Pumpkin Delight

Pumpkin Delight: A Creamy, Layered Fall Dessert

As the leaves start to change and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a dessert that captures the essence of autumn. Pumpkin Delight is a delicious, creamy dessert that features layers of rich flavors and textures, making it the perfect treat for any fall gathering or holiday meal. With a buttery pecan crust, a smooth cream cheese layer, and a spiced pumpkin-pudding filling, this dessert is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients

Layer 1:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ¾ cup chopped pecans

Layer 2:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup whipped topping

Layer 3:

• 2½ cups milk
• 3 (3.4-ounce) packages white chocolate (or vanilla) instant pudding mix
• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
• 1 cup whipped topping

Layer 4:

• 1 cup whipped topping
• ¼ cup chopped pecans (for topping)

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust (Layer 1):

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, softened butter, and ½ cup of chopped pecans until well combined. The mixture should be crumbly but hold together when pressed.
• Press the mixture evenly into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan, forming a crust. If you prefer a thicker crust or are using a 9×13-inch pan, you can increase the crust ingredients by adding an additional ½ cup flour, ¼ cup butter, and ¼ cup chopped pecans.
• Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely before adding the next layer.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer (Layer 2):

• In a medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Fold in 1 cup of the whipped topping gently to keep the mixture light and airy.
• Once the crust is completely cool, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust, creating a smooth layer.

3. Prepare the Pumpkin Pudding Layer (Layer 3):

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, instant pudding mix, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and 1 cup of whipped topping. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
• Carefully spread the pumpkin pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer, making sure it is even and covers the entire surface.

4. Top with Whipped Topping and Pecans (Layer 4):

• Spread the remaining 1 cup of whipped topping evenly over the pumpkin layer. For the final touch, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chopped pecans over the top.

5. Chill and Serve:

• Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until the dessert is fully set. Chilling the dessert allows the layers to firm up and the flavors to meld together.
• When ready to serve, slice into squares and enjoy this creamy, dreamy fall treat.

Tips for Success

• Cool Completely: Make sure each layer is fully cooled before adding the next to ensure the dessert sets properly.
• Chill Thoroughly: For best results, chill the dessert for several hours or even overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop.
• Customize Your Crust: If you love a thicker crust, don’t hesitate to increase the crust ingredients for a more substantial base.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
• Calories: 400 kcal per serving
• Servings: 12 servings

Pumpkin Delight is a wonderful dessert that perfectly balances sweet, creamy, and spiced flavors. The combination of a buttery pecan crust, creamy layers, and a rich pumpkin filling makes this dessert a crowd-pleaser at any fall or holiday gathering. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, this is the perfect treat to celebrate the flavors of the season.

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