Description
Pumpkin Delight is a creamy and layered dessert bar featuring a buttery pecan crust, a sweetened cream cheese layer, a smooth pumpkin pudding mixture, and a fluffy whipped topping garnished with pecans. Perfectly spiced with pumpkin spice, this no-fuss treat is chilled to set, making it an ideal dessert for fall and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping, divided
Pumpkin Pudding Layer
- 2½ cups milk
- 3 (3.4-ounce) packages white chocolate (or vanilla) instant pudding mix
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 1 cup whipped topping, divided
Topping
- 1 cup whipped topping
- Remaining ¼ cup chopped pecans for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, softened butter, and ½ cup chopped pecans until combined. Press this mixture evenly into a greased 9×9-inch pan. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool completely. (Note: For a thicker crust or if using a 9×13 pan, increase ingredients by ½ cup flour, ¼ cup butter, and ¼ cup pecans.)
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a bowl, blend softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
- Prepare the pumpkin pudding layer: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the milk, instant pudding mix, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin spice until smooth and thickened. Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping. Spread this pumpkin pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Add the topping: Spread the remaining 1 cup of whipped topping evenly over the pumpkin pudding layer. Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans on top for garnish.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 3 hours or until fully set. Serve chilled for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- If using a 9×13 pan or prefer a thicker crust, increase crust ingredients by ½ cup flour, ¼ cup butter, and ¼ cup pecans.
- Make sure to soften the cream cheese and butter for easier mixing and smoother layers.
- Use white chocolate or vanilla instant pudding mix according to preference.
- Chilling time is essential to allow layers to set properly.
- Can be prepared a day ahead and kept refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pumpkin dessert, cream cheese dessert, layered dessert, pumpkin pudding, pecan crust, fall dessert, holiday dessert
