Spiced Pumpkin Cream Cheese Delight
Indulge in a rich and velvety Spiced Pumpkin Cream Cheese Delight, featuring a delightful pecan-shortbread crust that adds a nutty crunch to every bite. This luscious pie combines the creamy goodness of two types of cheese with the warm flavors of pumpkin and a blend of aromatic spices, making it perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this dessert will surely be the star of your table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crushed pecan shortbread cookies
1 1/2 cups (Lightly packed (about 16 cookies))
Butter or margarine
3 tablespoons (Melted)
Gold Medal all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons (Divided (3 tablespoons for crust and 3 tablespoons for cream cheese mixture))
Sugar
1 cup
Cream cheese
11 ounces (Two packages (1 of 8 ounces and 1 of 3 ounces), softened)
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon
Ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon
Ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon
Eggs
3
Pumpkin puree
1 (15 ounce) can (Not pumpkin pie mix)
Milk
1 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Prepare the Pecan Shortbread Cookie Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pecan shortbread cookies, melted butter (or margarine), and flour. Mix until well combined.
3
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate, ensuring an even layer. Bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Allow the crust to cool completely.
4
In a large mixing bowl, beat together sugar, flour, and both packages of softened cream cheese using an electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Set aside 1/2 cup of this mixture for later.
5
To the remaining cream cheese mixture, add the eggs, pumpkin puree, and all the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves). Beat on medium speed, scraping the sides of the bowl constantly, until everything is well incorporated and smooth.
6
Pour the pumpkin filling into the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
7
Stir the milk into the reserved cream cheese mixture until smooth. Spoon this mixture over the pumpkin layer. To create a marbled effect, gently cut through the two mixtures with a knife using S-shaped motions, turning the pie plate a quarter turn and repeating until a lovely swirl pattern is achieved.
8
To prevent the crust from browning too quickly, cover the edges with a 2-3 inch strip of aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
9
Once baked, let the pie cool for about 30 minutes before loosely covering it and refrigerating for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best flavor. Serve chilled and enjoy the creamy, spiced indulgence!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spiced Pumpkin Cream Cheese Delight?
It is a rich and velvety dessert featuring a pecan-shortbread crust, a creamy pumpkin and cream cheese filling, and a marbled topping.
What type of crust is used for this recipe?
The recipe uses a Pecan Shortbread Cookie Crust made from crushed cookies, melted butter, and all-purpose flour.
How many cookies are needed for the crust?
You will need approximately 16 pecan shortbread cookies to make 1 1/2 cups of lightly packed crushed crumbs.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How long do I bake the crust before adding the filling?
The crust should be baked for approximately 12 minutes until it is lightly golden brown.
How much cream cheese is required for this delight?
The recipe requires 11 ounces of softened cream cheese, which is one 8-ounce package and one 3-ounce package.
Can I use pumpkin pie mix for this recipe?
No, you should use one 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie mix.
What spices are included in the pumpkin filling?
The filling is flavored with ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and ground cloves.
How many eggs are added to the filling?
Three eggs are beaten into the pumpkin filling mixture.
How do I create the marbled effect on top?
Spoon a reserved cream cheese and milk mixture over the pumpkin layer and gently cut through with a knife using S-shaped motions.
Why is milk used in this recipe?
One tablespoon of milk is stirred into the reserved cream cheese mixture to make it smooth enough for marbling.
How do I prevent the crust from over-browning?
Cover the edges of the crust with a 2-3 inch strip of aluminum foil before baking the filled pie.
What is the baking time for the assembled pie?
The pie should be baked for 35 to 40 minutes.
How can I tell if the pie is fully baked?
The pie is done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
How long should the pie cool before going into the fridge?
Let the pie cool for about 30 minutes after baking before refrigerating.
What is the minimum refrigeration time?
The pie should be chilled for at least 4 hours, though overnight is best for flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for the holidays?
Yes, its warm spices and pumpkin flavor make it perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations.
How is the flour used in this recipe?
The 6 tablespoons of flour are divided: 3 tablespoons for the crust and 3 tablespoons for the cream cheese mixture.
What speed should I use on my electric mixer?
Use low speed to combine the initial cream cheese mixture and medium speed when adding eggs and pumpkin.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 3 tablespoons of melted butter or margarine for the crust.
Should the cream cheese be cold when mixing?
No, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure the filling is smooth and free of lumps.
What size pie plate is recommended?
The recipe is designed for a 9-inch pie plate.
How much sugar is in the filling?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of sugar to be beaten into the cream cheese.
Should the pie be served warm or cold?
This dessert should be served chilled after it has been properly refrigerated.
What is the texture of the Spiced Pumpkin Cream Cheese Delight?
The texture is rich, velvety, and creamy with a crunchy, nutty crust.
How much cinnamon is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Do I need to grease the pie plate?
The recipe does not specify greasing, as the butter in the cookie crust usually prevents sticking.
Can I use a stand mixer?
Yes, an electric mixer (handheld or stand) is recommended to ensure the cream cheese is smooth.
How much of the cream cheese mixture is reserved for the swirl?
You should set aside 1/2 cup of the cream cheese, sugar, and flour mixture.
What kind of flour is recommended?
The recipe specifies using Gold Medal all-purpose flour.