Description
Creamy pumpkin lush dessert combines layers of velvety goodness in a delightful autumn treat. Rich graham cracker crust and spiced pumpkin filling create a memorable sweet experience you’ll savor until the last delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 ½ cups whipped topping
- Pecan halves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Craft a golden-hued pecan crust by combining finely chopped pecans with melted butter and flour. Press the mixture firmly into a 9×13-inch baking dish, then bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes until edges turn crisp and light brown. Allow the crust to cool completely.
- Whip softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until silky and uniform. Gently incorporate whipped topping, creating a luxurious, airy layer. Carefully spread this creamy mixture across the cooled crust.
- Create a spiced pumpkin layer by whisking pumpkin puree with instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and pumpkin pie spice. Blend until the mixture achieves a smooth, thick consistency. Evenly distribute this vibrant orange layer over the cream cheese base.
- Crown the dessert with a billowy layer of remaining whipped topping, ensuring complete coverage. For an elegant touch, arrange pecan halves decoratively across the surface.
- Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and layers to solidify. This chilling period ensures a perfectly set, decadent pumpkin lush ready to delight.
Notes
- Opt for fresh, high-quality pecans to enhance the crust’s nutty flavor and crisp texture.
- Toast pecans lightly before chopping to release deeper, more complex nutty notes and boost overall taste.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend in the crust.
- Reduce sugar content by using sugar-free pudding mix and low-fat cream cheese for a lighter dessert option.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 19.2 g
- Sodium: 153 mg
- Fat: 22.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 9.6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 31.8 g
- Fiber: 1.7 g
- Protein: 4.0 g
- Cholesterol: 43 mg