Easy No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
This Easy No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that combines creamy pumpkin filling with a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations, it requires no baking and can be prepared quickly with simple ingredients. The smooth pumpkin-spiced filling paired with a crisp crust makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s light, fluffy, and flavorful.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Crust Ingredients
- 1 store-bought 9″ graham cracker crust OR
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (finely crushed; about 12 full graham cracker sheets)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 6 tbsp butter (melted)
Filling Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 1/4 cups pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or more to taste; or you can add cinnamon to taste as well)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups Cool Whip (thawed; an 8oz tub has about 3 cups)
- Prepare the crust: If using a store-bought crust, skip to filling preparation. If making your own crust, combine graham cracker crumbs and brown sugar in a bowl, then add melted butter and mix until fully combined. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish, using a measuring cup or the back of a spoon to compact it tightly. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set.
- Make the filling: In a mixing bowl, add softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is smooth, light, and fluffy.
- Fold in the Cool Whip: Gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into the pumpkin mixture until fully incorporated, being careful not to deflate the airy texture.
- Assemble the cheesecake: Spoon the prepared filling evenly into the chilled graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate: Place the assembled cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to set properly. For easier slicing, you may freeze the cheesecake for 30 minutes before cutting and serving.
- Optional decoration: Before serving, decorate the cheesecake with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting if desired for extra indulgence and presentation.
Notes
- You can use either a store-bought graham cracker crust or make your own from scratch.
- Adjust pumpkin pie spice to taste; cinnamon can be added for extra warmth.
- Be sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and a smooth texture.
- This cheesecake is best served chilled but can be frozen temporarily to ease slicing.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator covered for up to 3 days.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and Cool Whip for the creamiest texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: pumpkin cheesecake, no bake cheesecake, easy pumpkin dessert, fall dessert, graham cracker crust, pumpkin pie spice