The Dreamiest Layered Pumpkin Dessert Recipe for Fall Bliss
Fall’s sweet magic comes alive in this dreamy layered pumpkin dessert that promises pure comfort.
Creamy textures blend with warm spices for an irresistible treat.
Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a delectable experience that feels like a cozy embrace.
Rich cream cheese and smooth pumpkin form elegant layers that melt in your mouth.
Autumn’s favorite flavor transforms into a dessert that captures the essence of crisp afternoons.
Delicate graham cracker crumbs provide a perfect crunch between silky layers.
Best Pairings for Layered Pumpkin Dessert
Storage Recommendations for Layered Pumpkin Dessert
FAQs About Layered Pumpkin Dessert
You can use crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even gingersnap cookies as an alternative crust base.
Make sure each layer is completely chilled and set before adding the next layer. Use a spatula and spread gently to keep layers distinct.
Yes, this dessert can be prepared 1-2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator, which actually helps the flavors meld together.
The traditional recipe contains dairy and gluten. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers, and for a dairy-free option, use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping alternatives.
Why Layered Pumpkin Dessert Is a Seasonal Favorite
Ingredients for Layered Pumpkin Dessert
Crust:Cream Cheese Layer:Pumpkin Layer:How to Assemble Layered Pumpkin Dessert
Step 1: Create Crumbly Crust
Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even, compact base for your dessert.
Smooth the surface with the back of a spoon to ensure a solid foundation.
Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Layer
Beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Fold in whipped topping and powdered sugar, creating a light and silky cream cheese mixture. Carefully spread this delectable layer over the graham cracker crust, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly.
Use a spatula to distribute the mixture gently and prevent tearing the crust.
Step 3: Prepare Pumpkin Pudding Topping
Combine instant vanilla pudding mix with milk, stirring until the mixture begins to thicken. Incorporate pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, blending until smooth and well-integrated. Gently pour this spiced pumpkin layer over the cream cheese mixture.
Ensure an even distribution to create a beautiful, uniform top layer.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Place the dessert in the refrigerator and allow it to set for at least 4 hours. This resting time allows the layers to firm up and the flavors to meld together, creating a delightful and refreshing treat.
Serve chilled and enjoy the delicious combination of textures and autumn-inspired flavors.
Pro Tips for Layered Pumpkin Dessert
Variations to Try with Layered Pumpkin Dessert
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Layered Pumpkin Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Seasonal Pumpkin Layered Delight weaves autumn’s warmth into a creamy, spiced masterpiece that dances between smooth textures and rich flavors. Rich graham cracker base meets silky pumpkin custard, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of comfort.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) melted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
Filling:
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) pumpkin puree
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 2 packages (3.4 ounces/96 grams each) instant vanilla pudding
- 2 3/4 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Topping:
- 2 cups whipped topping
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter and sugar until mixture resembles wet sand, then firmly press into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create a compact base.
- Whip cream cheese until smooth, then fold in whipped topping and powdered sugar, creating a light and creamy mixture that spreads evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- Combine instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk, stirring vigorously until smooth, then incorporate pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, mixing until the filling achieves a uniform orange-brown color and consistent texture.
- Carefully layer the pumpkin pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer, using a spatula to ensure an even distribution across the entire surface.
- Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing layers to set and flavors to meld together, creating a refreshing and decadent autumn-inspired treat.
- Before serving, optionally garnish with a sprinkle of additional pumpkin pie spice or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance visual appeal and add extra richness.
Notes
- Swap traditional graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives for a celiac-friendly version.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping to reduce overall calorie content.
- Enhance pumpkin flavor by adding extra pumpkin pie spice or a dash of cinnamon between layers.
- Prepare dessert a day ahead to allow flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No cooking method
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Samantha Lee
Recipe Developer & Content Creator
Expertise
Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops
Education
Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.