Introducing Aunt Judy’s Pumpkin Dessert, a delightful concoction that will make you rethink your relationship with pumpkin pie. Gone are the days of eating it out of obligation during Thanksgiving; this recipe will have you craving the flavors of pumpkin all year round! It’s not just for the adults either; the kids will devour it with gusto, making it a family favorite in no time! 🎃🥧
Aunt Judy’s Pumpkin Dessert
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 1 9×13 dish of the good stuff
Description:
This is for all those out there that eat pumpkin pie only because its Thanksgiving, not really because they love it. This recipe will make you want canned pumpkin stocked in your pantry year-round! YUMMY! And the kids love it!
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 package (1/4 oz) unflavored gelatin
- 3 eggs whites
- 1/4 cup sugar (for egg whites)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, walnuts, and flour. Mix well.
- Spread the mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish and press firmly to form the crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Once baked, allow the crust to cool completely.
-
Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In another mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and half of the Cool Whip until smooth and creamy.
- Spread this mixture over the cooled crust.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour to set the cream cheese layer.
-
Prepare the Pumpkin Layer:
- In a saucepan, combine the pumpkin, cinnamon, salt, and 1/2 cup of sugar. Mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- In a small bowl, dissolve the gelatin in 1/4 cup of water. Add this to the boiling pumpkin mixture and stir until fully dissolved.
- Reduce the heat to low and keep the mixture warm.
-
Prepare the Meringue:
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks.
- Gradually add 1/4 cup of sugar to the beaten egg whites, continuing to beat until well incorporated.
-
Assemble the Dessert:
- Gradually fold the beaten egg white mixture into the slightly cooled pumpkin mixture until fully combined.
- Spread this pumpkin meringue mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer in the casserole dish.
-
Final Touch:
- Top the dessert with a generous layer of the remaining Cool Whip.
- Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until set.
- Once set, slice and serve this irresistible pumpkin delight to your eager guests!
Enjoy the creamy layers of goodness and the perfect balance of sweet pumpkin flavor in Aunt Judy’s Pumpkin Dessert. It’s a true testament to the versatility of canned pumpkin and will undoubtedly become a cherished addition to your dessert repertoire. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a regular weeknight, this dessert is sure to bring smiles to the faces of everyone at your table. So go ahead, indulge in a slice (or two) of this heavenly treat and savor the magic of pumpkin season all year long! 🍂🥧
