Ingredients
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 8 ounces Cool Whip (divided)
Pecan Topping
- ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)
- ⅓ cup light corn syrup
- 1 large egg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecan pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese Base: In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the softened 8 ounces of cream cheese and ½ cup powdered sugar until smooth and free of lumps, creating a creamy foundation for the dip.
- Incorporate Cool Whip: Add about half of the 8 ounces Cool Whip to the cream cheese mixture and mix until combined. Gently fold in the remaining Cool Whip to maintain a light, fluffy texture.
- Chill Cream Cheese Layer: Spread the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly in a pie plate or your chosen serving dish and place it in the refrigerator to chill and firm up.
- Mix Pecan Topping Ingredients: In a skillet or small saucepan, combine ½ cup light brown sugar, ⅓ cup light corn syrup, 1 large egg, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 1 cup pecan pieces, stirring to blend all ingredients smoothly.
- Cook Pecan Mixture: Add 3 tablespoons butter to the skillet and cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Bring to a boil and maintain for 1 minute before removing from heat.
- Add Vanilla and Cool: Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to enhance the flavor, then allow the pecan topping to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Assemble and Serve: Once cooled, spread the pecan topping over the chilled cream cheese layer. Serve the dip immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing for a smooth texture.
- Cook the pecan topping carefully to avoid scrambling the egg; stirring constantly helps prevent this.
- This dip pairs well with graham crackers, apple slices, pretzels, or vanilla wafers.
- Can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated; let it come to room temperature slightly before serving for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American