Introduction

Nothing says fall quite like pumpkin spice, and this Pumpkin Cheesecake Parfait is the ultimate no-bake dessert to bring those flavors to life. It’s creamy, rich, and layered beautifully with pumpkin spice pudding, sweetened cream cheese, and graham cracker crumbs or cookies for added texture. These parfaits not only taste like autumn in a cup, but they also look stunning when served in individual glasses, making them perfect for holiday parties, family dinners, or cozy nights in. Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or just want to impress your guests, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

My recipe story

The inspiration for this Pumpkin Cheesecake Parfait came during a Thanksgiving season when I wanted something lighter and easier than a traditional pumpkin pie. After all, by the time dessert rolls around, everyone is usually stuffed from the main meal. A layered parfait seemed like the perfect solution—it has all the flavors of pumpkin pie and cheesecake, but with a fun twist. Over time, I perfected the balance of pudding, cream cheese, and cookie crumbles, and now it’s one of my most requested holiday desserts. Kids love the creamy layers, and adults can’t resist the nostalgic pumpkin spice flavor paired with a cheesecake-like filling. It’s become a family favorite that makes an appearance every fall without fail.

💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No baking required, making it a quick and stress-free dessert.

Perfectly portioned into individual servings that look elegant.
Rich, creamy layers combine cheesecake and pumpkin spice flavors.
Great make-ahead dessert option for holidays or entertaining.

Versatile recipe that can be customized with toppings and mix-ins.

Ingredient breakdown

This recipe requires just a handful of simple ingredients, yet each one plays an important role in creating the perfect parfait. First, the pumpkin spice pudding mix is the star of the show. It delivers that warm, cozy pumpkin flavor we all crave in the fall, while also giving structure to the parfait layers. If you can’t find pumpkin spice pudding, vanilla pudding with added pumpkin pie spice works beautifully.

The cream cheese adds that tangy richness you’d expect in a cheesecake, balancing out the sweetness of the pudding. When blended with a bit of sugar and whipped cream, it becomes silky smooth and decadent. Milk is necessary to prepare the pudding properly, giving it the creamy consistency we want in these parfaits. Finally, you can’t forget the graham cracker crumbs or cookies, which provide a wonderful crunch and contrast to the soft layers. Optional toppings like whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or crushed pecans take the presentation and flavor to the next level.

Equipment you’ll need

Mixing bowls
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons

Spatula
Whisk
Parfait glasses, small jars, or cups for serving

Piping bag or spoon for layering

Step-by-step directions

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and lump-free. This step ensures your parfait filling has a creamy texture without clumps. If the cream cheese feels too firm, let it soften at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing.
Prepare the pumpkin spice pudding by whisking the pudding mix with milk according to package instructions. Once thickened, let it rest for about 5 minutes so it fully sets before layering into the parfaits.

Fold some of the prepared pudding into the cream cheese mixture. This will create a lighter, fluffier cheesecake-like layer that pairs beautifully with the denser pumpkin pudding.
Crush graham crackers or your choice of cookies into fine crumbs. You can pulse them in a food processor or place them in a bag and crush with a rolling pin. This will serve as the crunchy base and layer between the creams.
Assemble the parfaits by spooning or piping a layer of cookie crumbs at the bottom of each glass. Follow with a layer of cream cheese mixture, then a layer of pumpkin pudding. Repeat the process until the glass is filled, finishing with pudding on top.

Top each parfait with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or crushed nuts. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set nicely.

Variations & substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or ingredients on hand. If pumpkin spice pudding isn’t available, substitute vanilla or butterscotch pudding and mix in a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt to create a tangy, creamy filling. Instead of graham crackers, try gingersnaps, shortbread, or Biscoff cookies for unique flavor twists. For extra indulgence, add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or layer in some caramelized pecans for a crunchy surprise. The beauty of parfaits is their flexibility—you can make them as simple or as decadent as you like.

💡 Expert Tips & Troubleshooting

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in your filling.
Chill the parfaits for at least an hour before serving so the flavors develop and layers hold shape.
Use a piping bag for clean, defined layers that look professional and polished.

If pudding layers seem too runny, let the pudding sit a few minutes longer before assembling.
Prepare a few extra cookie crumbs for topping just before serving—they add a fresh crunch.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

These Pumpkin Cheesecake Parfaits are best enjoyed fresh but can be made ahead of time for convenience. Store them in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or lids, for up to 3 days. The cookie layers may soften over time, but the flavors will still be delicious. If you want to prepare the components in advance, store the pudding, cream cheese filling, and cookie crumbs separately and assemble the parfaits just before serving. Freezing is not recommended, as the pudding and cream cheese layers can separate once thawed, affecting the creamy texture.

Serving ideas & pairings

These parfaits shine on their own, but you can make them extra special with a few creative pairings. Serve them as part of a dessert buffet alongside apple crisp, pecan pie bars, or spiced cookies. Pair with coffee, chai tea, or a spiced latte for the ultimate fall experience. For holiday dinners, these parfaits look gorgeous on a dessert table when layered in clear stemmed glasses. You can also make mini versions in shot glasses for parties and potlucks—guests will love the bite-sized presentation. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon to make each serving look irresistible.

FAQ

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of pudding mix?
While canned pumpkin can add great flavor, it won’t set like pudding. If you want to incorporate canned pumpkin, mix it into the pudding or cream cheese layer for extra pumpkin flavor.

What if I can’t find pumpkin spice pudding?
Use vanilla or butterscotch pudding and add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to achieve a similar flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Simply use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies, and ensure the pudding mix is labeled gluten-free.

How far in advance can I assemble these parfaits?
You can assemble them up to 24 hours in advance. For the best texture, add cookie crumbs and whipped cream toppings just before serving.

Can I serve these in a large trifle dish instead of individual cups?
Yes, this recipe works beautifully as a layered trifle. Simply double the ingredients and assemble in a large clear bowl for a show-stopping dessert centerpiece.

Final thoughts

Pumpkin Cheesecake Parfaits are the perfect way to bring fall flavors to your table without the stress of baking. They combine creamy cheesecake filling, spiced pumpkin pudding, and crunchy cookie layers for a dessert that feels both comforting and elegant. Easy to prepare, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal tradition in your home. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or simply enjoying one as a cozy treat, these parfaits deliver all the flavors of autumn in every spoonful. Give them a try this season and watch them disappear quickly from the table!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Parfait

Author: Sarah White

Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy pumpkin spice pudding layered with sweetened cream cheese and crunchy cookie crumbs. A no-bake fall dessert perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients

2 boxes (3.4 oz each) pumpkin spice pudding mix

8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cups milk
1 cup graham cracker crumbs (or gingersnap/Biscoff cookies)

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
Extra whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or chopped pecans for topping

Instructions

In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped cream to create a light cheesecake filling.
In another bowl, whisk pudding mix with milk until thickened, about 2–3 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes to set.
Crush graham crackers or cookies into fine crumbs for the crunchy layer.

Assemble parfaits by layering cookie crumbs, cheesecake mixture, and pudding in glasses or jars. Repeat layers as desired.
Finish with whipped cream and toppings of choice. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Make ahead up to 24 hours and store covered in the fridge. For extra crunch, add fresh cookie crumbs just before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake

Cuisine: American