Irresistible Pecan Pie Dip with Cinnamon Dippers Recipe

Gooey Pecan Pie Dip with Sweet Cinnamon Dippers Recipe

When comfort meets indulgence, this pecan pie dip emerges as a delightful twist on a classic dessert.

Creamy and rich, the dip captures the essence of traditional pecan pie flavors in a shareable, irresistible format.

Warm cinnamon-dusted dippers complement the smooth, decadent mixture perfectly.

Every scoop promises a burst of sweet, nutty goodness that melts in your mouth.

The recipe brings together simple ingredients for a crowd-pleasing treat that disappears quickly at gatherings.

Guests will be reaching for seconds before you know it.

Dive into this delectable creation and let your taste buds celebrate a new dessert experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 38 minutes

Calories: 275 kcal

Servings: 9

What You’ll Need for Pecan Pie Dip with Cinnamon Dippers

For Cinnamon Dippers:
  • Pie Crust: Thin, flaky base that creates crispy, delicate leaf-shaped cookies perfect for dipping.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden, caramelized exterior.
  • Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice that elevates the dippers with a cozy flavor.
  • Melted Butter: Provides rich moisture and helps cinnamon-sugar adhere to the pastry.
For Pecan Dip Base:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy foundation for the dip.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a silky texture.
  • Whipped Topping: Introduces lightness and creates a fluffy, creamy consistency.
For Pecan Caramel Topping:
  • Butter: Builds a rich, smooth caramel base with deep flavor.
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers deep molasses notes and creates a luscious caramel.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and helps bind the caramel.
  • Vanilla: Enhances overall depth and warmth of the topping.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
  • Pecans: Provides crunch, nutty flavor, and textural contrast to the creamy dip.

Tools for Whipping Up a Sweet Pecan Pie Dip

  • Electric mixer: Essential for blending cream cheese and powdered sugar smoothly.
  • 2-quart saucepan: Perfect for melting butter and creating the rich pecan sauce.
  • Cookie sheet: Ungreased surface for baking crispy cinnamon leaf dippers.
  • Leaf-shaped cookie cutter: Creates adorable leaf-shaped dippers.
  • Cooling rack: Helps crisp up the sweet cinnamon dippers after baking.
  • 9-inch pie plate: Ideal for assembling and chilling the creamy dip.
  • Small bowl: Useful for mixing cinnamon-sugar coating.
  • Pastry brush: Great for evenly spreading melted butter on dippers.

How to Make Pecan Pie Dip Smooth and Luscious

  • Cookie Leaf Preparation

Roll out pie crusts and use a leaf-shaped cookie cutter to create delicate pastry leaves. Arrange them gently on a cookie sheet with space between each piece.

  • Cinnamon Coating

Brush the leaf shapes with melted butter and dust generously with a sweet cinnamon-sugar blend. This will create a golden, crispy exterior with a warm, aromatic flavor.

  • Baking Golden Dippers

Place the cookie sheet in a preheated oven and bake until the leaves transform into a beautiful golden brown color. Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack.

  • Pecan Caramel Base

In a saucepan, melt butter and blend with brown sugar until it becomes a rich, bubbling mixture. Stir in cream, vanilla, and a touch of salt. Fold in toasted pecans and allow the mixture to cool and develop deep, complex flavors.

  • Creamy Cheese Layer

Whip cream cheese with powdered sugar until silky smooth. Gently incorporate whipped topping to create a light, airy texture. Spread this dreamy mixture into a pie plate.

  • Final Assembly

Pour the cooled pecan caramel over the cream cheese base. Chill the dip to let the flavors meld and create a decadent, irresistible dessert experience. Serve with the crispy cinnamon leaves for dipping.

Dipper Ideas and Flavor Add-Ons for Your Pecan Dip

  • Nutty Flavor Boost: Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before adding to the dip, enhancing their rich, deep flavor and creating a more complex taste profile.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cinnamon dippers and pecan mixture up to two days in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers to maintain maximum crispness and freshness.
  • Dip Texture Tricks: For a lighter consistency, fold in an extra 1/4 cup of whipped topping, creating a more mousse-like texture that spreads effortlessly on the plate.
  • Spice It Up: Experiment with different spice blends on the dippers, such as pumpkin pie spice or maple sugar, to complement the rich pecan caramel base and add unexpected flavor dimensions.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve the dip slightly chilled or at room temperature, surrounding it with additional cinnamon dippers, fresh apple slices, or graham crackers for extra dipping options.

