Description
Pumpkin delight brings autumn’s warmth to your table with a creamy, spiced dessert that dances between comfort and indulgence. Sweet pumpkin layers meld perfectly with rich cream cheese and a crumbly graham cracker base, inviting you to savor each heavenly bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2½ cups milk
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
Nuts:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (for topping)
Additional Ingredients:
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (layer 2)
- 1 cup whipped topping (layer 3)
- 1 cup whipped topping (layer 4)
- 3 (3.4-ounce) packages white chocolate (or vanilla) instant pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
Instructions
- Prepare the foundational crust by combining the flour, softened butter, and chopped pecans into a cohesive mixture. Gently press this crumbly blend into a greased baking pan, ensuring an even distribution across the bottom.
- Place the pan in a preheated oven set at 350°F (175°C) and bake the crust for approximately 15 minutes until it develops a light golden hue. Remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely, which helps maintain its structural integrity.
- Create the creamy cheese layer by whipping the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Tenderly incorporate the whipped topping, folding gently to maintain the airy texture.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the cooled crust, creating a smooth and level surface that serves as the perfect foundation for the next layer.
- Craft the pumpkin layer by whisking together milk, instant pudding mix, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin spice until the mixture becomes completely smooth and well-integrated. Fold in the whipped topping to enhance the creamy consistency.
- Carefully distribute the pumpkin mixture over the cream cheese layer, ensuring a uniform coverage that creates an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
- Crown the dessert with the remaining whipped topping, spreading it gently to create a billowy, elegant topping. Sprinkle the reserved chopped pecans across the surface for a delightful textural contrast.
- Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of 3 hours, allowing the layers to set and the flavors to meld together. The chilling process helps solidify the dessert and intensifies its rich, complex taste.
- When ready to serve, slice the chilled dessert and present it as a decadent, multi-layered treat that promises a symphony of textures and flavors.
Notes
- Prep Smart: Double the crust ingredients if using a larger pan to maintain the perfect texture and thickness.
- Chill Time Matters: Refrigerate for minimum 3 hours to allow layers to set and flavors to meld beautifully.
- Texture Tip: Ensure cream cheese is softened at room temperature for smooth, lump-free layers.
- Nutty Crunch: Toasting pecans before adding will enhance their flavor and provide extra depth to the dessert.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dessert can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining.
- Serve Cold: Keep chilled until serving to maintain the delightful creamy consistency and layered appeal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg