Ah, Thanksgiving! It’s that magical time of year when family gathers around the table, and the air is filled with the aromas of roasted turkey and spices. Growing up, my family always had a tradition of sharing stories over dessert, and I vividly remember my aunt’s famous pumpkin pie. But let’s be real—sometimes the thought of baking can be a bit overwhelming, especially when there’s so much else to do! That’s why I adore no bake Thanksgiving desserts. They’re not only easy to whip up, but they also deliver all those cozy autumn flavors without the fuss of turning on the oven. Trust me, this no bake pumpkin dessert is a crowd-pleaser that’ll save you time and effort, leaving you free to enjoy the holiday with loved ones.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delightful no bake pumpkin dessert. I promise these ingredients come together to make something absolutely irresistible!
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs: This will form the delicious base for your dessert, providing that sweet crunch.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: It helps bind the crumbs together and adds richness. Make sure it’s melted but not too hot!
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For that perfect sweetness and smooth texture in the filling.
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened: This gives your dessert a creamy, velvety texture—just what you want!
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: The star of the show! Make sure you grab pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice: This blend of warm spices is essential for that cozy, autumn flavor.
- 1 cup whipped cream: This lightens up the filling and makes it wonderfully fluffy. Feel free to use store-bought or homemade!
Gather these ingredients, and let’s get started on creating something scrumptious! You won’t regret it!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into making this incredible no bake pumpkin dessert! It’s a breeze, and I promise you’ll love how simple it is. Just follow these steps, and soon enough, you’ll have a delicious treat ready to impress everyone at your Thanksgiving table!
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
First things first, grab a mixing bowl and combine your 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs with 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. I like to use a fork to mix them until it’s all nicely blended. You want the mixture to resemble wet sand—sticky enough to hold together but not soupy! Once it’s ready, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a pie dish. Use your fingers or the back of a measuring cup to create an even layer. This crust is going to be the perfect crunchy base for your creamy filling!
Step 2: Make the Filling
Now, let’s whip up that luscious filling! In a clean bowl, beat together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 cup of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice. I like to use an electric mixer for this, but a whisk works just fine if you’re feeling a bit more hands-on! Mix until it’s all smooth and creamy, and you can’t see any lumps. The flavors will start to come together beautifully!
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Alright, the final step! Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep that light, fluffy texture. Once it’s all combined, spread this dreamy filling over your prepared crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. Now, here’s the hardest part—cover it and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you can wait!). This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and set perfectly. When you’re ready to serve, slice it up and enjoy this no bake delight cold. It’s sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This no bake pumpkin dessert is a total winner for your Thanksgiving feast, and here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of hands-on time, you can whip this up and move on to other holiday tasks!
- No Baking Required: Say goodbye to oven stress! This recipe is all about simplicity and ease.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of creamy pumpkin, warm spices, and a crunchy crust is simply divine!
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Everyone can enjoy this dessert, making it perfect for family gatherings.
- Make-Ahead: You can prep this a day in advance, giving you more time to relax with loved ones.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Trust me, it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike—who doesn’t love a creamy pumpkin treat?
Honestly, this dessert is not just easy to make; it’s also a fantastic way to celebrate the flavors of the season without all the fuss. You’ll definitely want to add it to your Thanksgiving line-up!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make this delicious no bake pumpkin dessert, I’ve got a few tips to help you achieve the best results and maybe even take it up a notch!
- Use a Store-Bought Crust: If you’re short on time or just want to keep things super simple, grab a pre-made graham cracker crust from the store. It saves time and still tastes fantastic!
- Customize the Flavor: Want to get a little adventurous? Consider adding some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the filling for a delightful crunch. Or sprinkle some chocolate chips on top for a sweet twist!
- Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your taste, feel free to tweak the amount of powdered sugar. If you like it less sweet, start with a bit less and add more to your liking.
- Chill Longer for Better Flavor: If you can wait a bit longer, letting it chill overnight enhances the flavors even more. Trust me, it’s worth it!
- Serve with Toppings: Consider garnishing each slice with a dollop of additional whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra festive touch. You could even add some caramel drizzle if you’re feeling indulgent!
These little tips can elevate your no bake pumpkin dessert and make it even more special for your Thanksgiving celebration. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to store any leftovers of this delicious no bake pumpkin dessert. If you happen to have some slices left after your Thanksgiving feast (which is rare, but it can happen!), you’ll want to keep them fresh and tasty for later enjoyment.
First, cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap or foil if it’s still in the pie dish. If you’ve already sliced it, I recommend placing the slices in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve!
And here’s a little tip: No need to reheat this dessert! It’s best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge, especially on those warm Thanksgiving days. If you want to elevate your serving game, consider adding a fresh dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top right before serving. This little touch will make it look even more inviting!
So, enjoy every last bite, and don’t hesitate to whip up this no bake treat again! It’s simple and oh-so-satisfying!
Nutritional Information Section
Before we dig into the deliciousness of this no bake pumpkin dessert, it’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. So, while I can’t provide exact numbers, here’s a general idea of what you can expect per slice:
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
These values are just a guideline, so feel free to adjust your ingredients based on your dietary needs or preferences. Regardless, this dessert is sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving table! Enjoy every creamy, pumpkin-spiced bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this dessert in advance?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this no bake pumpkin dessert is how easy it is to prepare ahead of time. In fact, I recommend making it a day in advance if you can! Just follow the recipe as directed, then cover the pie dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days, so you can focus on other Thanksgiving preparations without any stress!
What can I substitute for pumpkin puree?
If you can’t find pumpkin puree or want to mix things up a bit, there are a few great alternatives you can use! You can swap in sweet potato puree for a similar flavor and texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using butternut squash puree—it’s equally delicious! Just be sure to use pureed versions, not canned pumpkin pie filling, to keep that wonderful flavor intact!
How should I serve this dessert?
Serving this no bake pumpkin dessert is all about presentation! I like to slice it into wedges and serve it on a pretty dessert plate. A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a lovely touch, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce elevates it even more! If you want to impress your guests, consider adding some pecans or chocolate shavings on the side for extra flair. Trust me, they’ll love it!
Print
No Bake Thanksgiving Desserts That Will Delight Everyone
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious no-bake desserts perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a pie dish.
- In another bowl, beat together powdered sugar, cream cheese, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and pumpkin spice.
- Fold in the whipped cream until combined.
- Spread the pumpkin mixture over the crust.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
- Slice and serve cold.
Notes
- Use store-bought crust for a quicker option.
- Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- This dessert can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: no bake thanksgiving desserts
