Description
This Pecan Pie Dip is a luscious and easy-to-make dessert perfect for parties and gatherings. It layers a creamy and sweet cream cheese base topped with a warm, gooey pecan mixture that captures the classic flavors of pecan pie without the crust. Serve it with fresh fruit, graham crackers, or chips for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s ready in 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 oz Cool Whip (half of a small tub, thawed)
Pecan Topping
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- â…“ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecans, chopped or halved
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- A pinch of salt
For Serving
- Fresh fruit (e.g., apple slices)
- Graham crackers, plain pita chips, or your favorite dippers
Instructions
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: Soften the cream cheese by microwaving it for 15–20 seconds if needed. Beat it with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar while continuing to mix until fully combined. Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until the mixture is fluffy and well blended. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly in a pie plate or serving dish. Chill it in the refrigerator while you prepare the pecan topping.
- Make the Pecan Topping: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly to melt the butter and dissolve the sugar, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Slowly drizzle the lightly beaten egg in while stirring continuously to prevent it from scrambling. Cook for about 1 minute until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans. Allow the topping to cool for 10 minutes; it will thicken slightly during this time.
- Assemble and Serve: Take the cream cheese layer out of the refrigerator and pour the warm pecan topping evenly over it. You can serve the dip immediately while the pecan topping is still warm or refrigerate it until ready to serve. This dip pairs beautifully with fresh fruit like apple slices, graham crackers, or your favorite dippers.
Notes
- To soften cream cheese quickly, microwave in short bursts—about 15 seconds at a time—to prevent it from melting.
- Keep stirring the egg into the hot pecan mixture to avoid any scrambled bits.
- You can prepare the cream cheese layer a few hours ahead and keep it chilled until ready to assemble.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; stir gently before serving if the topping firms up too much.
