Magical Pumpkin Spice Dream Dessert Recipe for Fall Bliss

Autumn whispers sweet promises of comfort, and this irresistible pumpkin spice dream dessert captures the season’s warmth in every heavenly bite.

Layers of creamy spiced goodness dance across your palate with nostalgic charm.

Soft, velvety textures mingle with rich, warming notes that echo crisp fall afternoons.

Warming cinnamon and nutmeg weave magic through this decadent treat, creating a sensory experience that feels like a cozy embrace.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through seasonal flavors that comfort and delight.

Indulge in this dessert and let the magic of autumn unfold on your plate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 270 kcal

Servings: 13

What’s in Pumpkin Spice Dream Dessert

• Honey Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a sweet, crunchy foundation that adds delightful texture and classic bakery-style flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich, golden base that melts in your mouth.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps the crust become crisp and golden when baked.

• Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix: Creates a silky smooth base that helps thicken and stabilize the pumpkin filling.
• Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and helps activate the pudding mix for a luxurious texture.
• Pumpkin Puree: Brings authentic autumn flavor and vibrant orange color to the dessert.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Infuses warm, aromatic spices that capture the essence of fall in every bite.
• Cool Whip: Provides light, airy texture and helps create a dreamy, soft consistency.

• Additional Cool Whip: Creates a cloud-like final layer that adds extra creaminess.
• Reserved Graham Cracker Crumbs: Adds a delightful crunch and ties the dessert back to its crust.
• Chopped Pecans: Introduces a nutty crunch and rich, toasty flavor that complements the pumpkin.
• Caramel Syrup: Drizzles a decadent, golden sweetness that elevates the entire dessert.

Utensils for Crafting a Chilly Pumpkin Dream

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar.
• 9×13 inch baking pan: Perfect for creating layered dessert and ensuring even baking.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending pudding mix, milk, pumpkin puree, and spices smoothly.
• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Measuring spoons: Helps precisely add sugar and spices.
• Spatula: Great for spreading layers evenly and folding ingredients.
• Oven: Required for baking graham cracker crust.
• Aluminum foil: Used for covering and chilling dessert.

Instructions for Layering Pumpkin Spice Sweetness

• Crust Foundation

Create a delightful base by combining graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and a touch of sweetness. Press the mixture into a baking pan and bake until golden, letting it cool completely.

• Pumpkin Magic

Whip together pudding mix, milk, pumpkin puree, and warm spices until the mixture transforms into a creamy delight. Gently incorporate a cloud of whipped topping for extra smoothness.

• Dreamy Layers

Top the pumpkin landscape with a fluffy white blanket of whipped cream. Sprinkle with leftover graham cracker bits and crunchy pecan pieces. Drizzle caramel sauce for a luxurious finish.

• Chill and Savor

Wrap the dessert and let it rest in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to mingle and textures to harmonize. After a few hours, slice into this autumn-inspired treat and enjoy the symphony of tastes.

Tips for Amplifying Pumpkin Spice Vibes

• Baking Brilliance: Swap graham crackers with gingersnap cookies for a spicier crust base.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert up to two days in advance for stress-free entertaining, keeping it refrigerated until serving.
• Nutty Alternatives: Replace pecans with toasted walnuts or almonds for a different crunch and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut whipped cream and almond milk to create a lactose-free version that's equally delicious and creamy.
• Spice Sensation: Experiment with additional warming spices like cardamom or ground ginger to enhance the pumpkin layer's complexity and depth of flavor.

Serving Pumpkin Dream as a Holiday Favorite

• Autumn Gathering Centerpiece: Transform this dessert into a stunning table focal point by arranging individual servings in clear glass mason jars, layering each component carefully to showcase the beautiful colors and textures.
• Festive Holiday Treat: Elevate the dessert for thanksgiving or fall celebrations by garnishing with mini cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices, or edible gold leaf for an elegant, seasonal presentation.
• Dessert Bar Delight: Create a dessert station where guests can customize their servings with additional toppings like crushed gingersnap cookies, extra caramel drizzle, or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for added crunch and flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert up to two days in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator, which makes it perfect for busy holiday meal planning and reduces day-of kitchen stress.

Fridge-Ready Storage for Pumpkin Dessert

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store this delightful dessert tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing any flavor absorption from other foods.
• Freezing Friendly Option: Wrap the entire dessert in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months, perfect for making ahead of special gatherings or unexpected sweet cravings.
• Portioning Pro Tip: Cut dessert into individual squares before refrigerating, which makes grabbing a quick treat easier and helps prevent repeatedly exposing the entire dessert to temperature changes.
• Serving Temperature Hack: Remove the dessert from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, allowing the flavors to become more pronounced and the texture to become wonderfully creamy.

Velvety Pumpkin Spice Dream Dessert Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Silky pumpkin spice dream dessert blends autumn’s warmth with creamy comfort. Rich seasonal flavors invite home bakers to create a memorable sweet experience you’ll savor with delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 15 oz (425 g) pumpkin puree
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 (3.4 oz / 96 g) boxes vanilla instant pudding mix
• 16 oz (454 g) cool whip
• 2 cups honey graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup butter, melted
• 1 tbsp additional graham cracker crumbs, reserved for topping
• 2 tbsps pecans, finely chopped
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• sundae caramel syrup, chilled, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare Crust: Blend graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar, creating a cohesive mixture that will form the dessert’s foundation. Press firmly into a 9×13 inch baking pan to establish an even, compact base.
2. Bake Crust: Roast the crust in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Allow to cool completely, ensuring a crisp, sturdy foundation.
3. Craft Pumpkin Layer: Whisk pudding mix, whole milk, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice until achieving a smooth, thick consistency. Gently fold in Cool Whip to create a light, creamy pumpkin mixture.
4. Layer Assembly: Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the cooled crust, creating a uniform layer that completely covers the graham cracker base.
5. Topping Technique: Generously spread remaining Cool Whip across the pumpkin layer, creating a billowy, cloud-like surface. Artfully sprinkle reserved graham cracker crumbs and chopped pecans over the top.
6. Finish and Chill: Drizzle caramel syrup in an elegant pattern, adding a luxurious final touch. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least four hours to allow flavors to meld and layers to set completely.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Unveil a decadent, multi-layered dessert that captures the essence of autumn’s most beloved flavors, presenting a visually stunning and delicious treat.

Notes

• Chill Before Serving: Allow minimum 4 hours refrigeration to help layers meld and develop rich, balanced flavors and optimal texture.
• Crumb Crust Technique: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, stable foundation that prevents crumbling when slicing.
• Gentle Mixing Method: Fold Cool Whip into pumpkin mixture delicately to maintain light, airy consistency and prevent deflating the whipped cream.
• Spice Balance Matters: Use fresh pumpkin pie spice for maximum aromatic intensity and ensure even distribution throughout the dessert for consistent flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg