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This nearly no-bake holiday wonder is going to win you over. My dreamy layered pumpkin treat has a sweet gingersnap bottom, creamy cheesecake center, with a cozy, spiced pumpkin mix on top. I always prep it a day ahead for Thanksgiving and love the smiles when I finish it off with some whipped cream and extra nuts.
What Makes This Stand Out
Forget those basic pumpkin sweets! The gingersnap base brings so much flavor, and the creamy layers are out of this world. The coolest thing? You can make this whole thing before your party. More time for hanging out, less time in the kitchen.
Gather Up These Things
- Crust: Stir together smashed gingersnaps, melted butter, and a little sugar for a crunchy layer.
- Topping: Finish with more whipped topping, walnuts, and crushed cookies to make it pop.
- Pumpkin Stuff: Mix pumpkin puree, pudding powder, and cozy spices for that autumn mood.
- Creamy Middle: Blend cream cheese, sugar, milk, and whipped topping to get it super fluffy.
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How To Pull It Together
- Finishing Touch
- Dollop on some whipped topping, let it chill in the fridge all night, then add your nuts and cookies when you're ready to eat.
- Pumpkin Layer Magic
- Whisk your pumpkin with spices, milk, and pudding mix, then spread it on third.
- Cheesecake Layer Fun
- Whip the cream cheese, sugar, and milk until smooth, fold in the whipped topping, then layer this over your cooled crust.
- Crust First
- Blend the gingersnaps with sugar and butter, press into your pan, bake until set, and cool all the way down.
Fun Twists To Try
Want something different? Sprinkle on crushed toffee, toasted coconut, or even pecans on top. Drizzle with caramel if you feel fancy. Any nuts you like work just fine—cashews and almonds are awesome too. Make it your own and enjoy mixing it up.
Storing Tips
This beauty keeps great in the fridge for up to 4 days, just cover it tight. If the base gets softer, that's normal—it actually tastes even better after a day or two. Awesome for prepping ahead when you're busy during the holidays.
Show-Stopping Holiday Dessert
This is my lifesaver when I want something simpler than pie but still a real crowd-pleaser. It feeds a bunch, looks so pretty on the table, and means I can actually enjoy hanging out. All those cozy fall flavors stacked up and easy to put together—can't beat that!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is it a good make-ahead treat?
Yes, prepping it in advance works best! Store it in the fridge for 3–4 days, but the crust texture may change after that.
- → Why skip pumpkin pie filling?
Using plain pumpkin puree lets you manage the sugar and spices yourself. Pie filling is already sweetened and spiced.
- → Can I switch to homemade whipped cream?
You can, but pre-made options like Cool Whip hold up better in layered desserts.
- → Why are finely crushed gingersnaps better?
Smaller crumbs create a crust that stays firm and slices cleanly without crumbling apart.
- → Should I freeze leftovers?
Freezing isn't advised since the creamy layers and texture may become unpleasant once thawed.