No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

The Best No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe for Fall Bliss

My autumn-loving heart craves this no-bake pumpkin cheesecake whenever cooler breezes sweep through the neighborhood.

Creamy textures whisper comfort in every delectable bite.

Sweet spices dance across smooth surfaces, promising indulgence without kitchen stress.

Pumpkin’s rich essence mingles perfectly with cream cheese’s luxurious backdrop.

Minimal effort meets maximum satisfaction in this delightful dessert.

Cold refrigerator magic works wonders while you relax and anticipate each silky spoonful.

Let’s uncover this simple yet decadent treat that will become your seasonal obsession.

No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Delivers Festive Flavor Without The Oven

  • Quick Assembly Time: Spend just 15 minutes preparing the cheesecake, with no oven required, saving precious time during busy holiday seasons or last-minute gatherings.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Profile: Capture the essence of autumn with a creamy pumpkin dessert that combines the warmth of gingersnap crust and classic cheesecake texture, guaranteed to impress family and friends at fall celebrations.
  • Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare this dessert in advance and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, allowing stress-free entertaining and giving you more time to enjoy social gatherings.

Pumpkin Cheesecake With No Baking Needed

Crust Ingredients:
  • Gingersnap Crumbs: Crispy base with warm spice notes, provides a delightful crunch and autumn flavor.
  • Melted Butter: Helps bind the crust together and adds rich, smooth texture.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth, tangy foundation for the cheesecake, best when softened at room temperature.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds seasonal flavor and creamy texture, use pure pumpkin puree without added spices.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps create smooth, light filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Provides classic fall warmth with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg notes.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates light, airy texture when whipped, adds luxurious richness to the cheesecake.

Pumpkin Cheesecake No-Bake Method

Pumpkin Cheesecake No-Bake Method

Step 1: Craft the Crispy Crust

Crush gingersnap cookies into fine crumbs.

Melt butter and mix thoroughly with the cookie crumbs.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan, creating an even, compact base.

Use the back of a spoon or measuring cup to pack the crust tightly, ensuring a solid foundation for your cheesecake.

Step 2: Whip the Cream Cheese Base

Take softened cream cheese and beat it in a large mixing bowl until it becomes incredibly smooth and creamy.

Use an electric mixer on medium speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl to eliminate any lumps.

The goal is to create a silky, uniform texture that will serve as the perfect canvas for your pumpkin cheesecake.

Step 3: Blend the Pumpkin Magic

Add these ingredients to the cream cheese:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pumpkin pie spice

Mix everything together until the ingredients are completely incorporated and the mixture looks uniform in color and texture.

The vibrant orange hue and warm spices will start to fill your kitchen with an irresistible autumn aroma.

Step 4: Fold in Fluffy Whipped Cream

Whip heavy cream in a separate bowl until it forms stiff, beautiful peaks.

Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture, being careful not to deflate the air you’ve incorporated.

Use a spatula with light, sweeping motions to maintain the airy texture while creating a smooth, luxurious filling.

Step 5: Chill and Set the Cheesecake

Pour the pumpkin cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.

Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.

This resting time allows the cheesecake to set completely and develop its rich, creamy texture.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving to slightly soften the texture.

Carefully release the springform pan’s sides, slice into wedges, and garnish with a sprinkle of extra pumpkin pie spice or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Mastering No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Like A Pro

  • Use a food processor or rolling pin to create fine, even gingersnap crumbs for a perfectly textured crust that holds together well.
  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free consistency without overbeating.
  • Chill the mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help heavy cream reach stiff peaks faster and maintain better structure in the cheesecake.
  • Allow the cheesecake to set in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours, or ideally overnight, to develop rich flavors and firm up the texture.
  • Top with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or sprinkle extra pumpkin pie spice to enhance visual appeal and add complementary flavors.

Pumpkin Cheesecake (No-Bake) How To Store Well

  • Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • Wrap the entire cheesecake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • When removing from the refrigerator, let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to reduce moisture buildup.
  • Use a clean, sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for smooth, clean slices.

What Complements Pumpkin Cheesecake

  • Pair with Spiced Chai Latte: The warm, aromatic spices in chai perfectly complement the pumpkin pie flavors, creating a delightful autumnal harmony.
  • Serve with Caramel Pecan Topping: Drizzle rich caramel sauce and sprinkle toasted pecans over each slice to enhance the dessert's creamy texture and add delightful crunch.
  • Match with Cinnamon-Infused Whipped Cream: Elevate the cheesecake by topping with a light, fragrant cinnamon whipped cream that intensifies the warm seasonal notes.
  • Enjoy with Spiced Apple Cider: A glass of warm, mulled apple cider provides a cozy contrast to the cool, smooth cheesecake, balancing sweet and spicy undertones.

No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Fixes

  • Gluten-Free Ginger Crust: Replace gingersnap crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly base.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese and use coconut whipped cream instead of heavy cream. Use maple syrup as a sweetener.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content. Use light cream cheese for fewer calories.
  • Spice-Infused Variation: Experiment with additional warm spices like cardamom or nutmeg to enhance the pumpkin pie flavor profile. Add a dash of cinnamon for extra warmth.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make the crust crispy and flavorful?

Gingersnap cookies are the secret! Their spicy, slightly sharp taste adds depth to the crust, while their crumbly texture creates a perfect base when mixed with melted butter.

  • Can I use a different type of cream cheese?

Always use full-fat, room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest, richest texture. Low-fat or cold cream cheese won’t blend as well and can create lumps in your cheesecake.

  • How do I know when the whipped cream is correctly prepared?

Look for stiff peaks that stand straight up when you lift the beater. The cream should be thick and hold its shape without falling or looking watery.

  • Is pumpkin pie spice necessary, or can I skip it?

Pumpkin pie spice is crucial for authentic autumn flavor. If you don’t have it, you can make your own by mixing cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice in equal proportions.

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No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy “No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake” weaves autumn’s warmth into a silky dessert that melts effortlessly on your palate. Rich spices and smooth pumpkin embrace graham cracker layers, promising a quick, indulgent escape into seasonal comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 grams) pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) gingersnap crumbs
  • 5 tablespoons (71 grams) melted butter

Flavoring and Topping Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream

Instructions

  1. Crush gingersnap cookies into fine crumbs and blend thoroughly with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  2. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a springform pan, creating a compact, smooth base layer.
  3. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until completely smooth and free of lumps.
  4. Gently incorporate pumpkin puree into the cream cheese, stirring carefully to maintain a creamy consistency.
  5. Gradually fold in powdered sugar, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
  6. Add vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice, mixing until the ingredients are harmoniously blended.
  7. In a separate chilled bowl, whip heavy cream until it forms stiff, glossy peaks that hold their shape.
  8. Delicately fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture, maintaining the airiness of the cream while creating a uniform texture.
  9. Transfer the filling onto the prepared gingersnap crust, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
  10. Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing it to set completely and develop a rich, creamy consistency.
  11. Before serving, gently release the springform pan and slice into elegant portions.

Notes

  • Enhance crust texture by using a flat-bottomed glass to press gingersnap mixture evenly and firmly.
  • Ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature to prevent lumps and achieve a silky smooth filling.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute gingersnap crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
  • Chill the cheesecake overnight for maximum flavor development and firmer consistency.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 364
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 305 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 93 mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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