Creamy No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake – A Perfect Fall Dessert

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When the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there’s one flavor that reigns supreme—pumpkin. Imagine sinking your fork into a luscious, creamy, and perfectly spiced pumpkin cheesecake without even needing to turn on your oven. This Creamy No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake is the ultimate fall dessert that’s easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, cozy gathering, or just a treat for yourself, this dessert is a must-try.

Let’s dive into how you can make this delightful no-bake dessert from scratch, step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making this cheesecake is as simple as it is satisfying. Here’s why it’s the perfect dessert for you:

  • No Baking Required: Skip the oven and save time.
  • Rich and Creamy Texture: The filling is silky smooth with a burst of pumpkin spice in every bite.
  • Perfectly Spiced Flavor: Balanced with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  • Easy to Make Ahead: This dessert tastes even better after chilling overnight, making it a great option for hosting.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone will love this fall-inspired treat!

Ingredients: Everything You Need

You likely already have most of these ingredients in your pantry, and the rest are easy to find. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for the crust and filling.

For the Crust

IngredientQuantity
Digestive biscuits or graham crackers, crushed1 1/2 cups
Brown sugar2 tablespoons
Ground cinnamon1/2 teaspoon
Unsalted butter, melted80 g (about 1/3 cup)

For the Cheesecake Filling

IngredientQuantity
Cream cheese, softened450 g (16 oz)
Pumpkin purée1 cup
Powdered sugar1 cup
Ground cinnamon1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg1/2 teaspoon
Ground ginger1/2 teaspoon
Kosher salt1 teaspoon
Vanilla extract1 teaspoon
Heavy whipping cream1 cup

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break this recipe into simple, manageable steps so you can whip up the perfect dessert.

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

The crust provides the foundation for this creamy dessert, adding a buttery, slightly crunchy texture to complement the filling.

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed digestive biscuits (or graham crackers), brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well.
  2. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles damp sand.
  3. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or pie dish, ensuring an even layer.
  4. Place the crust in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

This is where the magic happens—the filling is rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced.

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This ensures a silky texture.
  2. Add the pumpkin purée, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined and smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream on high speed until stiff peaks form. This should take about 3–5 minutes with an electric mixer.
  4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want a light, airy filling.

Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake

Now it’s time to put everything together and let the magic unfold.

  1. Spread the pumpkin cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top for a clean, polished look.
  2. Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to fully set.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once your cheesecake is fully set, it’s ready to impress!

  1. Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
  2. Slice into servings and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra fall flair.
  3. Serve chilled and watch as everyone goes back for seconds.

Pro Tips for the Perfect No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly, ensuring no lumps in your filling.
  • Chill for Longer: For the best texture, chill your cheesecake overnight. The flavors meld beautifully, and the filling firms up perfectly.
  • Add Garnishes: Crushed nuts, caramel drizzle, or even white chocolate shavings make excellent toppings.
  • Make It Ahead: This dessert is a lifesaver during busy holiday prep. You can make it up to two days in advance!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of what to expect in terms of nutrition (per slice, based on 8 servings).

NutrientAmount (Approx.)
Calories320
Total Fat21 g
Saturated Fat13 g
Carbohydrates28 g
Sugar20 g
Protein5 g

Variations to Try

Looking to customize your cheesecake? Here are some fun ideas:

  1. Gluten-Free Crust: Swap the digestive biscuits with gluten-free cookies.
  2. Vegan Version: Use vegan cream cheese and whipped coconut cream for a plant-based dessert.
  3. Chocolate Twist: Add a layer of melted chocolate over the crust before adding the filling.
  4. Spice It Up: Adjust the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to suit your taste.

FAQs About Creamy No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

1. Can I use homemade pumpkin purée?

Yes, absolutely! Homemade pumpkin purée works wonderfully. Just ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

2. How long does this cheesecake last in the fridge?

This cheesecake can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, covered tightly.

3. Can I freeze the cheesecake?

Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

4. Do I need a springform pan?

While a springform pan makes serving easier, a regular pie dish works fine too. Just cut and serve directly from the dish.

5. What’s the best way to crush biscuits for the crust?

You can crush them using a food processor or place them in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

6. Can I make mini cheesecakes with this recipe?

Yes, you can! Use muffin tins with cupcake liners. Press the crust into the bottom of each liner and divide the filling evenly.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a dessert that’s easy to make, tastes amazing, and captures the spirit of the season. This Creamy No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake checks all those boxes and more. Whether you’re enjoying it with friends, family, or savoring it solo, every bite will remind you why fall is so special.

So, grab your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to impress everyone with your baking (or no-baking) skills!

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Creamy No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake – A Perfect Fall Dessert


  • Author: Annabel
  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

Imagine a creamy, spiced pumpkin cheesecake that’s rich, flavorful, and doesn’t even require baking! This delightful fall dessert is easy to whip up and guarantees rave reviews at your next gathering. With a buttery, cinnamon-infused crust and a light, fluffy pumpkin filling, this no-bake cheesecake is the perfect way to embrace the season.


Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups digestive biscuits or graham crackers, crushed
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 80 g (about 1/3 cup) unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 450 g (16 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup pumpkin purée
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  • In a medium bowl, mix the crushed digestive biscuits (or graham crackers) with brown sugar and ground cinnamon.
  • Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles damp sand.
  • Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or pie dish.
  • Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

  • Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
  • Add pumpkin purée, powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream on high speed until stiff peaks form (about 3–5 minutes).
  • Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture until evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake

  • Spread the pumpkin cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  • Cover the cheesecake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully set.

Step 4: Serve

  • Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
  • Slice and serve as is, or top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra fall charm.

Notes

  • For best results, use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in the filling.
  • Chilling overnight ensures the cheesecake has the perfect texture and flavor.
  • Feel free to adjust spices to your preference or add a pinch of cloves for a bolder flavor.
  • This recipe is also excellent for making mini cheesecakes using muffin tins.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American