Description
Pumpkin Delight is a no-bake layered dessert combining a crunchy cinnamon graham cracker crust, a creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, and a smooth pumpkin pie-flavored topping. Perfectly chilled and garnished with whipped topping and optional pecans, it offers a delightful blend of textures and classic autumn flavors.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups cinnamon graham crackers, crushed
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 ounces whipped topping (Cool Whip), divided
Pumpkin Layer
- 15 ounce pumpkin puree
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- 5.1 ounce instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Topping and Garnish
- Remaining 8 ounces whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- Chopped pecans (optional)
- Additional crushed cinnamon graham crackers (optional)
- Ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350° F. Grease a 9 x 9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the crust layer: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed cinnamon graham crackers with the melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Bake crust: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely.
- Prepare cream cheese layer: In a clean medium bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar in batches and continue mixing until fully combined and creamy.
- Add whipped topping to cream cheese: Gently fold in one container (8 ounces) of whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until evenly incorporated.
- Assemble cream cheese layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust in the baking dish.
- Prepare pumpkin layer: In another medium bowl, blend together the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, and pumpkin pie spice with an electric mixer until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble pumpkin layer: Evenly spread the pumpkin mixture over the cream cheese layer in the dish.
- Top with whipped topping: Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the pumpkin layer to create the final top layer.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for 3 to 4 hours to allow it to set properly and develop flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, optionally garnish the top with crushed cinnamon graham crackers, chopped pecans, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure smooth blending.
- Allow the crust to cool completely to prevent mixing with the cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerating the dessert for at least 3 hours helps the layers to firm up properly.
- For a nut-free version, omit the chopped pecans garnish.
- This dessert is best served chilled and within 2 days for freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
