Layered Pumpkin Dessert Recipe

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

  • Pair Creamy Comfort with Bold Beverages: Serve this layered pumpkin dessert alongside a robust spiced chai latte that echoes the warm pumpkin pie spices.
  • Complement Dessert Richness with Complementary Drinks: Enjoy a smooth bourbon or aged whiskey that matches the dessert's creamy texture and enhances its sweet, spicy undertones.
  • Balance Sweet Layers with Contrasting Sips: Select a crisp, slightly tart hard apple cider that cuts through the dessert's richness and provides a refreshing palate cleanse.
  • Elevate Dessert Experience with Nutty Accompaniments: Choose a hazelnut liqueur that harmonizes with the graham cracker crust and brings out the dessert's subtle nutty notes.

Storage Recommendations for Layered Pumpkin Dessert

  • Transfer leftover dessert to an airtight container, cover tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Keep away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Wrap the entire dish securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut dessert into squares, wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw individual servings as needed.
  • For best texture, enjoy chilled directly from the refrigerator. If slightly frozen, let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to restore creamy consistency.

FAQs About Layered Pumpkin Dessert

  • What ingredients can I substitute if I don't have graham crackers?

You can use crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even gingersnap cookies as an alternative crust base.

  • How do I prevent my layers from mixing together?

Make sure each layer is completely chilled and set before adding the next layer. Use a spatula and spread gently to keep layers distinct.

  • Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert can be prepared 1-2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator, which actually helps the flavors meld together.

  • Is this dessert suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

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

  • Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: This layered pumpkin treat offers a perfect balance of flavors that will wow your guests with minimal effort.
  • Simplify Holiday Baking: No complicated techniques required – just mix, layer, and chill for a stunning dessert that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap out toppings or add a sprinkle of cinnamon to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for family gatherings or potluck parties.
  • Prep Ahead Perfection: Make this dessert in advance and let it chill, freeing up your time to focus on other party preparations or enjoying time with loved ones.

Ingredients for Layered Pumpkin Dessert

Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the dessert.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and adds rich flavor.
  • Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the crust.
Cream Cheese Layer:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and creamy texture for the middle layer.
  • Whipped Topping: Adds lightness and volume to the cream cheese mixture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the cream cheese layer.
Pumpkin Layer:
  • Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Provides structure and creamy consistency to the pumpkin layer.
  • Milk: Helps activate the pudding mix and creates a smooth texture.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds the signature pumpkin flavor and rich orange color.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Brings warm, autumnal spices that complement the pumpkin perfectly.

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.

  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Melted butter
  • Sugar

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.

  • Cream cheese
  • Whipped topping
  • Powdered sugar

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.

  • Instant vanilla pudding mix
  • Milk
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Pumpkin pie spice

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

  • Create a perfect crust by pressing graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to ensure a stable base for your dessert. Soften cream cheese completely at room temperature to achieve a smooth, lump-free layer that spreads easily. Chill the dessert for at least 4 hours, but overnight refrigeration intensifies the flavors and allows layers to set beautifully. Use fresh pumpkin pie spice for a more vibrant, aromatic taste that elevates the entire dessert. Swap whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a richer, more authentic texture if desired.

Variations to Try with Layered Pumpkin Dessert

  • Autumn Pecan Crunch: Replace graham cracker crust with crushed pecans and brown sugar, adding extra crunch and nutty flavor to the dessert.
  • Maple Walnut Layered Treat: Incorporate maple syrup into cream cheese layer and sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for a rich, seasonal profile.
  • Spiced Gingersnap Base: Swap graham crackers with crushed gingersnap cookies to intensify warm, holiday-inspired spice notes in the dessert.
  • No-Bake Chocolate Pumpkin Version: Mix cocoa powder into cream cheese layer and use chocolate cookie crumbs for the base, creating a decadent chocolate-pumpkin combination.
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Layered Pumpkin Dessert Recipe

Layered Pumpkin Dessert Recipe


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4.8 from 18 reviews

  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Carefully layer the pumpkin pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer, using a spatula to ensure an even distribution across the entire surface.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

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)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

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.

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