No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Parfaits

If you love all things pumpkin, these No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Parfaits are going to be your new go-to dessert this season! Layered with creamy pumpkin cheesecake, graham cracker crumbs, and whipped cream, these parfaits offer the perfect blend of fall spices and rich, velvety cheesecake. They are easy to prepare and make a wonderful no-bake dessert for Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or cozy autumn nights.

Ingredients:

For the Pumpkin Cheesecake Layer:

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Graham Cracker Layer:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

For the Whipped Cream:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnishing:

• Crushed graham crackers
• Ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
• Caramel sauce (optional)
• Crushed pecans (optional)

Preparation:

1: Make the Pumpkin Cheesecake Layer

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and salt. Continue mixing until the cheesecake mixture is smooth and well combined. Set aside.

2: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust Layer

• In a separate bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar (if using). Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. This will create the crunchy, buttery layer of your parfaits.

3: Whip the Cream

• In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. This will be used both as a topping and to lighten the cheesecake layer.

4: Assemble the Parfaits

• In your serving glasses, start by layering a generous spoonful of the graham cracker crumb mixture at the bottom. Press it down slightly to form a base.
• Next, add a layer of the pumpkin cheesecake mixture, followed by a dollop of whipped cream.
• Repeat the layers (graham cracker, pumpkin cheesecake, and whipped cream) until the glass is filled, ending with a swirl of whipped cream on top.

5: Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle the top of each parfait with crushed graham crackers, a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, and a drizzle of caramel sauce if desired. For added crunch, sprinkle with crushed pecans.

6: Chill Before Serving

• Place the assembled parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to chill and allow the flavors to meld together. Then, serve and enjoy!

Variations:

• Maple Pumpkin Cheesecake Parfaits: Replace the brown sugar in the graham cracker mixture with maple syrup, and drizzle the parfaits with a little extra maple syrup for a delicious fall twist.
• Pumpkin Spice Latte Parfaits: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the pumpkin cheesecake mixture for a pumpkin spice latte-inspired parfait.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham crackers to make this dessert gluten-free, while still maintaining the delicious crunch and texture.
• Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake Parfaits: Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream instead of whipped cream, and vegan butter for the graham cracker layer to make these parfaits vegan-friendly.

Cooking Notes:

• Chill the parfaits: It’s important to chill the parfaits before serving, as this helps the cheesecake layer firm up and allows the flavors to develop.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can add an extra 1/4 cup of powdered sugar to the pumpkin cheesecake mixture or increase the sugar in the whipped cream.
• Make ahead: These parfaits can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just add the whipped cream and garnishes right before serving to keep everything fresh.

Serving Suggestions:

• Holiday dessert: Serve these parfaits in clear glasses or mason jars to show off the beautiful layers at your next holiday dinner or fall gathering. They’re perfect for Thanksgiving and Friendsgiving celebrations.
• Impress your guests: For a special touch, garnish each parfait with a cinnamon stick, a dusting of powdered sugar, or an extra drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Single servings for parties: These parfaits make excellent individual desserts for parties. Serve them in small dessert cups for easy, grab-and-go portions.

Tips:

• Whip cream ahead: If you’re short on time, you can whip the cream a few hours ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the parfaits.
• Use a piping bag: For a clean, professional look, use a piping bag or a ziplock bag with the corner snipped off to pipe the cheesecake and whipped cream layers into the parfait glasses.
• Customize the layers: Feel free to add extra layers like crushed gingerbread cookies, chocolate shavings, or even a layer of caramel sauce between the cheesecake and whipped cream for more complexity.

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

0 minutes (no-bake)

Total Time:

1 hour (including chilling)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 180mg

FAQs:

Q: Can I make these parfaits ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the parfaits up to a day in advance. Just store them in the fridge, and add the whipped cream topping and garnishes right before serving for the freshest presentation.

Q: Can I use canned whipped cream?
A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought whipped cream, though homemade whipped cream provides a richer, fresher flavor.

Q: Can I freeze these parfaits?
A: It’s best to refrigerate these parfaits rather than freeze them. Freezing can cause the cream cheese and whipped cream to change texture. If you need to store them longer, keep them in the fridge.

Q: Can I substitute the pumpkin puree with another flavor?
A: Definitely! You can swap out the pumpkin puree for mashed sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or even apple butter for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion:

These No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Parfaits are the ultimate fall dessert, combining the creaminess of cheesecake with the warmth of pumpkin spice in an easy, no-bake format. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply want to indulge in a cozy autumn treat, these parfaits are sure to impress with their layered beauty and delicious flavor. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—perfect for making ahead, customizing, and sharing with friends and family!

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