Get ready to impress with this **Easy Layered Pumpkin Delight Recipe**, a truly unique and incredibly simple dessert that captures the essence of fall and the festive spirit of the holidays. This delightful creation features three distinct layers: a buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety smooth pumpkin filling, and a generous topping of light and airy whipped cream. It’s a decadent treat that offers all the comforting flavors of classic pumpkin pie, but with significantly less effort and a much quicker preparation time. Perfect for any pumpkin enthusiast, this recipe promises to be a new family favorite!

As autumn leaves begin to fall and the holidays approach, this canned pumpkin dessert becomes a popular choice for good reason. It draws inspiration from my beloved Prize Pumpkin Pie, offering a fantastic alternative to traditional pies without compromising on flavor. This pumpkin delight is an ideal complement to any festive spread, especially Thanksgiving dinner, pairing wonderfully with a succulent turkey, savory stuffing, creamy mashed potatoes, crisp green beans, and even a refreshing Caesar salad (hold the chicken, of course!). We served this at our last Thanksgiving celebration, and it was an absolute hit with everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Adore This Easy Pumpkin Delight Recipe

If you’re searching for a simple yet show-stopping dessert for the fall season, look no further. This Pumpkin Delight offers numerous advantages that will make it your preferred choice for gatherings and everyday treats alike:

• A Wonderful Alternative to Traditional Pumpkin Pie. Say goodbye to the fuss of making delicate pastry crusts! This recipe eliminates the stress of rolling, chilling, and crimping, making it a perfect solution for those who love the taste of pumpkin pie but prefer a more straightforward dessert. You still get that iconic pumpkin flavor without the extra work.
• Delivers Authentic Pumpkin Pie Flavor. Despite its simpler construction, this layered dessert tastes remarkably similar to a classic pumpkin pie. The carefully balanced combination of pumpkin puree, warming spices, and a unique marshmallow element ensures that familiar, comforting taste that everyone craves during the holidays. You won’t miss the traditional pie!
• Effortlessly Feeds a Crowd. A single 9×13 inch pan of this Pumpkin Delight provides approximately double the servings of a standard 9-inch pumpkin pie, making it an excellent option for larger family gatherings, potlucks, or holiday parties where many mouths need satisfying. It’s designed for sharing!
• The Ultimate Potluck Dessert. Not only does it yield a generous amount, but this layered pumpkin dessert also travels exceptionally well. Its sturdy layers make it easy to transport without fear of it falling apart. Once at its destination, it can be neatly cut into smaller, perfectly portioned squares, ideal for serving alongside other dishes.
• Requires Only 5 Minutes of Baking Time. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s mostly no-bake, this is it! Only the graham cracker crust needs a brief 5-minute stint in the oven, allowing it to set and become wonderfully crisp. The pumpkin filling and whipped cream layers are entirely no-bake, saving you precious oven space and time.
• Incredibly Versatile for Any Occasion. While it shines brightly as a centerpiece for Thanksgiving or Christmas, this pumpkin delight is equally fitting for any fall or winter holiday meal, a cozy Sunday night dinner, or even a simple gathering with friends. Its comforting flavors make it suitable for a wide range of festive and casual occasions.

If you’re continuously on the hunt for more pumpkin pie alternatives, you absolutely must try my Light Pumpkin Cheesecake for another delightful twist on a classic fall flavor!

📖 Exciting Variations & Smart Substitutions

This Easy Pumpkin Delight is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs, personal preferences, or what you simply have on hand. Don’t hesitate to get creative with these delicious twists:

• Pumpkin Options: While canned pumpkin puree offers convenience, you can certainly use freshly made pumpkin puree. If opting for fresh, ensure it’s cooked, blended until silky smooth, and drained of any excess liquid to prevent a watery filling.
• Whipped Topping: For a quicker and often lighter alternative to homemade whipping cream, feel free to substitute a store-bought whipped topping like Cool Whip. This is a great time-saver, especially if you’re preparing for a large gathering.
• Fat for the Crust: Instead of margarine, melted butter can be used for the graham cracker crust. Butter will impart a richer, nuttier flavor, which many find adds an extra layer of deliciousness to the base.
• Dairy-Free Delight: To make this dessert suitable for those with dairy restrictions, simply swap the margarine for a vegan margarine and use a dairy-free whipped topping (many brands of Cool Whip are naturally dairy-free, but always check labels).
• Crust Adventures: The graham cracker crust is classic, but you can experiment! A chocolate crust, made by using chocolate baking crumbs, adds a delightful cocoa dimension. Alternatively, a gingersnap crust, created by crushing or grinding ginger cookies in a food processor, will introduce a warm, spicy kick that perfectly complements the pumpkin.

1. Step 1: Create the Flavorful Base: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with melted margarine and one tablespoon of white sugar. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand. This ensures a cohesive crust. *Important: Remember to set aside ¼ cup of this graham crumb mixture; it will be used later as a delightful topping!

2. Step 2: Bake the Crust: Firmly press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared 9×13 inch pan. You can use the back of a spoon or your fingers. Bake for just 5 minutes in the preheated oven. This brief bake time helps set the crust and makes it delightfully crisp. Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely while you prepare the filling.

3. Step 3: Melt the Marshmallows for the Pumpkin Filling: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the marshmallows with ½ tablespoon of water. (See our “Top Tip” below for a clever trick to prevent sticking!). Microwave on half power (50%) for 2 minutes. Carefully remove and stir. Marshmallows get very hot, so be cautious. If not fully melted and smooth, return to the microwave at 50% power for additional 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until perfectly melted and gooey.

4. Step 4: Combine Pumpkin and Marshmallow Mixture: Into the bowl with your melted marshmallows, add the pure pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk all the ingredients together thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth, well-combined, and takes on a beautiful, uniform orange hue. This forms the delicious core of your dessert.

5. Step 5: Bloom the Gelatin: In a separate small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin crystals evenly over ¼ cup of cold water (this is only half of the total water needed for the gelatin). Allow it to sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes. During this time, the gelatin will absorb the water and swell, forming a thick, opaque gel. *Crucially, do NOT stir it at this stage.

6. Step 6: Observe the Bloom: As mentioned, after 5 minutes, your gelatin will have transformed from granular crystals into a thick, solidified gel. This “blooming” process is vital for ensuring the gelatin dissolves smoothly and effectively in the next step, leading to a perfectly set pumpkin layer.

7. Step 7: Dissolve the Gelatin: Heat the remaining ¼ cup of water in the microwave for approximately 30 seconds on high power, until it’s hot but not boiling. Pour this hot water directly over the bloomed gelatin. Stir gently until the gelatin completely dissolves and returns to a clear, liquid state. Let it cool slightly before adding to the pumpkin mixture.

8. Step 8: Assemble the Pumpkin Layer: Once the dissolved gelatin has cooled slightly, whisk it thoroughly into your pumpkin and marshmallow mixture. Ensure it’s fully incorporated. Immediately pour this vibrant pumpkin filling over your completely cooled graham cracker crust. Spread it evenly, then cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to set for a minimum of one hour, or until firm.

9. Step 9: Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping: While the pumpkin layer is chilling and setting, it’s time to make the glorious whipped cream. Using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the 4 cups of heavy whipping cream on medium-high speed until it starts to form soft peaks. Then, gradually add the remaining 2 tablespoons of white sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks are achieved. The cream should be thick and hold its shape.

10. Step 10: Layer and Garnish: Once your pumpkin layer is fully set and firm (this is critical!), gently spread the freshly whipped cream evenly over the top. For a beautiful finish, sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup of graham cracker crumbs and a dash of ground cinnamon (if desired) over the whipped cream. *Remember, waiting for the pumpkin layer to be completely set is key. Attempting to add the whipped cream too soon will make it difficult to spread cleanly and could cause it to mix into the pumpkin layer, creating a less defined dessert.

🌡️ Storage Instructions

To keep your Easy Pumpkin Delight fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will maintain its quality for up to 4 days. The airtight container helps prevent the whipped cream from absorbing refrigerator odors and keeps the layers from drying out. Unfortunately, this particular recipe does not fare well when frozen. Freezing can alter the texture of the pumpkin layer, making it watery upon thawing, and the whipped cream may separate, so it’s best to enjoy this dessert fresh and chilled.

👪 Serving Suggestions & Portions

This easy layered pumpkin dessert recipe is designed to yield a generous 12 servings, making it perfect for satisfying a larger group or bringing along to a potluck event. Its substantial size ensures everyone gets a delightful piece! If you need to adjust the recipe to suit a different number of guests, simply click on the serving number in the recipe card below and select your desired quantity. The ingredient amounts will automatically update for your convenience. For smaller portions, you can easily cut the dessert into 16 or even 24 smaller pieces, making it an excellent option for a dessert buffet or when serving alongside other sweet treats.

Absolutely! This delicious layered pumpkin dessert is an excellent make-ahead option, perfect for reducing stress on busy days. You can prepare it up to two days in advance. For the best presentation and texture, however, I strongly recommend adding the whipped cream topping just prior to serving. This keeps the cream fresh, light, and perfectly piped.

No, canned pumpkin puree is not naturally sweet, nor does it typically contain any added spices. It’s simply cooked, pureed pumpkin, offering a rich, earthy flavor that serves as a versatile base for both sweet and savory dishes. This is why it’s crucial to use pure pumpkin puree for this recipe, allowing you to control the sweetness and spice levels accurately.

Yes, it is perfectly safe to eat canned pumpkin puree directly from the can. The pumpkin has already been cooked and processed before canning, so it is ready for immediate consumption. It’s often used as a direct ingredient in many no-bake recipes, smoothies, or even as a healthy addition to pet food.

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