Creamy Pumpkin Layers Delight

Featured in Sweet treats that make you happy.

This no-fuss dessert features three layers - gingersnap crust, creamy middle, and pumpkin spice top. A perfect crowd-pleaser finished with whipped topping and cookie crumbs.

Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Wed, 28 May 2025 13:20:14 GMT
A pumpkin layered dessert with creamy topping and a crumbly spice crust, sprinkled with cinnamon. Pin it
A pumpkin layered dessert with creamy topping and a crumbly spice crust, sprinkled with cinnamon. | tastyhush.com

Get ready for a treat that barely needs the oven. My pumpkin layers dessert packs a punch with a sweet gingersnap bottom, then melts into tangy cheesecake, all topped off with spiced pumpkin goodness. I love whipping this up the night before the big day, then giving it a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nuts before serving. It’s a showstopper every time.

Irresistible Reasons To Love This

This one's a total game-changer. The gingersnap layer makes everything cozy, and those fluffy parts on top are dreamy. Best thing? You can get it done ahead and save time for hanging out. That means your kitchen’s stress-free when folks arrive.

Stuff You'll Need

  • Fancy Finish: Whipped topping, crumbled cookies, and walnuts for the ultimate look.
  • Base Layer: Just crushed gingersnaps, a splash of butter, and some sugar for the crust.
  • Cheesy Goodness: Blend cream cheese, milk, sugar, and whipped topping for a soft middle.
  • Pumpkin Burst: Pumpkin puree plus pudding mix, some cozy spices, and a splash of milk give you those autumn vibes.
Up close, you see pumpkin filling and whipped cream stacked together, sitting on a spicy cookie crust with cinnamon dusted on top. Pin it
Up close, you see pumpkin filling and whipped cream stacked together, sitting on a spicy cookie crust with cinnamon dusted on top. | tastyhush.com

Prepping The Layers

Finishing Up
Slather with whipped cream, tuck it away in the fridge for a good chill, and add your sprinkles or nuts when it's go-time.
Pumpkin Layer
Stir up the pumpkin, pudding, warm spices, and milk. Smooth this part over your creamy layer.
Creamy Spread
Whip up the cream cheese, sugar, and milk till you see no lumps, fold in some whipped fluff, and lay it right onto the cooled crust.
First Things First
Bash up those cookies, blend with melted butter and sugar, press into a pan, bake just for a minute, and let it cool fully.

Go All Out

Craving some change? Toss on toffee pieces, pecans, or even some toasted coconut for crunch. Drip a bit of caramel over the top if you’re feeling fancy. Don’t want walnuts? Try almonds or cashews instead. Play around and make it yours.

Stays Fresh For Days

Cover it tight and stash in the fridge for up to four days. If the base gets a little soft, that just makes it crazy tasty as the flavors soak in. It’s just what you want when holidays get hectic and you need a make-ahead winner.

Unbeatable Holiday Centerpiece

It’s my secret weapon when pie feels like too much work but I want some wow. There’s plenty for everyone and it’ll look fantastic on any table. You’ll have more time to relax, and you’ll still get all those cozy fall flavors stacked in one easy dish.

You see a slice with pumpkin filling and creamy topping dusted with cinnamon, sitting on a pale plate. Pin it
You see a slice with pumpkin filling and creamy topping dusted with cinnamon, sitting on a pale plate. | tastyhush.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can this be prepped early?

Absolutely! It stays fresh in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Just note that the crust might soften if stored too long.

→ Why avoid pumpkin pie mix?

Using pure pumpkin puree gives you full control over both sweetness and spices. Pie mix is pre-flavored and sweetened.

→ Is homemade whipped cream okay?

It works, but store-bought options (like Cool Whip) hold up better and keep the dessert stable.

→ Does the crumb texture matter?

Yes, finely crushed cookies result in a sturdier base that slices more neatly.

→ Should I freeze it?

Freezing isn’t the best idea. Thawing can mess with the creamy layers' texture.

Pumpkin Layers Delight

A festive treat with spiced crust, smooth cream cheese, and flavorful pumpkin layers. Ideal for holiday get-togethers.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Maria

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 pan)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 45 ginger snap cookies (makes about 2 1/3 cups crumbs).
02 5 tbsp sugar.
03 1/2 cup melted butter.
04 12 oz softened cream cheese.
05 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
06 2 tbsp milk.
07 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, split.
08 15 oz plain pumpkin puree.
09 Two boxes (3.4 oz each) vanilla instant pudding.
10 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice mix.
11 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon.
12 2 cups cold milk.
13 4 crushed ginger snap cookies for topping.
14 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat to 350°F. Crush cookies until fine. Stir together crumbs, butter, and sugar. Press mix into a 13x9 pan. Bake 10-12 mins. Let cool fully.

Step 02

Whip cream cheese, sugar, and milk until blended. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping. Gently spread over crust once it’s cool.

Step 03

Combine pumpkin, pudding mix, spices, and milk. Whisk for 2 minutes till thickened. Smooth over the cream cheese layer.

Step 04

Spread the rest of the whipped topping over the pumpkin layer. Cover, refrigerate overnight. Right before eating, sprinkle with crushed cookies and nuts.

Notes

  1. Prep it the day before for best results. Can stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.
  2. Make sure cookie crumbs are finely ground to hold the crust firm.
  3. Feel free to drop the sugar in the crust if you'd like.
  4. Ensure cream cheese is soft for smoother mixing.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking dish (13x9).
  • A food processor.
  • Hand or stand mixer.
  • Offset spatula to spread layers.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, milk, whipped topping).
  • Includes wheat from ginger snap cookies.
  • Tree nuts (walnuts are optional).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 451
  • Total Fat: 23 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 57 g
  • Protein: 7 g