Description
This Pecan Pie Dip is a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for parties or casual get-togethers. It features a creamy, fluffy cream cheese base topped with a rich, warm pecan pie filling made with buttery brown sugar and light corn syrup. Serve it with fresh fruit, graham crackers, or pita chips for an irresistible sweet treat that combines all the flavors of classic pecan pie in a fun dipping format.
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
- ⅓ 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
Serving Suggestions
- 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 necessary to make it easier to beat. Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing fully until there are no lumps. Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip with a spatula until the mixture becomes fluffy. Spread this mixture evenly in a pie plate or serving dish, then chill it in the refrigerator to firm up while preparing the topping.
- Make the Pecan Topping: In a medium saucepan, combine the cold, diced butter, packed brown sugar, light corn syrup, and a pinch of salt. Melt the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once melted and smooth, bring it to a gentle simmer. Slowly drizzle in the lightly beaten egg while stirring continuously to avoid scrambling the egg. Continue cooking for about 1 minute until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and pecans. Allow the topping to cool for 10 minutes so that it thickens a bit before assembly.
- Assemble and Serve: Take the cream cheese layer out of the fridge and pour the warm pecan topping evenly over the top. Spread gently with a spatula if needed. Serve the dip immediately while the topping is still warm for the best flavor and texture, or refrigerate it until serving time. Pair it with fresh fruit slices, graham crackers, pita chips, or whichever dippers you prefer for a perfect sweet snack or dessert.
Notes
- Be sure to stir the egg into the pecan topping slowly and continuously to prevent it from scrambling.
- Chilling the cream cheese layer before adding the topping helps the dip set properly.
- You can prepare this dip a few hours ahead of time; keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
- For a nut-free option, omit pecans and add chopped chocolate or caramel bits.
- Use fresh fruit like apple slices or strawberries for a lighter dipping option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
