Pumpkin season is here, and nothing says “fall comfort” quite like a creamy, dreamy layered dessert. While pumpkin pie often takes center stage on the Thanksgiving table, this Easy Pumpkin Delight with Creamy Layers is quickly becoming a crowd favorite. Think of it as a lighter, more refreshing cousin of pumpkin pie with no complicated steps, no rolling dough, and no oven required. Just layers of buttery crust, velvety cream cheese, spiced pumpkin pudding, and fluffy whipped topping.
This dessert is sometimes called Pumpkin Delight, Pumpkin Lush, or Layered Pumpkin Dessert, but no matter the name, it always brings the same reaction at gatherings: everyone goes back for seconds. It’s a make-ahead dessert that’s beautiful, delicious, and designed to feed a crowd without stress.
Why Pumpkin Delight is a Must-Try Fall Dessert
Fall brings plenty of treats; pumpkin rolls, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pudding but Pumpkin Delight stands out because it’s both effortless and elegant. Unlike frozen pumpkin pies or tricky baked cheesecakes, this recipe uses just a handful of ingredients and simple layering. That makes it one of those desserts with few ingredients that still feels like it came straight from a bakery case.
Another reason people love this dessert? It’s a make-ahead recipe. You can assemble it a day before your big dinner or party, chill it overnight, and it slices beautifully when served. No rushing around the kitchen last-minute. Just pull it from the fridge, add a garnish, and enjoy the compliments.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pumpkin Delight requires pantry-friendly staples and a few seasonal touches:
- Crust: Graham crackers or Golden Oreos, crushed and mixed with melted butter.
- Cream cheese layer: Cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped topping for a silky cheesecake-like base.
- Pumpkin layer: Pumpkin puree, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and pumpkin pie spice create that rich pumpkin pudding flavor.
- Topping: Whipped topping, plus optional garnishes like pecans, cinnamon, or caramel drizzle.
It’s a flexible dessert, you can even substitute with frozen pumpkin puree if fresh isn’t on hand.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the crust. Mix crushed cookies or graham crackers with melted butter. Press firmly into a greased 9×13-inch pan and refrigerate.
- Cream cheese layer. Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping and spread evenly over the chilled crust.
- Pumpkin pudding layer. Whisk pumpkin puree, pudding mix, milk, and pumpkin pie spice until thick. Spread gently over the cream cheese layer.
- Final topping. Add a layer of whipped topping, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Chill & serve. Refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight is best). Slice into squares and serve cold.
Creative Variations
- Pumpkin Roll Twist: Add a swirl of cinnamon or a drizzle of cream cheese frosting on top to mimic the flavor of a pumpkin roll.
- Nutty crunch: Use crushed pecans or walnuts in the crust for extra crunch.
- Frozen pumpkin version: Freeze individual servings for a refreshing frozen dessert that tastes like pumpkin ice cream.
- Mini delights: Assemble in mason jars or small cups for desserts for a crowd that look as good as they taste.
Tips for Success
- Chill thoroughly. The longer this dessert rests, the better the layers set.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest base.
- If making ahead, wait to garnish until just before serving so toppings stay crisp and fresh.
Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Delight
At its heart, Pumpkin Delight is a fall dessert recipe that checks every box:
- Creamy and comforting
- Easy to make ahead
- Budget-friendly and feeds a large group
- Adaptable for potlucks, parties, or Thanksgiving dinner
If you’re tired of the same old pies and cakes, this tasty baking recipe is the fresh twist your dessert table needs. With its creamy layers and cozy pumpkin spice flavor, it’s guaranteed to become one of those recipes you’ll make year after year.
So, grab your whisk and a can of pumpkin, your next crowd-pleasing, make-ahead dessert is waiting!
Print
Easy Pumpkin Delight with Creamy Layers
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus chill time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Pumpkin Delight with Creamy Layers is a no-bake fall dessert with a buttery crust, cream cheese filling, spiced pumpkin pudding, and whipped topping—perfect for make ahead desserts and fall gatherings.
Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed Golden Oreos)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
16 oz whipped topping, divided
2 cups pumpkin puree
2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Optional: chopped pecans, caramel drizzle, cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
1. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into a greased 9×13 pan and chill.
2. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 8 oz whipped topping. Spread over crust.
3. Whisk pumpkin puree, pudding mix, milk, and pumpkin pie spice until thick. Spread over cream cheese layer.
4. Top with remaining whipped topping, smoothing evenly.
5. Chill at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing. Garnish with pecans, caramel, or cinnamon before serving.
Notes
This Pumpkin Delight is best served chilled and can be made a day in advance.
For a frozen pumpkin variation, freeze individual slices and thaw slightly before serving.
Swap graham crackers with Oreos for a richer crust.
Perfect for desserts with few ingredients, make ahead desserts, and desserts for a crowd.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg