Pumpkin Delight is a creamy, layered dessert that combines pumpkin puree, whipped topping, and a crunchy crust for a delicious fall treat. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings and pumpkin lovers everywhere.
Pumpkin Delight is a deliciously creamy and easy-to-make dessert that brings together the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices with a light, fluffy whipped topping. Layered over a crunchy crust, this no-bake treat is perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday dinners, or anytime you want a cozy, comforting dessert without the fuss.
With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. If you love pumpkin and cheesecake, then you will love this layered pumpkin dessert recipe.
You will also like Pumpkin Bread Recipe or Pumpkin Dump Cake. For more ideas, try No Bake Thanksgiving Desserts.
What's in this post: Pumpkin Delight
Why You Will Love This
- Easy to make. This dessert comes together quickly without much work or preparation.
- Perfectly spiced pumpkin layer. The creamy pumpkin filling is flavored with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, giving it that comforting fall taste.
- Crunchy crust for texture. A buttery, crispy crust adds the perfect contrast to the smooth and fluffy layers above.
- Make-ahead friendly. You can prepare this dessert ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld and making it ideal for busy holiday schedules.
- Customizable to your taste. Add nuts, chocolate chips, or caramel drizzle to suit your preferences and elevate the dessert even more.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup instead of scooping to prevent packing and ensure accurate measurement.
- Graham cracker crumbs. Finely crushed to create a crunchy and flavorful crust base.
- Pecans. Chopped for added texture and a nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin.
- Cream cheese. Softened to blend smoothly into the creamy layers.
- Whipped cream topping. Use store-bought or homemade whipped cream for a light and fluffy finish.
- White chocolate instant pudding mix. Vanilla pudding mix can be used as an alternative for a classic flavor.
- Pumpkin puree. Use canned or homemade pumpkin puree for rich, authentic pumpkin flavor.
- Pumpkin spice. A blend of warming spices.
You can get the complete ingredient list at the bottom of the post.
Variations Ideas
- Whipped toppings. Feel free to use Cool Whip or your favorite whipped topping to layer over the pumpkin for a light, creamy finish.
- Pudding mix options. This dessert works beautifully with either white chocolate instant pudding mix or classic vanilla pudding mix. Choose based on your flavor preference.
- Crust choices. While we used a buttery pecan crust for a rich, nutty base, you can swap in crushed Oreos, ginger snaps, or shortbread cookies to change the flavor and texture.
- Serving suggestion. Drizzle Homemade Caramel Sauce over the top before serving to add a sweet, gooey touch that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin spice.
- Nut alternatives. Although pecans provide great flavor and crunch, chopped walnuts make an excellent substitute if you prefer.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1 – Mix the flour, graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and part of the pecans together.
Step 2 – Press this into a 9×13 baking dish and bake in the oven.
Step 3 – Combine the cream cheese and powdered sugar until both are well combined with a hand mixer. Fold in whipped topping.
Step 4 – Spread the cream cheese mixture all over the cooled crust
Step 5 – Mix together the milk, pudding mix, canned pumpkin, pumpkin spice, and part of the whipped topping in a large bowl.
Step 6 – Spread the pumpkin mixture over the top of the layer. Then spread whipped topping and chopped pecans to complete the pumpkin lush.
Storage
Refrigerate: Store pumpkin delight covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping it chilled helps maintain the creamy texture and fresh flavors.
Cover properly: Use plastic wrap or an airtight container to prevent the dessert from absorbing any fridge odors.
Make ahead: Pumpkin delight can be prepared a day or two in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
Pro Tips
- Drain the puree. If your pumpkin puree is watery, be sure to drain the excess liquid. Too much moisture can make the dessert soggy and prevent the layers from setting properly.
- Use instant pudding. Instant vanilla pudding mix is essential for the dessert to set correctly and achieve the right creamy texture.
- Try a cinnamon crust. For a flavor twist, use crushed cinnamon graham crackers instead of a pecan crust. It adds a warm, spiced note that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
- Topping ideas. Sprinkle crushed toffee or Heath candy bars on top for added crunch and sweetness. Use these in place of nuts or mix them in for extra texture.
- Chill until set. Allow the dessert to chill for about 3 hours to fully set the layers and develop the flavors.
- Cool the crust completely. Before adding the pumpkin and pudding layers, make sure the crust has cooled completely to avoid melting or sogginess.
More Easy Pumpkin Desserts
- Pumpkin Pie Cake Recipe
- The Easiest Pumpkin Pie Recipe
- Pumpkin Pie Cookies Recipe
- No Bake Pumpkin Pie Recipe
- Pumpkin Cobbler Recipe
More No-bake Desserts
- Strawberry Delight Recipe
- Butterscotch Delight Recipe
- The Best Lemon Lush Dessert
- Oreo Turkey Cookies
Go ahead and add this to your holiday menu. Leave a comment once you make this. It is always great to hear from you.
Pumpkin Delight
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs crushed
- 1 cup butter softened
- ¾ cup pecans chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 cups whipped topping divided
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 3 pkgs white chocolate or vanilla instant pudding mix (3.4 oz size)
- 15 oz can pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Mix flour, graham cracker crumbs, butter and ½ cup pecans together.
- Press into a sprayed 9×13 pan.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees, then remove and let cool.
- Meanwhile, Blend cream cheese and powdered sugar until combined.
- Add 1 cup of the whipped topping and stir together, then spread over cooled crust.
- Mix milk, pudding mix, canned pumpkin, pumpkin spice and 1 cup whipped topping until smooth. Spread over top of layer 2.
- Spread remaining 1 cup of whipped topping and sprinkle remaining pecans.
- Let chill for 3 hours or until set. Serve chilled, and enjoy.
Recipe Video
I haven’t made this delicious sounding pumpkin dessert yet, but I’m certainly going to!
I’m 78 years old so I know a thing or two about recipes. I know by reading the ingredients list if I’m going to like a recipe. I know that I couldn’t go wrong with this recipe. I’ll have to get the ingredients to make it and I’ll make one when I have a dear friend over for lunch before Thanksgiving. We’ll be having Thanksgiving dinner with our youngest son and his family so I’m going to make 2 of these to take.
I have a dear friend that just lost her husband to Covid. I purchased a beautiful Giving Plate I’ll make a third one and put several squares on the plate along with some scones to gift her with before Thanksgiving.
Thank you for sharing this delicious autumn dessert recipe.
When making the crust your recipe asks for softened butter when it should be melted butter.
I don’t use melted butter for the crust in this recipe, I find that softened works great!