Spiced Salted Caramel Pumpkin Parfaits Recipe: Autumn in a Glass

Salted caramel pumpkin parfaits bring a delightful twist to classic autumn desserts.

Layers of rich, creamy textures promise an indulgent experience that tantalizes taste buds.

Sweet and salty notes dance together in perfect harmony, creating a sophisticated flavor profile.

Seasonal ingredients enhance this dessert into a decadent masterpiece that celebrates fall’s culinary magic.

Delicate spices and luxurious caramel elevate the humble pumpkin into a gourmet treat.

Smooth, velvety components stack elegantly, offering a visual and gustatory delight that impresses even the most discerning palates.

Each spoonful tells a story of comfort, warmth, and nostalgic memories.

Salted Caramel Pumpkin Parfaits That Layer Sweet and Smooth

• Craft Luxurious Layers: These parfaits transform simple ingredients into a stunning dessert with beautiful, alternating textures of creamy pudding, crunchy gingersnaps, and smooth caramel that create a delightful sensory experience.
• Embrace Seasonal Comfort: Pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree bring warm, autumnal flavors that wrap you in cozy memories of fall gatherings, making this dessert perfect for holiday celebrations or casual weekend treats.
• Master Easy Gourmet Techniques: The recipe teaches simple caramel-making skills that seem complex but are surprisingly achievable, allowing home cooks to create restaurant-quality salted caramel with just a few basic ingredients and careful attention.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare these parfaits in advance and store in the refrigerator, which not only saves time but also allows flavors to meld together, creating an even more delicious dessert that's ready when you are.

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Pumpkin Parfaits

• Sugar: Foundational ingredient for creating rich, deep caramel with complex flavor profile.
• Butter: Adds creamy richness and helps smooth caramel texture.
• Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious silkiness and balances caramel's intense sweetness.
• Sea Salt: Enhances caramel's depth and creates signature salted caramel taste.

• Pudding Mix: Quick thickening base for creating smooth pumpkin dessert layers.
• Milk: Helps pudding mix achieve proper consistency and creamy texture.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds authentic pumpkin flavor and seasonal warmth.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Provides classic fall spice blend with cinnamon, nutmeg undertones.

• Gingersnap Cookies, Cream Cheese Frosting: Provide contrasting crunch and creamy elements for parfait layers, adding complexity to dessert's overall texture.

Assembling Salted Caramel Pumpkin Parfaits Easily

Step 1: Create Luscious Salted Caramel

Pour sugar into a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Let it melt without stirring until it starts to liquefy. Gently whisk as it melts, watching for a deep amber color. Use a candy thermometer if available.

• Sugar
• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Sea salt

Add butter cubes all at once, whisking carefully. The mixture will bubble dramatically, so be cautious. Switch to a wooden spoon if needed.

Remove from heat and slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Mix in sea salt and allow caramel to cool for 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Whip Up Pumpkin Pudding

• Pudding mix
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Milk

Whisk ingredients until thick and creamy, about 2 minutes. Gently fold in pumpkin puree and set aside.

Step 3: Layer Parfait Goodness

• Sprinkle chopped gingersnaps at the bottom
• Add a layer of pumpkin pudding
• Top with cream cheese frosting
• Drizzle salted caramel generously

Repeat layers until all ingredients are used. Finish with a final caramel drizzle and extra gingersnap crumbles.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate parfaits for at least 2 hours to let flavors mingle and set.

Tips for Smooth Layers in Pumpkin Parfaits

• Master the Caramel Technique: Watch sugar carefully while melting to prevent burning, swirling pan gently instead of stirring to ensure even heating and smooth caramelization.
• Prevent Pudding Lumps: Whisk pudding mixture vigorously and consistently to break down any potential clumps, creating a silky smooth texture.
• Optimize Layering Strategy: Use a clear glass to showcase beautiful layers, adding each component slowly and gently for distinct, attractive strata.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast gingersnap crumbles briefly before crushing to intensify their warm, spicy notes and add extra crunch to the parfait.
• Temperature Control Matters: Chill ingredients beforehand and let parfaits rest in refrigerator for recommended time to allow flavors to meld and set properly.

Pumpkin Parfait Storage and Reheating Guidelines

• Refrigerator Storage: Seal parfaits in airtight containers and keep fresh for 3-4 days. Protect the delicate layers by placing them carefully without disturbing the beautiful structure.
• Freezing Option: Wrap individual parfaits tightly with plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain texture and flavor.
• Reheating Caramel: Warm refrigerated salted caramel in short 10-15 second microwave intervals, stirring between each burst. Alternatively, use a gentle double boiler method, stirring continuously until smooth and pourable.

