8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese serves as the base of the mixture, adding a creamy and tangy flavor. Softening it helps ensure it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.

4 ounces whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Whipped topping adds a light, airy texture to the mixture and makes it easier to spread or dip. It’s often used in desserts to provide a fluffy consistency without needing to whip cream from scratch.

1 cup powdered sugar: Powdered sugar is used to sweeten the mixture without adding any graininess. It dissolves easily and helps create a smooth texture.

1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and a slight molasses flavor, which gives a rich depth to the overall flavor of the dish.

3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed: Butter provides a creamy texture and richness to the mixture. Using cold butter ensures it blends smoothly without melting prematurely, which helps maintain the consistency.

1/3 cup light corn syrup: Corn syrup acts as a binding agent and sweetener, giving the mixture a smooth, glossy finish and preventing the sugars from crystallizing.

1 cup chopped pecans: Chopped pecans add crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the sweet and creamy base, providing texture contrast and enhancing the flavor profile.

1 large egg: The egg is likely used for binding and thickening the mixture. It helps give structure and a slightly richer flavor.

1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Vanilla extract adds warmth and a deep, familiar sweetness that enhances the flavor of the entire dish.

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Salt balances the sweetness of the dish and helps bring out the other flavors more prominently.

Apple slices, pretzel crisps, or graham crackers for dipping: These are served alongside the mixture, acting as vehicles for dipping. Apple slices offer a fresh, crisp contrast to the creamy dip, while pretzel crisps and graham crackers provide a crunchy, slightly salty, or sweet element to balance the rich flavors of the dip.