Description
Silky pumpkin spice dream dessert blends autumn’s warmth with creamy comfort. Rich seasonal flavors invite home bakers to create a memorable sweet experience you’ll savor with delight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 15 oz (425 g) pumpkin puree
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 (3.4 oz / 96 g) boxes vanilla instant pudding mix
- 16 oz (454 g) cool whip
- 2 cups honey graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 1 tbsp additional graham cracker crumbs, reserved for topping
- 2 tbsps pecans, finely chopped
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- sundae caramel syrup, chilled, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Crust: Blend graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar, creating a cohesive mixture that will form the dessert’s foundation. Press firmly into a 9×13 inch baking pan to establish an even, compact base.
- Bake Crust: Roast the crust in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Allow to cool completely, ensuring a crisp, sturdy foundation.
- Craft Pumpkin Layer: Whisk pudding mix, whole milk, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice until achieving a smooth, thick consistency. Gently fold in Cool Whip to create a light, creamy pumpkin mixture.
- Layer Assembly: Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the cooled crust, creating a uniform layer that completely covers the graham cracker base.
- Topping Technique: Generously spread remaining Cool Whip across the pumpkin layer, creating a billowy, cloud-like surface. Artfully sprinkle reserved graham cracker crumbs and chopped pecans over the top.
- Finish and Chill: Drizzle caramel syrup in an elegant pattern, adding a luxurious final touch. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least four hours to allow flavors to meld and layers to set completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Unveil a decadent, multi-layered dessert that captures the essence of autumn’s most beloved flavors, presenting a visually stunning and delicious treat.
Notes
- Chill Before Serving: Allow minimum 4 hours refrigeration to help layers meld and develop rich, balanced flavors and optimal texture.
- Crumb Crust Technique: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, stable foundation that prevents crumbling when slicing.
- Gentle Mixing Method: Fold Cool Whip into pumpkin mixture delicately to maintain light, airy consistency and prevent deflating the whipped cream.
- Spice Balance Matters: Use fresh pumpkin pie spice for maximum aromatic intensity and ensure even distribution throughout the dessert for consistent flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg