Description
This elegant layered dessert features a buttery pecan crust topped with silky cream cheese and a spiced pumpkin mousse. It is a refreshing, cool alternative to traditional pies that brings a professional touch to any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups chopped pecans, divided
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 1 tablespoon plus 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, divided
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping, thawed and divided
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup cold milk
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 (3.4-ounce) package 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).
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of chopped pecans, flour, softened butter, white sugar, and 1 tablespoon of confectioners’ sugar; work until coarse crumbs form.
- Press the mixture firmly into a 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until golden, then let cool completely.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar until smooth and airy; gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of the whipped topping.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust, sealing it all the way to the edges.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin, milk, brown sugar, pudding mix, and pumpkin pie spice until thickened; fold in 4 ounces of whipped topping.
- Spread the pumpkin layer over the cream cheese, top with the remaining whipped topping, and garnish with 1/4 cup pecans and cinnamon.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set firmly.
Notes
To ensure the most stable layers, never attempt to spread the cream cheese over a crust that is still even slightly warm. For a professional presentation, wipe your knife clean with a warm cloth between every slice to maintain the distinct white and orange lines.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layering
- Cuisine: Southern American