Description
This elegant layered dessert features a buttery pecan crust, a velvety cream cheese center, and a spiced pumpkin pudding layer. Topped with airy whipped cream and toasted nuts, it offers a refreshing and creamy alternative to traditional holiday pies.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans, divided
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar, divided
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 12 ounces whipped topping, thawed and divided
- 15 ounces canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of chopped pecans, flour, softened butter, white sugar, and 1 tablespoon of confectioners’ sugar; press firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish and bake for 20 minutes until golden, then cool completely.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar until fluffy, then fold in 1 1/2 cups of whipped topping and spread evenly over the cooled crust.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin, milk, brown sugar, instant pudding mix, and pumpkin pie spice for 2-3 minutes, then fold in 4 ounces of whipped topping and spread over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with the remaining whipped topping and sprinkle with the reserved 1/4 cup of pecans and a dusting of cinnamon.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight, to allow the layers to set properly before slicing.
Notes
For the best results, ensure the crust is entirely cold before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting. To get perfectly clean slices, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped dry between each cut. This cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert as the flavors deepen after a night in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American