No Bake Pumpkin Delight

This dessert is creamy, light, and full of cozy pumpkin flavor—no oven needed. It’s made with layers of spiced pumpkin filling, fluffy whipped topping, and a buttery graham cracker crust. I made it on a warm afternoon, and it chilled perfectly just in time for dessert.

I love how easy it is to put together. The layers come out smooth and beautiful, and every bite tastes like fall in a spoonful. It’s sweet, soft, and refreshing—like pumpkin pie but lighter.

If you want a quick fall dessert that feels fancy but takes almost no effort, this No Bake Pumpkin Delight is perfect. Let’s make it together—you’ll love how simple and delicious it turns out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No Oven Required: Perfect for hot days or when your oven is already busy with other dishes.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps that anyone can follow, even beginners.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare a day or two before your gathering for stress-free entertaining.
• Crowd Pleaser: The familiar flavors of pumpkin pie in an easy-to-serve format.
• Beautiful Layers: Looks impressive when served, making it perfect for holiday tables.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: About 4 hours and 20 minutes

Servings: This recipe serves 12 people when made in a 9×13 inch pan. Want more? Simply double the recipe and use two pans.

Difficulty: Easy enough for first-time bakers and fun for experienced cooks too.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Small saucepan
• Whisk

Ingredients for No-Bake Pumpkin Delight

This recipe uses simple ingredients that work together to create amazing texture and flavor. The cream cheese adds richness, while the pumpkin and warm spices bring that classic fall taste everyone loves.

For the Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of kosher salt

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped

For the Pumpkin Layer:

• 1 cup cold water
• 2 packets unflavored gelatin
• 2 cups pumpkin purée
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of kosher salt

For the Topping:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Variations for No-Bake Pumpkin Delight

• Change the Crust: Use crushed gingersnaps or vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers for different flavor.
• Add Chocolate: Mix mini chocolate chips into the cream cheese layer for extra sweetness.
• Try Different Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or candied pecans for extra crunch.
• Make It Spicier: Add extra pumpkin pie spice or a dash of ground ginger for more warmth.
• Individual Servings: Layer the dessert in mason jars or clear cups for single portions.

How to Make No-Bake Pumpkin Delight Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your 9×13 inch pan. Place in the refrigerator while you make the filling.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer

Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Spread this layer evenly over the chilled crust.

3. Create the Pumpkin Layer

Pour cold water into a small saucepan and sprinkle gelatin over the top. Let it sit for 2 minutes to soften. Heat gently over low heat, stirring until the gelatin dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin purée, dark brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt. Stir in the gelatin mixture until well combined. Pour this over the cream cheese layer and spread evenly.

4. Add the Topping

Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe this over the pumpkin layer. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for decoration and crunch.

5. Chill

Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely set.

Serving and Decoration

Slice the No-Bake Pumpkin Delight into squares using a sharp knife. For clean cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between slices. Serve each piece on a dessert plate with an extra dollop of whipped cream if desired. You can add a light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flair. This dessert looks beautiful on its own with the visible layers showing through the sides.

How to Serve No-Bake Pumpkin Delight

This dessert works wonderfully for many occasions:

• Holiday Dinners: Serve after Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner as a lighter alternative to traditional pies.
• Potlucks: Easy to transport and serve in the pan, making it perfect for sharing.
• Fall Parties: A great choice for harvest celebrations or autumn gatherings.
• Weeknight Treats: Make ahead and enjoy slices throughout the week as a special dessert.
• Brunch Events: Pairs nicely with coffee or tea for morning gatherings.

Storing No-Bake Pumpkin Delight

• Refrigerator: Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store for up to 4 days in the fridge.
• Freezing: This dessert can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the entire dessert up to 2 days before you need it. Keep refrigerated until serving time.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Leave cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes before using. This prevents lumps in your filling.
• Press Crust Firmly: Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the crust down evenly and firmly. This helps it hold together when slicing.
• Cool Gelatin Slightly: Let the dissolved gelatin cool for a few minutes before adding to the pumpkin mixture. Too hot can cause issues with texture.
• Use Real Pumpkin: Make sure to use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling which already has spices and sweeteners added.
• Chill Completely: Give the dessert enough time to set. Rushing this step can result in runny layers.
• Clean Knife for Neat Slices: Run your knife under hot water and wipe dry between cuts for the cleanest presentation.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	385
Total Fat	24g
Saturated Fat	13g
Cholesterol	65mg
Sodium	180mg
Total Carbohydrates	41g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	32g
Protein	4g

Nutritional information is approximate and based on 12 servings.

No-Bake Pumpkin Delight FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin purée. Make sure it is thick and not watery. Drain excess liquid if needed.

What if I do not have gelatin? Gelatin helps the pumpkin layer set properly. Without it, the layer may be too soft. You can try using agar powder as a substitute following package directions.

Can I make this dairy-free? You can try using dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream, but the texture may differ from the original recipe.

How do I know when it is set enough? The dessert should be firm to the touch and the layers should not jiggle when you gently shake the pan.

Can I add alcohol for an adult version? You can add 2 tablespoons of bourbon or rum to the pumpkin layer for extra flavor. Reduce the water slightly to compensate.

Conclusion

This No-Bake Pumpkin Delight brings together cream cheese, butter, graham crackers, sugars, cinnamon, salt, heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, gelatin, pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, and pecans to create a dessert that tastes like fall in every bite. The layers of flavor and texture make each spoonful special, while the no-bake method keeps your kitchen cool and your stress level low.