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Pumpkin Delight

Featured in: Desserts

Picture a layered dessert that feels like autumn in every bite. There's buttery pecans on the bottom, then cream cheese, then pumpkin, topped with a big cloud of whipped cream. Leave it in the fridge overnight - you'll be glad you did.

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Twistytaste.com
Updated on Tue, 27 May 2025 17:39:44 GMT
Layered pumpkin square with whipped cream and nuts on a plate, sprinkled with cocoa. Pin it
Layered pumpkin square with whipped cream and nuts on a plate, sprinkled with cocoa. | twistytaste.com

Want something everyone will talk about this fall? Pumpkin Delight layers a crunchy pecan base, silky pumpkin goodness, and fluffy whipped cream into one seriously good dessert. It tastes like autumn in every spoonful, perfect for any party or cozy dinner.

Irresistible Autumn Treat

Pumpkin Delight wins folks over every time—it’s a total crowd-pleaser and looks gorgeous with all those layers. Make it ahead and take the holiday stress down a notch. Every part, from that crisp pecan foundation to the creamy pumpkin mix, is a hit at the table.

Stuff You’ll Need

  • Bottom Crunch: Blend up flour, chopped pecans, and butter for your crust.
  • Middle Creaminess: Beat cream cheese with whipped topping and powdered sugar.
  • Pumpkin Layer: Stir canned pumpkin, pudding mix, milk, and cozy spices together.
  • Topping Fluff: Finish with Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream.
  • Finishing Touches: Sprinkle on nuts, cinnamon, or Heath bits for extra yum.

Putting It All Together

Start Off
Blend your pecan crust and press it into your pan then bake ’til it browns up.
Layer Two
Smooth a blend of cream cheese, sugar, and topping over the cooled crust.
Pumpkin Fun
Mix pumpkin, pudding, spices, milk, and topping then spread on the creamy part.
Finish Up
Spread on a big layer of whipped cream, shower on your extras, then pop it in the fridge.
A pumpkin dessert with layers, whipped cream, and crushed nuts sits ready in a tray. Pin it
A pumpkin dessert with layers, whipped cream, and crushed nuts sits ready in a tray. | twistytaste.com

Tips For Making It Awesome

Go for instant pudding—it’s super easy and sets fast. Let your Pumpkin Delight chill long enough so the layers hold together. If you can’t do gluten, swap in your favorite gluten-free cookies for the bottom. A little toffee on the top makes it extra special.

Best Way To Store

Stash it in the fridge for three days and it stays fresh. Want to eat it weeks from now? Wrap it really well and freeze for up to two months. Handy when a pumpkin craving pops up!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How far ahead can I make this?

Chill it for up to a day before eating. That way the flavors all mix together and it cuts easier, too.

→ Can I use a 9x13 pan?

Yep, just add more to your crust mixture so it's thick enough all across the bottom.

→ Will real whipped cream work instead of whipped topping?

Cool Whip holds its shape way longer in the fridge, so that’s usually your best bet for nice layers.

→ Does the crust need to cool completely?

Don’t skip cooling it. If the crust's warm, the next layer will melt and run.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing isn’t a good idea. The layers get a funky texture after thawing.

Pumpkin Delight

A sweet treat where nutty crust meets smooth cream cheese, soft pumpkin, and lots of fluffy cream. You’ll want seconds.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 dish)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup butter, brought to room temp.
02 1 cup plain flour.
03 3/4 cup pecans, finely chopped.
04 8 oz cream cheese, left out to soften.
05 1 cup powdered sugar.
06 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip).
07 2 1/2 cups cold milk.
08 3 small boxes (3.4 oz each) white chocolate pudding.
09 1 can (15 oz) pure pumpkin puree.
10 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice.
11 1 cup whipped topping (for pumpkin layer).
12 1 cup whipped topping (for topping).
13 Extra pecans for sprinkling on top.

Instructions

Step 01

Combine the butter, flour, and pecans. Push the mix into a greased 9x9 dish. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Let it cool fully.

Step 02

Stir sugar into softened cream cheese. Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping. Spread this over the cooled crust.

Step 03

Whisk milk and pudding until smooth. Stir in pumpkin and spice. Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping. Spread evenly over the cream cheese layer.

Step 04

Spread the last cup of whipped topping in a smooth layer. Sprinkle pecans on top and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

Notes

  1. Gets better if made a day before serving.
  2. Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  3. Double the crust quantities if using a 9x13 dish.
  4. Cool Whip works best for holding its shape.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x9 pan for baking.
  • Mixing bowls of various sizes.
  • Electric mixer or hand mixer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, whipped topping).
  • Contains gluten (flour).
  • Contains tree nuts (pecans).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 430
  • Total Fat: 23 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 52 g
  • Protein: 6 g