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To make Pumpkin Delight Layered Dessert, you need some simple ingredients. Gather these items to create a tasty treat everyone will love. - 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice - 2 cups whipped cream - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ½ cup chopped pecans (optional) - Extra whipped cream for garnish - Ground cinnamon for dusting Each ingredient plays a key role in building flavors and textures. The pumpkin puree gives a rich taste, while cream cheese adds a creamy layer. Powdered sugar sweetens the dessert, and vanilla extract brings warmth. Pumpkin pie spice adds a classic fall flavor. Whipped cream makes it light and fluffy. The graham cracker crumbs form a crunchy base. The melted butter helps bind the crumbs together. If you like, you can add chopped pecans for extra crunch. Finally, a sprinkle of cinnamon and extra whipped cream make it look special. Having everything ready makes the process smoother. Enjoy making this layered dessert! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by combining the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter in a bowl. Mix well until the crumbs stick together when pressed. This mixture forms the base of your dessert. Next, press this crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Make sure to compact it firmly so it holds its shape. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. You want the mixture to be smooth and creamy. Once ready, gently spread this cream cheese layer over the crust you prepared earlier. Smoothing it out evenly gives a nice look and taste. Now it’s time for the pumpkin layer. Mix the pumpkin puree with pumpkin pie spice and a pinch of salt in a clean bowl. This adds that classic fall flavor. Next, fold in 1 ½ cups of whipped cream until it’s well combined. This will give your pumpkin layer a light and airy texture. Spoon this pumpkin mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer, smoothing it out to cover every bit. For the final touch, spread the remaining whipped cream over the pumpkin layer. This adds a lovely white topping. If you like crunch, sprinkle some chopped pecans on top for extra flavor. Finally, cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Chilling helps the flavors blend and improves the texture before serving. To get the best texture, start with softened cream cheese. If it is too hard, it will not mix well. This step makes the cream cheese layer rich and smooth. Next, when you fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mix, do it gently. This keeps the whipped cream fluffy. A light touch helps your dessert stay airy and light. For a great look, garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon adds a nice touch. It looks festive and tastes amazing! When you cut the dessert, aim for uniform squares. This gives it a clean and polished look on the plate. Want to save time? Make the dessert a day ahead. Chilling it overnight enhances the flavor. It allows all the layers to blend well together. Plus, it saves you stress on the day you want to serve it. Pro Tips Use Fresh Pumpkin: If you have access to fresh pumpkins, roasting and pureeing them can enhance the flavor of your dessert compared to canned pumpkin. Chill Longer for Best Results: Chilling the dessert overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully and results in a firmer texture, making it easier to slice. Alternate Nut Toppings: If you want to change things up, try using crushed walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different flavor profile. Whipped Cream Consistency: Ensure that your whipped cream is stiff enough to hold its shape when layered. Over-whipping can cause it to separate, so watch it closely. {{image_2}} You can change the nuts in your dessert. Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds. Both options add a nice crunch. If you want something sweet, use crushed candy bars. They will give a fun twist to your Pumpkin Delight. Add layers of caramel or chocolate for a richer taste. You can also try different spices. Cinnamon and nutmeg are great choices. They will enhance the pumpkin flavor and make it more festive. If you need a gluten-free dessert, it's easy to adapt. Just use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. This small change keeps the dessert tasty for everyone to enjoy. To store leftovers of your Pumpkin Delight Layered Dessert, put it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. A glass dish with a lid works well. You can also cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. This keeps the flavors strong and prevents any drying out. Yes, you can freeze this dessert! To freeze it, first cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Then, wrap it again in aluminum foil. This protects it from freezer burn. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Avoid thawing it at room temperature, as this can make it soggy. In the fridge, the dessert lasts about 3 to 5 days. If it looks too soft or has any odd smells, it's best to toss it. Always check for mold or changes in color. These are signs that it is no longer good to eat. Proper storage helps keep your Pumpkin Delight fresh and tasty! Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Fresh pumpkin adds a rich, vibrant flavor. It also provides a smoother texture in your dessert. To prepare fresh pumpkin, cut it, remove the seeds, and roast until soft. Then, scoop out the flesh and mash it. This method gives you a tasty and fresh taste that canned pumpkin may lack. You should chill the dessert for at least four hours. Chilling is key to letting all the layers blend. This time allows the flavors to mix well. It also firms up the layers, making it easy to slice. For the best taste, chill overnight. The longer it sets, the better it tastes. Yes, you can make this dessert dairy-free. Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped cream. Coconut cream is a great option for whipped cream. Look for dairy-free powdered sugar as well. These swaps keep the flavor while making it suitable for those with dairy allergies. Enjoy every layer without dairy! This pumpkin dessert layers creamy goodness and rich flavors. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips for best results. Remember to chill for great taste. Feel free to tweak flavors or toppings to match your style. Store leftovers wisely, and enjoy them for days. With these tips, you can create a dessert that impresses everyone. Dive in and make it your own. Happy baking!

Pumpkin Delight Layered Dessert

A delicious layered dessert featuring pumpkin puree, cream cheese, and whipped cream, perfect for fall celebrations.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 cups whipped cream
  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 0.5 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 1 serving extra whipped cream for garnish
  • to taste ground cinnamon for dusting

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Mix until well combined and the crumbs hold together when pressed.
  • Form the base: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish to form a crust. Press down firmly to compact it.
  • Make the cream cheese layer: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
  • Spread cream cheese: Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust, smoothing it out into an even layer.
  • Prepare pumpkin layer: In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Fold in 1 ½ cups of whipped cream until fully incorporated.
  • Layer the pumpkin mixture: Spoon the pumpkin mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer, smoothing it out to cover completely.
  • Top with whipped cream: Finish the dessert by spreading the remaining whipped cream over the pumpkin layer. If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans over the top for added crunch.
  • Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor and texture.
  • Serve: Before serving, dust the top with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon and add extra whipped cream as desired.

Notes

Chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Keyword dessert, fall, layered, pumpkin