Name: Pecan Pie Dip Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup whipped topping; 1 cup powdered sugar; 4 tablespoons salted butter; ½ cup brown sugar; ½ cup light corn syrup; 1 cup chopped pecans; dash of salt; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; Apple slices; Pretzel crisps; Graham crackers; Stroopwafels

Jump to Recipe

If you’re like me and believe that dessert should be as fun to eat as it is to make, you’ll fall head over heels for Pecan Pie Dip. This rich, creamy dip combines all the gooey, nutty flavors of classic pecan pie with a playful, shareable twist that’s perfect for gatherings or late-night cravings. Whether you scoop it up with crisp apple slices or crunchy pretzel crisps, every bite tastes like a cozy holiday memory, minus the hassle of pie crust. Let’s dig in to the ooey-gooey magic!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Pecan Pie Dip couldn’t be easier, and each one brings something special to the party. From decadent cream cheese for rich creaminess, to those irresistible pecans adding crunch, every component plays a crucial role in balancing textures and creating mouthwatering flavor.

Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The creamy, tangy base that makes every dip spoonful luxuriously smooth.
Whipped topping (1 cup): Lightens up the mixture, making the base feel airy and spoonable.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness while blending easily into the creamy base without any graininess.
Salted butter (4 tablespoons): Gives richness and a touch of savory balance to keep the sweetness in check.
Brown sugar (½ cup): Brings in that warm, caramel-like depth that is essential to any pecan pie creation.
Light corn syrup (½ cup): Helps create the gooey, glossy texture we all crave in a good pecan pie topping.
Chopped pecans (1 cup): The crunchy, nutty star of the show, delivering that iconic pecan pie flavor.
Dash of salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and round out the flavors.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and aroma, giving the whole dip even more of that classic pie vibe.
Serving dippers (apple slices, pretzel crisps, graham crackers, stroopwafels): These provide the perfect vehicles to scoop up every creamy, crunchy bite of Pecan Pie Dip.

How to Make Pecan Pie Dip

Step 1: Make the Creamy Layer

Start by combining your softened cream cheese, fluffy whipped topping, and powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Beat everything together until you’ve got a smooth, cloud-like mixture with zero lumps. Spread this heavenly mixture into the bottom of a pie plate or a shallow serving dish and pop it in the fridge. Chilling allows the flavors to meld while you work on the pecan topping.

Step 2: Prepare the Gooey Pecan Topping

Next, grab a medium saucepan and melt the salted butter over medium-high heat. Add in the brown sugar, corn syrup, chopped pecans, and a dash of salt. Stir everything together, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting those flavors bubble and thicken, just like a classic pie filling. Once satisfied, take the pan off the heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and let your pecan mixture cool for about 8 minutes. This short rest helps it thicken just enough to layer beautifully over the creamy base.

Step 3: Assemble the Dip

Take the chilled cream cheese mixture out of the fridge and give it a quick stir. Then, gently pour the slightly cooled pecan topping all over that fluffy base, spreading it out so every bite gets its fair share of sweet, nutty goodness. Serve immediately while the pecan layer is still just a touch warm, which makes it absolutely irresistible.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Bring out a colorful array of apple slices, pretzel crisps, graham crackers, and stroopwafels alongside your Pecan Pie Dip. Let everyone dig in and find their favorite dipping combo. I promise, this is the moment when your kitchen turns into everyone’s favorite spot.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Dip

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of extra chopped pecans or even a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving really takes your Pecan Pie Dip over the top. For extra flair, you can drizzle a little caramel sauce or scatter a few toffee bits to add more texture and visual appeal. It’s all about making it look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This dip pairs perfectly with a host of dippers! Offer a rainbow of fruits like apples and pears for a fresh crunch, classic graham crackers for nostalgic pie vibes, and pretzel crisps for that sweet-salty punch everyone loves. If you want to get fancy, include stroopwafels or vanilla wafers for something a little different and a lot decadent.

Creative Ways to Present

Pecan Pie Dip is endlessly adaptable for serving. Portion it out into mini mason jars for personalized, portable treats at parties, or swirl the creamy and pecan layers together in one dish for a marble effect. Want to wow your guests? Serve it in a hollowed pumpkin or a decorative pie plate for ultimate holiday charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Pecan Pie Dip (a rare occurrence!), simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, and honestly, it’s just as creamy and dreamy when enjoyed straight from the fridge with a spoon.

Freezing

Pecan Pie Dip can be frozen, though the creamy layer may lose a bit of its fluffy texture once thawed. For best results, freeze the cream cheese base and pecan topping separately in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and assemble just before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.

Reheating

To bring your dip back to its gooey glory, let it stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you’d like the pecan layer to be slightly warm, microwave just the topping in short bursts, stirring every 10 seconds until just warmed (be careful not to overheat!). Layer and serve as usual.

FAQs

Can I make Pecan Pie Dip ahead of time?

Absolutely! Both the creamy base and the pecan topping can be prepared up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge, then assemble right before serving for a truly fresh and impressive treat.

What kind of pecans should I use?

Chopped pecans work best for this recipe, as they create a satisfying crunch in every scoop. You can also toast them for a few minutes beforehand for even deeper, nuttier flavor.

Is there a substitute for corn syrup?

If you’d prefer not to use corn syrup, you can substitute with golden syrup or maple syrup, though the consistency will be slightly different. The flavor will still be deliciously rich and sweet.

How do I keep the dip from getting runny?

Letting the pecan mixture cool slightly before pouring it over the cream cheese base is key. If the topping is too hot, it can cause the creamy layer to melt, so be patient—it’s worth the wait!

Can Pecan Pie Dip be made dairy-free or vegan?

Sure! Use your favorite plant-based cream cheese and whipped topping, along with vegan butter. Double-check that your graham crackers or other dippers are dairy-free, and you’re good to go.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the ultimate party treat or just a little something special to brighten up your dessert table, give Pecan Pie Dip a try. With its irresistibly creamy base and gooey, nutty topping, it’s sure to charm everyone who gets a taste—so don’t expect leftovers! Dig in, share, and savor every sweet, sticky bite.

Pecan Pie Dip Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 15 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Pecan Pie Dip, a delightful twist on the classic dessert. This creamy dip is loaded with cream cheese, whipped topping, and a caramelized pecan topping, perfect for dipping with your favorite snacks.

Instructions

Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, whipped topping, and powdered sugar. Beat until smooth and pour into a pie plate. Refrigerate.
Pecan Topping: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add brown sugar, corn syrup, pecans, and salt. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, add vanilla, and let cool for 8 minutes.
Assembly: Retrieve the cream cheese mixture from the fridge. Stir and pour the pecan mixture over the cream cheese. Serve immediately.
Serving: Accompany with apple slices, pretzel crisps, graham crackers, and stroopwafels.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing, Simmering
Cuisine: American