Oh friend… thank you for being here. Truly. Every time you stop by to try a recipe, send a sweet message, or share a photo of your creations, it absolutely fills my heart. And today? I’m bringing you a dessert so cozy, so creamy, so fall-in-a-bite that I’m practically buzzing to share it.
This Pumpkin Delight is the layered autumn dessert that has everyone whispering “OMG don’t lose this recipe!” It’s creamy, soft, spiced just right, and perfect for every fall gathering—from Thanksgiving dessert tables to cozy movie nights. If you haven’t subscribed yet, drop your email so this recipe (and all my upcoming fall treats!) come straight to your inbox.
Let’s dive into this gorgeous, spoonable, no-bake pumpkin dream!
What Is Pumpkin Delight?
Pumpkin Delight is a layered, chilled dessert featuring:
- A buttery graham–pecan crust
- A silky cream cheese layer
- A spiced pumpkin filling
- A fluffy Cool Whip topping
It’s a no-bake masterpiece (except lightly toasting the crust if you choose), filled with cozy fall flavors and an irresistibly creamy texture. Think pumpkin pie, cheesecake, and pudding dessert all in one heavenly bite. Anything but boring!!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-bake (optional bake for firmer crust), easy, and foolproof
- The layers are dreamy—creamy, fluffy, perfectly spiced
- Uses pantry staples and comes together fast
- Perfect for fall parties, potlucks, or Thanksgiving
- Wonderful make-ahead dessert
- Feeds a crowd and looks stunning in a glass dish
- Smells and tastes like pure autumn magic
What Does Pumpkin Delight Taste Like?
Imagine biting into a chilled pumpkin cloud. The crust is buttery with a subtle nutty crunch from the pecans; the cream cheese layer is velvety smooth; the pumpkin layer is cool, lightly sweet, and spiced with warm pumpkin pie flavors; and the Cool Whip topping adds the fluffiest finish.
It’s creamy, cold, cozy, and refreshing all at once—the perfect alternative for those who want pumpkin flavor without the heaviness of traditional pie.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Totally customizable
- Perfect when you need a dessert that always impresses
- Kid-friendly
- Light yet decadent
- Travels well
- Beautiful layered presentation
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup pecans, chopped
- 3 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 6 tbsp butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 cup whipping cream (heavy cream)
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
For the Pumpkin Layer
- 15 oz pumpkin purée
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Topping
- 8 oz Cool Whip (thawed)
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- 9×9 or 9×13 baking dish
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Food processor (optional for crumbs)
Additions & Substitutions
Flavor Boosters
- Add ½ tsp cinnamon to the crust for stronger spice
- Mix ½ cup crushed gingersnaps into the graham crust
- Add 1 tbsp maple syrup to the pumpkin layer for autumn sweetness
- Fold crushed Biscoff cookies into the top layer
Swaps
- Cool Whip → stabilized whipped cream
- Graham crackers → gingersnaps, vanilla wafers, or Biscoff
- Pecans → walnuts or no nuts at all
How to Make Pumpkin Delight (Step-by-Step)
1. Make the Crust
Combine graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup pecans, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and melted butter.
Press into the bottom of a baking dish.
Optional: Bake at 350°F for 8 minutes for a firmer crust. Let cool completely.
2. Whip the Cream
Beat heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Layer
Beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and silky.
Fold in the whipped cream.
Spread evenly over the crust.
4. Make the Pumpkin Layer
Mix pumpkin purée, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and remaining ¼ cup pecans.
Spread gently over the cream cheese layer.
5. Add the Topping
Spread the Cool Whip over the pumpkin layer.
6. Chill
Refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for perfect layers and texture.
What to Serve With Pumpkin Delight
- Hot coffee or apple cider
- Thanksgiving turkey dinner
- Warm spiced rum drinks
- Salted caramel drizzle
- Chocolate shavings on top for a twist
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Delight
- Chill overnight for the cleanest slices.
- Use softened cream cheese—cold will leave lumps.
- Don’t overmix the pumpkin layer or it can get watery.
- Patience! The longer it chills, the better it tastes.
- For extra stability, add 2 tbsp instant vanilla pudding to the pumpkin layer.
Storage Instructions
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Do not freeze—the dairy layers may separate.
General Information
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Chill time: 4+ hours
- Total: 4½ hours
- Servings: 12–16 (depending on pan size)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?
Yes, but skip the extra sugar and spices.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely—this is a perfect make-ahead dessert and actually tastes better the next day.
Can I skip the nuts?
Yes! The recipe works perfectly without them.
Can I use light cream cheese?
You can, but full-fat provides better structure and creaminess.
My layers mixed—what went wrong?
The cream cheese layer may have been too soft or warm. Chill each layer for 10 minutes before adding the next for perfectly defined lines.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Delight is the dreamy, creamy, effortlessly beautiful fall dessert you’ll be making all season long. It’s cozy, festive, and so simple that it almost feels like cheating—but the flavor says otherwise.
If you love pumpkin but want something lighter than pie, this is your new go-to.
Craving more fall treats? Try:
- Layered Pumpkin Lush
- No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Cups
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bars
Share the Love!
Tried this recipe? Leave a review or share your photos on Pinterest—I love seeing your creations!
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving, 12 servings)
- Calories: ~300
- Carbs: 24g
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 18g
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