Butterscotch Pecan Dessert

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Cuisine: American

A rich and creamy butterscotch pecan dessert featuring a buttery crust and fluffy whipped topping, perfect for gatherings and satisfying sweet tooth cravings.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup margarine
  • 1 cup flour
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup confectioners sugar
  • 1 (8 oz.) carton frozen whipped topping thawed
  • 3 1/2 cups milk

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, cut the margarine into the flour until crumbly; stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans.
  2. Press the mixture into an ungreased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
  3. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute the chopped pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired. To save time, use store-bought whipped topping, but if you prefer homemade, whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Butterscotch Pecan Dessert chilled, garnished with additional whipped topping and pecans for added texture. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a decadent treat. This dessert is perfect for gatherings and complements coffee or tea, making it an excellent choice for brunch or dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the dessert for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving, or microwave individual portions for 15-20 seconds until slightly warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Butterscotch Pecan Dessert contains roughly 2455 calories, with 29g protein, 276g carbohydrates, and 141g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (96% of the Daily Value), calcium (73% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1269mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).

2455 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 29.1g 58% DV
Total Fat 141.3g 100% DV
Carbs 276.5g 100% DV
Fiber 9g 32% DV
Sugar 170.2g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1269.5mg 55% DV
Potassium 924.3mg 20% DV
Cholesterol 53.7mg 18% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 534.3mcg 59% DV
Vitamin C 33mg 37% DV
Vitamin D 3.8mcg 19% DV
Calcium 945.8mg 73% DV
Iron 17.3mg 96% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dessert in advance?

Yes, you can prepare this Butterscotch Pecan Dessert a day ahead. Simply assemble and bake it, then store it in the refrigerator once cooled. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when served the next day.

What if I don’t have whipped topping?

If you don't have whipped topping, you can substitute it with homemade whipped cream. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This will give your dessert a fresher taste and add a delightful creaminess.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make the Butterscotch Pecan Dessert gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients, such as the whipped topping and cream cheese, are gluten-free as well, to accommodate dietary needs.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →