Cinnamon Spice Pecan Crust
This delightful Cinnamon Spice Pecan Crust takes your standard pie crust to a whole new level. With the warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg intertwined with crunchy toasted pecans, this crust is perfect for elevating your cheesecake or pumpkin pie to an extraordinary dessert experience. It's easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients, and offers a nutty, spiced flavor that pairs beautifully with rich fillings. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or a special occasion, this crust will leave your guests asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Ground Nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Pecans
3/4 cup (Toasted and cooled, finely chopped)
Graham Cracker Crumbs
2/3 cup (Crushed)
Light Brown Sugar
3 tablespoons (Packed)
Granulated Sugar
1 tablespoon (Regular)
Table Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Regular)
Unsalted Butter
1/4 cup (Melted and cooled)
Pure Vanilla Extract
1/2 teaspoon (Regular)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Lightly coat a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, finely chopped toasted pecans, graham cracker crumbs, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until evenly mixed.
4
Gradually drizzle the melted and cooled unsalted butter along with the pure vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Stir gently until the mixture becomes moist and holds together—be cautious as you may not need all the butter.
5
Carefully press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie plate, ensuring a firm and even layer.
6
Transfer the crust to the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before filling with your desired cheesecake or pie filling.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of the Cinnamon Spice Pecan Crust?
This crust features warm flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg combined with the crunch of toasted pecans and graham cracker crumbs.
What types of desserts go best with this crust?
It is perfect for elevating cheesecake or pumpkin pie to an extraordinary dessert experience.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
Do I need to grease the pie plate?
Yes, you should lightly coat a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray.
What size pie plate is recommended for this recipe?
A 9-inch pie plate is recommended.
Which spices are used in the crust?
The recipe uses ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg.
How much ground cinnamon is required?
You will need 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How much ground nutmeg is required?
You will need 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
How should the pecans be prepared?
The pecans should be toasted, cooled, and then finely chopped.
How many pecans are needed for the crust?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of pecans.
How many graham cracker crumbs are needed?
You will need 2/3 cup of crushed graham cracker crumbs.
What kinds of sugar are used in the mixture?
The recipe uses both light brown sugar and granulated sugar.
How much light brown sugar is needed?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of packed light brown sugar.
How much granulated sugar is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of regular granulated sugar.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifies using unsalted butter.
How should the butter be prepared before mixing?
The butter should be melted and then allowed to cool.
How much butter is used in the crust?
You will need 1/4 cup of butter, though you may not need the full amount.
Why should the butter be added gradually?
Adding it gradually allows you to stop once the mixture is moist and holds together, as you might not need the full 1/4 cup.
What kind of vanilla extract is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
How do I mix the dry ingredients?
Whisk the cinnamon, nutmeg, pecans, graham cracker crumbs, sugars, and salt in a medium mixing bowl until evenly mixed.
How do I press the crust into the pie plate?
Carefully press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared plate to ensure a firm layer.
How long does the crust need to bake?
Bake the crust for 10 to 12 minutes.
How can I tell when the crust is finished baking?
The crust is done when it is lightly golden and fragrant.
Does the crust need to cool before filling?
Yes, allow the crust to cool completely before adding your desired filling.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, it is specifically mentioned as being perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
Is the Cinnamon Spice Pecan Crust easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe requiring only a handful of ingredients.
What type of salt should be used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of table salt.
Can I use this crust for other fillings?
Yes, while recommended for cheesecake and pumpkin pie, it can be used with any desired pie filling.
What is the primary texture of this crust?
The crust offers a nutty, crunchy, and spiced texture thanks to the toasted pecans and graham cracker crumbs.