Dessert

Pumpkin Delight Recipe

BySimon Carel October 18, 2025October 18, 2025

Introduction

Pumpkin Delight is a creamy, layered dessert perfect for autumn gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet treat with seasonal flavors. This no-bake pudding dessert combines pumpkin, white chocolate pudding, and a buttery pecan crust for a delightful texture and taste.

A square piece of layered dessert sits on a white plate with small dot patterns around the edge, placed on a white marbled surface. The dessert has three clear layers: a light beige nutty base with a slightly rough texture, a thick middle layer of smooth, orange pumpkin filling, and a top layer of white whipped cream. Crushed nuts are sprinkled generously over the whipped cream and scattered around the plate, adding a crunchy texture. In the background, there is a white dish holding more of the dessert, slightly out of focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix the flour, softened butter, and ½ cup of chopped pecans until crumbly. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch pan. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool. Note: For a thicker crust or when using a 9×13-inch pan, add ½ cup more flour, ¼ cup more butter, and ¼ cup more pecans.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of the whipped topping, then spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, instant pudding mix, pumpkin puree, pumpkin spice, and 1 cup of whipped topping until smooth and thickened. Spread this pumpkin pudding layer over the cream cheese layer.
Step 4: Finally, spread the remaining 1 cup of whipped topping evenly over the pumpkin layer. Sprinkle the remaining pecans on top for garnish.
Step 5: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 3 hours, or until fully set. Serve chilled for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For added depth, toast the pecans lightly before mixing them into the crust and as a topping.
Use vanilla instant pudding if white chocolate is unavailable; the flavor remains deliciously creamy.
For a dairy-free option, substitute the milk and cream cheese with suitable plant-based alternatives, and use dairy-free whipped topping.

Storage

Store Pumpkin Delight covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve after storing, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes for easier slicing. Avoid freezing, as the whipped topping and pudding layers may separate upon thawing.

How to Serve

A square slice of dessert sits on a white plate with a dotted edge, showing four clear layers: the bottom layer is light beige and nutty with a coarse texture, the second layer is smooth and white, the third layer is a thick, creamy orange, and the top layer is fluffy white cream sprinkled generously with chopped brown nuts. More chopped nuts are scattered lightly around the slice on the plate, all placed on a white marbled surface. Behind the slice, there is a white dish with more of the dessert inside, slightly out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, Pumpkin Delight is great when made a day ahead. The flavors meld nicely, and chilling for several hours helps the layers set perfectly.

What can I use instead of pumpkin spice?

If you don’t have pumpkin spice, a mix of ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves or ginger can be used to mimic the flavor.

Simon Carel