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Tasty 4 layer pumpkin delight dessert starts with a crunchy pecan crust topped with creamy pumpkin, cream cheese, and whipped cream layers!
Layered desserts are so impressive, and usually feed a good sized crowd. That’s why we love this pumpkin delight, pumpkin lasagna, and magic pumpkin cake! They all make great Thanksgiving desserts.
Layered Pumpkin Dessert
This next dessert is one that EVERY pumpkin lover will enjoy. It’s one of those delicious layered desserts, and I’m calling it Pumpkin Delight!
With a pecan layer, cream cheese layer, pumpkin and pudding layer and a whipped cream layer on top, it’s sure to be a hit in your home!
It may not be pie, but believe me when I say I don’t think anyone will be disappointed if you serve this instead. I
love that this Pumpkin Delight is perfect for any celebration in the fall and could even be a great dessert on Thanksgiving, instead of the traditional pumpkin pie!
the four layers
This Pumpkin Delight recipe is made up of FOUR delicious layers. While the process is really simple, it is a little bit time consuming so plan accordingly!
Buttery Pecan Crust. Start by mixing the ingredients for the crust and pressing the mixture into a 9×9 or 9×13 pan (ingredient adjustments for bigger batch found on recipe card). Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool.
Whipped Cream Cheese. Blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped topping, then spread over the cooled crust.
Creamy Pumpkin Fluff. Make the third layer by mixing canned pumpkin puree, pudding mix, pumpkin spice, milk, and more whipped topping, then spread on top of layer 2.
Whipped Topping. Lastly, spread remaining whipped cream (homemade or Cool Whip works too) over the pumpkin layer. If you like, sprinkle some chopped pecans on top. Be sure to let it chill for about 3 hours before serving!
Recipe Tips
Don’t prepare the pudding, just add the pudding mix (in powder form) into the mixture.
Be sure to get the instant pudding mix so the layer sets quickly and prevents it from being runny.
Some brands of pumpkin are more watery than others. So if yours is watery, pour it into a strainer and remove the excess water. This will prevent the pumpkin layer from being runny.
Pumpkin Puree: Note that you want to use pumpkin puree and not canned pumpkin pie filling. The pie filling already has spices and other ingredients mixed into it. Whereas pumpkin puree is only pumpkin.
Most pumpkin puree cans come in 15 oz sizes. If you have a larger can you can scoop the leftover puree into a freezer safe ziploc and store it in the freezer to be used in another recipe.
Change it Up!
Variations
- If you don’t have the white chocolate pudding mix I would suggest getting a vanilla flavor.
- You can switch the pecans in the crust layer for heath bits or toffee bits.
- If you are wanting a different crust layer, some great options are crushed graham crackers (normal or cinnamon), crushed pretzels, or crushed gingersnap cookies. Since these options are flour based you won’t need to add the flour in the crust. You will want to replace the 1 c of flour AND ½ c of crushed pecans with your substitute of choice and then keep following the instructions normally.
Other toppings: Instead of pecans, you can top pumpkin delight with heath or toffee bits, chocolate chips, different crushed nuts, crushed graham cracker or pretzel.
Making ahead + storing
Make this ahead of time, but I suggest not making it more than 24 hrs in advance so it stays as fresh as possible. It will also need to be refrigerated until it is served.
To FREEZE, just cover the top with an airtight lid and place it in the freezer. When you want some, cut out the amount you want and leave it out to thaw and place the rest back in the freezer.
Another option is to divide the leftover delight into individual serving containers. Store in the freezer and grab one when you want a treat. The delight won’t thaw quite in its original state, but it still makes a cool delicious treat.
For more pumpkin desserts, check out:
- Magic Pumpkin Cake
- Pumpkin Lasagna
- Pumpkin Dump Cake
- Easy Pumpkin Cupcakes
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars
- Mini Pumpkin Pies
Pumpkin Delight
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 cups whipped topping, divided
- 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
Instructions
Layer 1
- Mix flour, butter, and ½ cup pecans. Press into a greased 9×9 pan. Bake for 15 minutes at 350°F, then remove and let cool.NOTE: If you are using a 9×13 pan, or would like a thicker crust, add an additional ½ cup flour, ¼ cup butter, and ¼ cup chopped pecans.
Layer 2
- Blend cream cheese and powdered sugar, add 1 cup of the whipped topping, then spread over cooled crust.
Layer 3
- Mix milk, pudding mix, canned pumpkin, pumpkin spice, and 1 cup whipped topping until smooth. Spread over top of layer 2.
Layer 4
- Spread remaining 1 cup of whipped topping and sprinkle with pecans.
- Let chill for 3 hours or until set. Serve chilled.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Oh my goodness! We made this tonight and it was spectacular!! The only suggestion I have is to make it in a 9×13 pan instead of the 8×8. We followed the directions exactly and it was overflowing in the pan. Thanks for the delicious recipe!! 🙂
It is a pretty full recipe and can be made in a 9×13 easily and it would be not as “high”. Glad you liked it, and I appreciate the suggestion. 🙂
Dumb question but do I prepare the pudding before mixing it in or do I just add the pudding mix ?
Not dumb at all. No, you just pour in the mix with the other ingredients & I haven’t tried adding graham crackers, but that could work 🙂
Also do you think Graham crackers would be layered in also as the crust
I used graham cracker and turned layers into a pie..awesome
Perfect!! Thank you!
Is there a good substitute if my store doesn’t have white chocolate pudding??
I always use vanilla if I can’t find white chocolate. 😉
which tastes better to you to use the white chocolate or the vanilla?
This looks so fall amazing , making it to night Lol, It looks like
This could be Thanksgiving Pumpkin Delight Dessert on my table this year!
Curious how this turned out? Hope you liked it!!
I made this a few weeks ago for a party at work and it was a huge hit!! ! People raved about it, and my boss liked it so much he ate several pieces and asked for the recipe. I’m making it for Thanksgiving tomorrow too. I used graham cracker crust and chopped peanuts on the top because I had some lol but it turned out really great. Thanks for the recipe–this is definitely a keeper!!!
You are so welcome!! Thank you for letting me know! I am glad it was a hit!
What kind of but did you use?
I like to use unsalted when baking 🙂
*butter
Ahhh… this is the Chocolate Pudding Cake (Better Than Sex Cake) adapted with Pumpkin! Yummmy idea!
Yup….also known as Chocolate Heavenly Delight.
There is a seasonal pumpkin spice Jello pudding that is good ( and less work.) I got extra boxes and stored in the freezer.
Smart!! The pumpkin pudding is definitely a great idea to use. 😉
I’m looking forward to trying this. I make one very similar called Sex In A Pan. the only difference is for the filling instead of the pumpkin. you’d use vanilla and chocolate pudding. it is so good! because it makes a lot. I will make the whole recipe but freeze half of it. Even the crust is like the one I make. I freeze half of it but NOT for the crust. I’m definitely! making this for Thanksgiving. Thank You! for sharing this recipe.
I am glad to share 🙂 Hope you like this one!
That is a good idea! The pumpkin pudding is delicious!
Delicious recipe! Question – any other suggestion a for pudding flavors when not on thanksgiving time? May make it again for Christmas but curious if anyone has tried any other flavors. I’m sure chocolate would be the go-to.
Any flavor would work! We’ve tried chocolate, pistachio, whatever you like!
I love this time of year because of all the pumpkin recipes! Pinned!
Amy,
How do you pin it if the Pinterest logo does not appear? Thanks for the help.
Janet.. when you’re on Pinterest.. select Add A Pin and it will give you the ability to add the url of the page that you want to link to. Then it will walk you through picking one of the pictures shown above. 🙂
So you would copy and paste the URL? Thanks for your help!
looks delicious
Thank you!! It is my favorite! Hope you try it!
Same, Amy!! Pinterest explodes with Pumpkin recipes!!
This looks amazing!! I am so excited for Fall and all things pumpkin!
xoxo
I say bring on the Fall and Halloween ideas! Such a wonderful and fun time of year 🙂 Thanks for the recipe. It looks delicious. Happy Labor Day!!
It’s definitely my FAVORITE time of year!!!
This looks so delicious! I love just about anything with pumpkin in it 🙂 Pinned!
Thanks for pinning!