Description
Creamy layers of pumpkin lush delight taste buds with a graham cracker crust and velvety filling. Chilled dessert brings comfort and indulgence, perfect for autumn gatherings where you’ll savor each heavenly spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
Pudding and Milk:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant pumpkin spice pudding mix (or use another box of vanilla if unavailable)
- 2 cups cold milk
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Optional Topping:
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- Sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Craft a buttery foundation by combining graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar, pressing the mixture firmly into a rectangular baking dish. Refrigerate the crust to solidify while preparing subsequent layers.
- Whip cream cheese and powdered sugar until achieving a velvety consistency, gently incorporating whipped topping. Carefully spread this luxurious mixture evenly across the chilled crust.
- Create a sumptuous pumpkin blend by whisking pumpkin puree with instant pudding mixes, milk, and warming pumpkin pie spice until the mixture transforms into a thick, silky texture.
- Delicately layer the pumpkin mixture over the cream cheese base, ensuring a smooth and even distribution.
- Crown the dessert with remaining whipped topping, artfully garnishing with chopped pecans and a delicate dusting of cinnamon or additional pumpkin pie spice.
- Allow the dessert to rest and set in the refrigerator for a minimum of four hours, preferably overnight, which will enhance the flavor profile and achieve optimal texture.
Notes
- Chill the crust thoroughly to ensure a crisp, solid base that won’t crumble when serving the dessert.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother, lump-free layer that spreads easily across the graham cracker crust.
- Opt for full-fat ingredients to achieve a rich, decadent texture that melts in your mouth with each bite.
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies to make the dessert celiac-friendly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 304
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 197 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 34 mg