Walnut Cream Pie
A rich and creamy walnut pie with a buttery crust, crunchy toasted walnuts, and a smooth, lightly sweetened cream filling. This elegant dessert is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something nutty and indulgent.
🥧 Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (115 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3–4 tablespoons ice water
For the Walnut Filling
- 1½ cups (170 g) chopped walnuts
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (60 g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cream Topping
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra chopped walnuts, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together.
Shape into a disk, wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2. Roll Out the Dough
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Roll the chilled dough into a circle slightly larger than your pie dish.
Transfer it carefully to a 9-inch pie pan.
Press the dough gently into the bottom and sides, then trim and crimp the edges.
Prick the bottom lightly with a fork.
3. Toast the Walnuts
Spread the chopped walnuts on a baking sheet.
Toast them for 5–7 minutes, until fragrant.
Let them cool slightly.
4. Make the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, heavy cream, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt.
Stir in the toasted walnuts.
5. Fill the Pie
Pour the walnut mixture into the prepared crust.
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips.
6. Bake
Bake for approximately 40–50 minutes, until the filling is set around the edges and the center has only a slight wobble.
If the crust starts browning too quickly, cover the edges loosely with aluminum foil.
Remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool completely.
🍦 Make the Cream Topping
7. Whip the Cream
Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until medium-stiff peaks form.
Don’t overbeat.
8. Decorate
Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the cooled pie.
Sprinkle with additional chopped toasted walnuts.
For a beautiful finish, you can drizzle a little caramel sauce over the top.
⭐ Tips for the Best Walnut Cream Pie
- Toasting the walnuts brings out their natural flavor.
- Keep the butter cold when making the crust for a flaky texture.
- Don’t overmix the pie dough.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before adding the whipped cream.
- Chill the finished pie for at least 1 hour before slicing for cleaner pieces.
- Use freshly chopped walnuts for the best flavor.
🍯 Optional Variations
Try adding:
- A drizzle of caramel sauce
- Chocolate chips
- Maple syrup
- A pinch of nutmeg
- Bourbon or rum flavoring
- Chocolate shavings
⏱️ Recipe Details
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 40–50 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: About 2½ hours
Servings: 8
Method: Oven-baked
Difficulty: Intermediate