Nothing says cozy Thanksgiving quite like pumpkin spice, right? I’ve always loved desserts that don’t trap you in the kitchen all day, and this no bake pumpkin spice delight is the answer. It combines that warm, seasonal flavor with an easy-going prep that anyone can handle. This recipe is perfect when you want to impress guests without the oven drama. Plus, it’s creamy, lightly spiced, and just the right balance of sweet and tangy. I’ve been making this for years — it’s become a holiday staple in my family.
The best part? You use common ingredients, and no special equipment is needed. It’s incredibly beginner-friendly but has enough flavor depth to satisfy pumpkin dessert lovers. You’ll want to have this on your Thanksgiving table every year.
Ingredients for No Bake Pumpkin Spice Delight
Here’s the full list of what you’ll need. I’ve described each ingredient clearly, so there’s zero guesswork when you shop or prep. Trust me, clear measurements make all the difference in easy desserts like this.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for serving
Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature — it blends smoothly and avoids lumps. Also, grab real unsalted butter for the crust; it makes the base rich and buttery.
How to Prepare No Bake Pumpkin Spice Delight
Follow these steps closely, and your no bake pumpkin spice delight will come together like a dream. I break it down clearly so even if you’ve never made a no bake dessert, you’ll feel confident.
- Step 1: Prepare the Crust – Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter in a bowl until all crumbs are moistened and the mixture holds together when pressed. Press this firmly into the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan or pie dish. Chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to set.
- Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Cream Filling – In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and vanilla extract. Blend until everything is evenly mixed and smooth.
- Step 3: Whip the Cream – In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. It helps keep the cream cold until you whip it, so keep it in the fridge beforehand and chill your beaters if you can.
- Step 4: Combine the Mixture – Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin cream filling. Use a spatula to carefully combine without deflating the whipped cream. This adds fluffiness and lightness to the dessert’s texture.
- Step 5: Assemble and Chill – Spread the pumpkin cream filling evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you have time. This resting step helps it firm up so it slices nicely and the flavors mingle.
- Step 6: Serve – Before serving, optionally top with whipped cream and sprinkle a little cinnamon on top for extra flavor and presentation.
A quick tip: when folding the whipped cream, gentle is key. I usually cut through the mixture vertically, then scoop around the sides, repeating until it’s just combined. Overmixing loses that airy texture.
Why You’ll Love No Bake Pumpkin Spice Delight
- Fast and easy with no oven needed
- Rich, creamy texture without heaviness
- Perfect blend of classic pumpkin spice flavors
- Great make-ahead dessert for busy holiday schedules
- Family and friends always ask for seconds
Every Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for simple recipes like this that still wow everyone at the table. It’s a go-to when I’m juggling other dishes but want something that feels just as festive.
Tips for No Bake Pumpkin Spice Delight Success
- Softened cream cheese blends better—take it out 30 minutes before you start.
- Keep the heavy cream cold until whipping to get the best volume.
- Use fresh spices, for maximum flavor punch.
- Press the crust firmly and evenly so it holds up when you slice.
- Chill at least 4 hours for best texture—overnight is ideal.
I learned the hard way that rushing the chilling step makes slicing messy. Patience pays off here.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
This no bake pumpkin spice delight keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap to avoid it absorbing any fridge odors.
Since it’s a chilled dessert, it’s best served cold. If you want to enjoy it later, just slice and serve straight from the fridge. No reheating needed.
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
The nutritional values of this recipe can vary depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use. This post does not provide precise nutritional data. If you need specific information, consider using a nutrition calculator based on your ingredients.
FAQs About No Bake Pumpkin Spice Delight
Can I make this dessert vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy cream cheese and heavy cream with vegan versions like cashew cream cheese and coconut cream. Keep an eye on the consistency—you might need to adjust how much you whip the cream.
Does this recipe work with fresh pumpkin?
You can use cooked and pureed fresh pumpkin, but canned pumpkin puree is smoother and more consistent, which yields a creamier texture.
How long does it take to set properly?
I recommend chilling for at least 4 hours, but overnight makes it firmer and easier to slice — definitely plan ahead when you can.
Can I use different crusts?
Sure! This recipe works well with cookie crusts like gingersnap or vanilla wafer crumbs if you want extra flavor. Just follow the same butter-to-crumb ratio for the crust.
Will the dessert be too sweet?
This recipe strikes a good balance of sweetness, but if you prefer it less sweet, reduce the powdered sugar by 1/4 cup. The pumpkin and spices provide lots of flavor without needing too much sugar.
PrintNo Bake Pumpkin Spice Delight for Thanksgiving
No Bake Pumpkin Spice Delight for Thanksgiving offers easy tasty treats that bring cozy fall flavors to your holiday table
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for serving
Instructions
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter in a bowl until all crumbs are moistened and the mixture holds together when pressed. Press this firmly into the bottom of an 8-inch springform pan or pie dish. Chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to set.
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and vanilla extract. Blend until everything is evenly mixed and smooth.
- In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Keep the cream and beaters cold for best volume.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin cream filling. Use a spatula to carefully combine without deflating the whipped cream to maintain lightness.
- Spread the pumpkin cream filling evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
- Optionally top with whipped cream and sprinkle cinnamon on top for extra flavor and presentation before serving.
Notes
A creamy and lightly spiced no bake pumpkin dessert perfect for Thanksgiving, combining warm seasonal flavors with an easy preparation anyone can handle. A family holiday staple that requires no oven time.
