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Creamy Pumpkin Delight Dessert: Easy 4 Layer Recipe with Pecan Crust

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This creamy pumpkin delight dessert features four luscious layers: a toasted pecan crust, tangy cream cheese, smooth pumpkin pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for autumn gatherings and holiday tables.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (toast lightly for extra flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 package (3.4 oz) instant pumpkin spice pudding mix (or substitute with vanilla and extra pumpkin spice)
  • 2 cups cold milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 cups whipped topping (for top layer)
  • Extra chopped pecans, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine flour, melted butter, chopped pecans, sugar, and salt. Stir until evenly moistened and crumbly.
  2. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Let cool completely.
  3. In a clean bowl, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Fold in 1 cup whipped topping. Spread gently over cooled pecan crust.
  4. In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, both pudding mixes, cold milk, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Beat for 2 minutes until thick and creamy. Spoon over cream cheese layer and smooth with a spatula.
  5. Spread 2 cups whipped topping over the pumpkin layer. Sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top if desired.
  6. Cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (overnight is best) to set layers.
  7. Slice into squares using a sharp knife, wiping blade between cuts for clean slices. Serve chilled.

Notes

For best results, toast pecans before adding to the crust. Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Chill dessert thoroughly for clean layers. Substitute gluten-free flour for a GF version, or coconut-based dairy alternatives for dairy-free. Add caramel drizzle or extra spices for a twist. Store leftovers covered in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze individual squares.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin dessert, layered dessert, pecan crust, Thanksgiving, autumn, easy dessert, creamy pumpkin, potluck, holiday dessert

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/creamy-pumpkin-delight-dessert-easy-4-layer-recipe-with-pecan-crust/