instructions
Let’s dive into the heart of the recipe. Follow these steps to bring this delightful pie to life.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, and chopped pecans. Mix until a crumbly dough forms.
- Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow it to cool completely.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread this mixture over the cooled crust.
- Prepare the chocolate pudding by whisking the instant pudding mix with cold milk until thickened. Pour over the cream cheese layer and spread evenly.
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with granulated sugar until soft peaks form. Gently spread the whipped cream over the chocolate layer.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle shaved chocolate on top. Chill the pie for at least 2 hours before serving, allowing the layers to set beautifully.
As you layer each component, remember the joy of learning by doing — a lesson from my abuela that always keeps me grounded in the kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International