What Goes Well with Salted Caramel Pumpkin Parfaits

• Blend Cozy Spices: Pair the parfaits with warm mulled apple cider or a pumpkin ale to enhance the rich autumn flavors and complement the sweet-salty caramel notes.
• Match Creamy Textures: Serve alongside a smooth bourbon or dark rum to echo the dessert's luxurious cream cheese and pudding layers, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Crunch with Contrast: Accompany the parfaits with a crisp ginger tea or a light espresso, which will highlight the gingersnap crumble's spicy crunch and cut through the dessert's richness.
• Seasonal Sip Suggestion: Choose a vanilla-infused hot toddy or a cinnamon-spiced white wine to mirror the pumpkin pie spice and create a warming, comforting pairing that celebrates fall's essence.

Make Your Pumpkin Parfaits Even Better with These Ideas

• Autumn Spice Parfait: Replace gingersnaps with crushed speculoos cookies for a warm, Dutch-inspired flavor profile. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon between layers for extra warmth.
• Chocolate Caramel Pumpkin Stack: Incorporate melted dark chocolate into the pudding mixture. Drizzle chocolate sauce alongside the salted caramel for a rich, decadent version.
• No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Parfait: Swap cream cheese frosting with a no-bake cheesecake filling. Use graham cracker crumbs instead of gingersnaps for a classic cheesecake base.
• Maple Pecan Pumpkin Layer: Substitute salted caramel with maple syrup and top with toasted pecans. Add a hint of bourbon to the pudding for an adult-friendly touch.

Salted Caramel Pumpkin Parfaits Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Salted caramel pumpkin parfaits combine autumn’s coziest flavors in a luxurious dessert layered with creamy pumpkin mousse and rich caramel. Delicate spices and crunchy graham cracker crumbs create a perfect harmony that welcomes cooler seasons with delightful sweetness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can pumpkin puree
• 2 (10 ounces / 280 grams) containers Cool Whip Cream Cheese Frosting, thawed
• 40 gingersnaps, chopped

Dairy and Dairy Alternatives:

• 2 cups cold milk
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed and at room temperature
• 1 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
• 1 (5.1 ounces / 145 grams) package vanilla instant pudding mix

Spices and Seasoning:

• 1 ½ tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 2 cups granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Craft a luscious caramel foundation by evenly distributing sugar across a medium saucepan, heating at medium-high temperature until it transforms into a golden liquid.
2. Continuously whisk the melting sugar, monitoring its progression to a deep amber hue, indicating optimal caramelization.
3. Introduce butter cubes simultaneously, whisking vigorously to create a smooth, glossy mixture that may bubble intensely.
4. Remove the caramel from heat and gently stream heavy cream while stirring consistently to integrate the ingredients seamlessly.
5. Incorporate sea salt into the caramel, allowing the mixture to cool and develop complex flavors for 10-15 minutes.
6. Prepare the pumpkin pudding by whisking pudding mix, pumpkin pie spice, and milk until the consistency thickens and becomes creamy.
7. Fold pumpkin puree into the pudding mixture, creating a rich and aromatic filling.
8. Establish a crunchy base in serving vessels by sprinkling crushed gingersnap cookies evenly.
9. Layer the pumpkin pudding generously over the gingersnap foundation, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Add a luxurious cream cheese frosting layer, creating a delightful textural contrast.
11. Drizzle warm salted caramel across the layers, allowing it to cascade and enhance the parfait’s visual appeal.
12. Repeat layering process, alternating between pudding, frosting, and caramel until ingredients are exhausted.
13. Crown the parfait with an additional caramel drizzle and sprinkle of gingersnap crumbles for textural complexity.
14. Refrigerate the parfaits for a minimum of two hours to allow flavors to meld and set.
15. Store any remaining caramel in a sealed container within the refrigerator, maintaining its quality for up to two weeks.

Notes

• Craft this decadent dessert in advance, giving flavors time to meld and develop rich, luxurious depth.
• Caramel-making requires close attention; avoid stirring sugar until it starts melting to prevent crystallization.
• Gently warm refrigerated caramel sauce before drizzling to restore smooth, silky consistency.
• Layer ingredients carefully, ensuring even distribution for balanced taste in every delightful spoonful.
• Gingersnap crumbles add delightful crunch and warmth, complementing the creamy pumpkin pudding perfectly.
• Refrigerate parfaits for minimum two hours to allow textures and flavors to harmonize beautifully.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg