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Pumpkin Delight

Section: Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes: Create the Perfect Holiday Feast

If you love fall treats, you'll love this. Imagine a comfort-filled dessert stack: crunchy pecans, creamy cheese, cozy pumpkin, and soft whipped cream. Throw it together the night before for a real crowd pleaser.

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iamcooker.com
Sofia Pitt sofia
Most recent update: Sat, 17 May 2025 21:55:47 GMT
Slice with layers of pumpkin, creamy cheese, nuts, cloudlike topping, and cocoa sprinkle on a plate. Save
Slice with layers of pumpkin, creamy cheese, nuts, cloudlike topping, and cocoa sprinkle on a plate. | iamcooker.com

Want a dessert that'll wow everyone this fall? Pumpkin Delight is where it's at—crunchy buttery pecan bottom, dreamy pumpkin center, and lots of fluffy whipped cream all stacked together. Every forkful just tastes like fall. Perfect for everything from big family meals to chill get-togethers.

Unmissable Autumn Sweetness

Why does Pumpkin Delight become a hit right away? You can feed a bunch of people and those cool layers look awesome at the table. Best part? You can prep it early, which totally helps out when things get busy. Each layer, from the crunchy nutty start to the creamy pumpkin, does its own thing and brings the whole thing together.

Must-Have Kitchen Tools

  • Cloud Finale: Big scoop of whipped cream or Cool Whip on top.
  • Pumpkin Wow: Pumpkin puree, instant white chocolate pudding, and all the cozy spices.
  • Creamy Middle: Whipped topping, a little sugar, and cream cheese all mixed until fluffy.
  • Kickoff Layer: Stir together pecans, butter, and flour for a toasty crust.
  • Finishing Touch: Sprinkle cinnamon, toffee bits, or pecans over everything.

Building The Layers

Scoop The Top
Cover it all with whipped cream, toss on some goodies, and let it chill out.
Pumpkin Happiness
Mix up pudding, pumpkin, your spices, and milk, fold in some whipped topping, then layer it over the creamy part.
Fluffy Cheese Step
Whip together cream cheese, sugar, and topping, then spread over the crust after it cools.
Crust Comes First
Mix your crust, press it in the pan, and bake until just the right golden shade.
Layers of pumpkin dessert, finished with whipped cream and nuts, cooled on a tray.
Layers of pumpkin dessert, finished with whipped cream and nuts, cooled on a tray. | iamcooker.com

Easy Tips To Nail It

Go for instant pudding—sets up super fast and keeps things firm. Chill your Pumpkin Delight a good while so everything sticks together. Need to skip gluten? Swap in some gluten-free cookies for the crust. A little toffee on top makes it even fancier.

Storing and Serving

Your dessert stays good in the fridge for up to three days. Want to stash some away? Wrap it tight and freeze for two months max. You’ll love grabbing a quick bite of this cozy treat whenever your sweet tooth kicks in.

Recipe Q&A

→ How long before my party can I prep this?

Whip it up a day ahead. The time in the fridge makes it even yummier.

→ Is a 9x13 dish okay to use?

Definitely. Just bump up your crust mix a bit so all layers stay thick and tasty.

→ Can I swap in real whipped cream?

Store-bought topping like Cool Whip lasts longer in the fridge without losing its fluff. Real cream works but melts faster.

→ Should the base cool fully first?

You've got it. Letting it cool totally keeps the cream cheese from melting and going runny.

→ Is freezing the extra a good idea?

I'd skip freezing. Once thawed, the layers turn weird and mushy.

Pumpkin Delight

This layered wonder mixes a nutty pecan base, sweet pumpkin pudding, creamy cheese, and soft whipped top. It serves lots and feels like the best autumn hug.

Prep Duration
20 min
Cooking Period
15 min
Entire Time Required
35 min
Sofia Pitt: sofia


Difficulty: Moderate

Regional Style: American

Output: 12 Portions (1 pan)

Dietary Attributes: Vegetarian

Needed Ingredients

01 1/2 cup softened butter.
02 1 cup of whipped topping.
03 8 ounces of cream cheese, brought to room temp.
04 3/4 cup of finely chopped pecans.
05 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice.
06 2 1/2 cups of milk.
07 Three packs of white chocolate instant pudding (3.4 oz each).
08 1 cup powdered sugar.
09 Extra pecans to sprinkle on top.
10 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
11 1 cup whipped topping (add at the end).
12 One can (15 oz) of pumpkin puree.
13 1 more cup whipped topping, divided.

Preparation Steps

Step 01

Combine softened butter, flour, and half a cup of pecans. Press firmly into a greased square pan (9x9). Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes and let it cool down completely.

Step 02

Beat powdered sugar and softened cream cheese until fluffy. Stir in one cup of whipped topping and spread evenly on the cooled crust.

Step 03

Whisk the pudding mix with milk until smooth, then blend in pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. Gently fold in a cup of whipped topping and spread it over the cream cheese mixture.

Step 04

Top with another layer of whipped topping. Sprinkle your extra pecans on top, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.

Supplementary Details

  1. Works best when you prepare it a day in advance.
  2. Stays fresh in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
  3. To use a 9x13 dish, you’ll need to increase the crust ingredients.
  4. Cool Whip delivers the best texture for this dessert.

Necessary Tools

  • Square baking pan (9x9).
  • Mixing bowls of different sizes.
  • Electric hand mixer.

Allergen Advisory

Review each item for allergens. Consult a medical expert if unsure.
  • Dairy (contains cream cheese and whipped topping).
  • Wheat (uses flour).
  • Tree nuts (includes pecans).

Nutrient Breakdown (per serving)

This information is provided for reference and should not replace consultation with a health professional.
  • Caloric Value: 430
  • Total Fat: 23 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 52 g
  • Proteins: 6 g