Serve Pecan Dip with a Cinnamon-Sugar Twist

  • Festive Party Platter: Create a stunning appetizer spread by arranging the cinnamon dippers in a circular pattern around the pecan pie dip, making it a showstopper at holiday gatherings or game day celebrations.
  • Sweet Brunch Companion: Serve this delightful dip as a decadent addition to your weekend brunch, pairing it with fresh fruit, coffee, or mimosas for a luxurious morning treat.
  • Dessert Table Star: Transform this recipe into a crowd-pleasing dessert by providing small individual serving dishes, allowing guests to enjoy their own personal portion of this rich and creamy delight.
  • Gifting Gourmet: Package the cooled cinnamon dippers and dip in a beautiful mason jar with a ribbon, creating a homemade gift that's perfect for teachers, neighbors, or holiday hostess presents.

Store Pecan Pie Dip Like a Dessert Pro

  • Smart Refrigeration Tactics: Store the dip in an airtight container, keeping it chilled for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare cinnamon dippers and dip separately up to 2 days before serving. Keep dippers in a sealed container at room temperature and dip refrigerated to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
  • Freezing Friendly: Wrap the dip tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently stir before serving to restore creamy consistency.
  • Serving Temperature Strategy: Remove dip from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly. This allows flavors to develop and creates a smoother, more spreadable texture that enhances overall enjoyment.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Irresistible Pecan Pie Dip with Cinnamon Dippers Recipe

Irresistible Pecan Pie Dip with Cinnamon Dippers


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 38 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Creamy pecan pie dip delights dessert enthusiasts with Southern comfort classic flavors. Cinnamon sugar-dusted pie crust strips provide perfect crispy companions for this indulgent sweet spread you’ll crave at gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pkg (8 oz / 226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 6 tbsps butter (4 tbsps + 2 tbsps melted)
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp vanilla
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1 cup Cool Whip, thawed
  • 1 box (14.1 oz / 400 g) Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts (2 Count), softened as directed on box

Instructions

  1. Cinnamon-Sugar Preparation: Thoroughly blend granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, setting aside for later application.
  2. Pastry Leaf Crafting: Unroll pie crusts and use a leaf-shaped cookie cutter to create delicate pastry shapes, maximizing dough utilization by rerolling scraps.
  3. Pastry Seasoning: Arrange cut pastry leaves on an ungreased cookie sheet, brush with melted butter, and evenly dust with cinnamon-sugar mixture for a golden, aromatic coating.
  4. Cinnamon Dipper Baking: Slide cookie sheet into a preheated 425°F oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until leaves transform into crisp, golden-brown cinnamon dippers.
  5. Cooling Process: Allow pastry leaves to rest briefly on the sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack for complete cooling.
  6. Pecan Sauce Creation: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, add brown sugar, and stir until bubbling. Reduce heat and incorporate cream, vanilla, and salt, briefly simmering before removing from heat.
  7. Pecan Integration: Fold toasted pecans into the warm sauce and cool for 30 minutes.
  8. Cream Cheese Base: Blend softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth, then gently fold in whipped topping to create a light, airy mixture.
  9. Dip Assembly: Spread cream cheese mixture into a 9-inch pie plate, top with cooled pecan sauce, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and set.

Notes

  • Butter Brushing Technique: Generously coat pastry leaves with melted butter to ensure a crispy, golden exterior that enhances flavor and texture.
  • Precise Baking Time: Watch cinnamon dippers closely during 8-10 minute baking window to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden-brown crispness.
  • Cooling Critical Step: Allow pastry leaves and pecan sauce to cool completely for optimal texture and flavor development, preventing soggy or overly warm components.
  • Chilling Importance: Refrigerate dip for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend and create a firm, spreadable consistency that elevates the overall taste experience.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 275
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star