Description
Pumpkin Delight Dream Bars are a no-bake, creamy, layered dessert perfect for fall. Featuring a crunchy graham cracker and pecan crust topped with a whipped cream cheese layer and a fluffy pumpkin topping, these bars combine classic pumpkin pie flavors in a cool, dreamy treat. Garnished with pecans and cinnamon, they offer a delightful texture contrast and rich seasonal taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 3 cups graham cracker crumbs (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ cup pecans, finely chopped or processed
- 6 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 12 tbsp butter, melted
Whipped Cream
- 2 cups whipping cream, chilled
Cream Cheese Layer
- 32 oz (4 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Pumpkin Layer
- 2 (15 oz) cans pumpkin purée
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 16 oz Cool Whip
Topping
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- Cinnamon for garnish (optional)
- Extra graham cracker crumbs for garnish
Instructions
- Make the crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, finely chopped pecans, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and melted butter. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish or two 8×8 inch pans. Place in the refrigerator to chill and set while preparing the other layers.
- Whip the cream: Using a mixer, beat the chilled whipping cream until stiff peaks form. This means the cream should hold firm peaks when the beaters are lifted. Set aside the whipped cream to fold into the cream cheese layer.
- Cream cheese layer: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until fully incorporated. Gently fold in the whipped cream to create a light, fluffy mixture. Spread this layer evenly over the chilled crust.
- Pumpkin layer: In another bowl, combine the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix well until smooth. Carefully fold in the Cool Whip until the mixture is fluffy and well blended. Spread this pumpkin layer evenly over the cream cheese layer in the pan.
- Top it off: Sprinkle the top with chopped pecans, extra graham cracker crumbs, and cinnamon if desired for added texture and flavor. Cover and chill the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow it to set and flavors to meld.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- Chilling the crust before adding layers helps maintain structure and prevents mixing.
- This dessert is best served chilled and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and garnish with extra graham cracker crumbs.
- To enhance the pumpkin flavor, you can add an extra teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice in the pumpkin layer if desired.
