Pecan Pie Dip is a creamy, delicious, pie-inspired dessert with a cheesecake base and a rich pecan topping that might just outshine the actual pie.
Author’s Notes
Meet My Pecan Pie Glow-Up
Ok, so I’m normally a pumpkin-or-triple-berry pie girl, but my dad is a pecan pie person through and through. I spent months perfecting my pecan pie for him one Thanksgiving, and after he raved about it for weeks, I knew I’d eventually have to outdo myself.
And this is THAT moment. You guys, this pecan pie dip is WILD in the best way. Honestly, I like it even more than the actual pie and I can’t wait to surprise my dad with it this year. (Plus it’s way easier than making a full pie!)
It starts with a creamy cheesecake-like base (only three ingredients!) and then gets topped with a gooey, sweet, pecan-studded layer that is ohmygosh so good.
You can dip just about anything in this and it’s amazing. I love it with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, pretzels, apple slices, or even little pieces of waffle cone. I can’t wait to hear if this one makes it to your holiday table!
Pecan Pie Dip Ingredients
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Cream cheese and whipped topping | Make sure both are fully softened and thawed so the base mixes up smooth and fluffy. |
| Powdered sugar and brown sugar | Mix well to avoid any gritty texture and help the layers stay creamy and sweet. |
| Butter and light corn syrup | Use cold butter so the topping thickens properly as it cooks. |
| Pecans, egg, vanilla, and salt | Chop pecans small so they spread evenly and create a gooey, crunchy topping. |
| Dippers like apples, graham crackers, pretzels, and cookies | Prep a mix of sweet and salty dippers for the best flavor contrast. |
How To Make Pecan Pie Dip
- Cook the topping: Heat ingredients in a saucepan, stir constantly, boil, then cool.
- Mix the base: Beat cream cheese and sugar, then fold in the whipped topping.
- Assemble: Spread the base in your dish and pour the cooled pecan topping over it.
- Serve: Enjoy right away or chill until ready with your favorite dippers.
What To Dip In This Dip
So many things go well in this Pecan Pie Dip. Here are some of our favorites:
- Graham crackers
- Vanilla wafers
- Pretzels
- Apple slices (have you read my trick to keeping apples from browning all day?!)
- Strawberries
- Animal crackers
- Shortbread cookies
- Chocolate cookies
- Biscotti
- Waffle cone pieces
Quick Tip
Okay, I’m not kidding when I say I’ve been using my new cluster bowl platter for everything, and this might be my favorite way yet! I spoon the dip into the three center bowls (one is never enough) and fill the outer bowls with all the dippers. It’s easy, delicious, and honestly looks like it came straight from a restaurant.
More Amazing Holiday Treats:
Desserts
Oatmeal Pecan Cookies
Christmas
Peppermint Bark
Desserts
Snickerdoodle Blondies
Snacks
Candied Pecans Recipe
Pecan Pie Dip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened (brick-style, full-fat)
- 4 ounces whipped topping thawed (1/2 of an 8-oz container)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 1/3 cup pure maple syrup see note 1
- 1 cup roasted pecans coarsely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Dippers of your choice such as apples, pretzels, graham crackers, Vanilla Wafers, etc. see note 2
Instructions
- Add the brown sugar, butter, maple syrup, chopped pecans, egg, and salt to a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, while whisking constantly. Once boiling, cook for 1 minute while stirring nonstop. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and let cool for 10 minutes, then stir again. It will thicken as it cools.
- In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat the softened (see note 3) cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy, 2 to 4 minutes. Use a spatula to gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly into two 8×8-inch dishes or one 9×13-inch dish. Pour the cooled pecan topping evenly over the cheesecake layer. Add extra chopped pecans on top if you’d like.
- Serve right away or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy with apple slices, graham crackers, pretzel crisps, or vanilla wafers.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Storage
These layers don’t store well once combined, but they keep great separately.
- Cheesecake layer: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Gently stir before using.
- Pecan topping: Cool completely and store in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- To serve: Let both layers sit out for 10 to 15 minutes, warm the pecan topping slightly on the stovetop or in the microwave, then assemble right before serving.
- Make ahead: Prep both layers a day early and store separately for the best texture.
Tips For Making Pecan Pie Dip
- Toast the pecans first: Boosts flavor and makes the topping richer. Otherwise, buy already toasted pecans!
- Use block-style cream cheese: Tub-style can make the base too soft.
- Soften cream cheese slowly: Helps avoid lumps and uneven texture.
- Don’t overmix the whipped topping: Keeps the base light and fluffy.
- Cool the topping until just thickened: Warm slightly if it gets too stiff to spread.
