The Best Pumpkin & Ginger Snap Crust Recipe You’ll Love

Dessert lovers swoon over this creamy layered pumpkin dessert with a ginger snap crust that delivers pure autumn magic.

The crumbly, spiced base provides a delightful contrast to the silky smooth pumpkin filling.

Warm cinnamon and nutmeg dance through each decadent bite, creating a symphony of seasonal flavors.

Crisp ginger snaps crush perfectly into a buttery foundation that holds the luscious pumpkin layers.

Each forkful promises a harmonious blend of textures and rich, comforting tastes.

This dessert transforms a simple gathering into a memorable celebration of fall’s most beloved ingredients.

Prepare to indulge in a sweet masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why This Pumpkin Dessert Is So Loved

• Craft an Easy Crowd-Pleaser: A dessert that requires minimal kitchen skills and delivers maximum deliciousness for everyone to enjoy.
• Prepare Ahead with Ease: Make this dessert completely in advance, giving you stress-free preparation for gatherings or special occasions without last-minute kitchen chaos.
• No-Bake Dessert Delight: Skip the oven and create a spectacular treat that comes together quickly.

Ingredients for Creamy Pumpkin Ginger Snap Dessert

• Ginger Snap Cookies: Spicy and crunchy cookies that form the base of the dessert.
• Butter: Rich ingredient that helps bind the cookie crumbs together.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth and tangy dairy product that creates a rich base.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweet ingredient that adds smoothness to the layer.
• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic flavor enhancer with warm, sweet notes.
• Whipped Topping: Light and fluffy cream that adds volume and softness.

• Pumpkin Puree: Smooth, orange vegetable base with classic autumn flavor.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Convenient thickening agent with sweet vanilla taste.
• Milk: Creamy liquid that helps create a smooth consistency.
• Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm spices that give a cozy, seasonal warmth.

• Whipped Topping: Light cream for the final layer.
• Caramel Sauce, Crushed Ginger Snaps, Chopped Pecans: Optional garnishes for extra texture and flavor.

Assembling This Layered Pumpkin Treat

Step 1: Crush Ginger Snap Cookies

Crumble ginger snap cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.

Break cookies into small, uniform pieces ensuring no large chunks remain.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Cookie Base

Mix crushed cookie crumbs with melted butter until completely coated.

Press mixture firmly into bottom of 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even, compact layer.

Refrigerate crust while preparing additional layers.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Pumpkin Mixture

• Pumpkin puree
• Instant vanilla pudding mix
• Cold milk
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Nutmeg
• Cloves

Whisk ingredients until smooth and thick, ensuring no lumps remain.

Step 4: Prepare Silky Cream Cheese Layer

• Softened cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Mix until completely smooth and creamy.

Gently fold in whipped topping until well incorporated.

Step 5: Layer Delicious Dessert

Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over chilled cookie crust.

Carefully spread pumpkin mixture on top of cream cheese layer.

Top with additional whipped topping.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Cover dessert with plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight, allowing flavors to develop and layers to set firmly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle crushed ginger snaps on top.

Optional: Add caramel sauce drizzle or chopped pecans.

Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Pumpkin Dessert – Kitchen Tips You’ll Want

• Press the ginger snap crumbs firmly and evenly into the baking dish to ensure a solid, compact base that holds together when serving.
• Use a wire whisk to blend the pumpkin and pudding mixture thoroughly, eliminating any lumps for a silky smooth texture.
• Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set and develop a rich, harmonious taste.
• Experiment with garnishes like crushed ginger snaps, caramel drizzle, chopped pecans, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to add personal flair and extra crunch.
• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free cream cheese layer that blends seamlessly.

Keeping Your Pumpkin Dessert Fresh

• Store the dessert in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dessert in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• This dessert is best enjoyed cold straight from the refrigerator. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the layers separate and lose their creamy texture.
• Let the dessert sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance the flavors.

What Goes Best with This Pumpkin Treat

• Perfectly Pair Sweet Spiced Wine: Sip a glass of mulled wine or dessert wine to complement the warm spices in the pumpkin dessert. The rich, sweet notes will enhance the ginger and cinnamon flavors.
• Nutty Companion Crunch: Select a scoop of butter pecan or maple walnut ice cream alongside the dessert. The nutty, creamy texture creates a delightful contrast with the smooth pumpkin layers.
• Robust Coffee Match: Brew a hot cup of dark roast coffee or spiced chai latte to cut through the dessert's richness. The bold coffee flavors will balance the sweet, creamy texture of the layered treat.
• Caramel Bourbon Pairing: Enjoy a small pour of caramel-infused bourbon that echoes the dessert's warm spices and complements its sweet undertones. The smooth alcohol will elevate the entire tasting experience.

Pumpkin Dessert with Flavor Twists and Variants

• Gluten-Free Ginger Snap Alternative: Replace traditional ginger snap cookies with gluten-free ginger snap cookies or gluten-free graham crackers. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Pumpkin Delight: Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Use vegan cream cheese, coconut whipped cream, and dairy-free milk. Replace instant pudding mix with cornstarch and plant-based milk for thickening.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Create a low-carb crust using almond flour and crushed pecans. Use sugar-free pudding mix and replace powdered sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener. Incorporate full-fat cream cheese and unsweetened whipped cream to maintain ketogenic macros.
• Nut-Free Modification: Omit pecan garnish if serving to those with nut allergies. Consider using seeds or additional cookie crumbs as a topping alternative. Verify all ingredients are processed in nut-free facilities for maximum safety.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the ginger snap crust special?

The ginger snap cookies provide a spicy, warm base that complements the creamy pumpkin layers, creating a unique texture and flavor profile that elevates the entire dessert.

• Why do I need to chill the dessert for several hours?

Chilling allows the layers to set properly, helps the flavors meld together, and creates a firmer, more stable dessert that’s easier to slice and serve with clean, distinct layers.

• Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

You can swap instant vanilla pudding with cheesecake flavor, use different spices like allspice or cardamom, and replace whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a personalized touch.

• How difficult is this dessert to make?

This layered dessert is surprisingly simple, requiring no baking and minimal cooking skills. With basic mixing and layering techniques, even novice bakers can create an impressive and delicious dessert.

Creamy Layered Pumpkin Dessert With A Ginger Snap Crust Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Seasonal autumn “Pumpkin Dream Bars” blend silky pumpkin cream with spicy ginger snap crumbles for a classic harvest treat. Guests will crave each luxurious bite of this nostalgic fall dessert that whispers comfort in every delectable slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups ginger snap cookie crumbs (about 30–35 cookies, finely crushed)
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Filling Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) powdered sugar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pumpkin Layer Ingredients:

• 1 15-ounce (425 grams) can pumpkin puree
• 1 3.4-ounce (96 grams) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Craft a fragrant base by pulverizing ginger snap cookies and blending with melted butter until uniformly moistened.
2. Firmly compress the crumbly mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even, compact foundation.
3. Refrigerate the crust while preparing subsequent layers to enhance structural integrity.
4. Whisk pumpkin puree with instant vanilla pudding mix, incorporating warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until achieving a velvety, uniform consistency.
5. In a separate bowl, transform cream cheese into a silky mixture by vigorously beating with powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
6. Gently fold whipped topping into the cream cheese base, creating a light, airy texture.
7. Delicately spread the cream cheese layer across the chilled ginger snap crust, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Carefully distribute the spiced pumpkin mixture over the cream cheese stratum, maintaining clean layer definition.
9. Crown the dessert with a billowing layer of whipped topping for visual appeal and additional richness.
10. Seal with plastic wrap and allow the dessert to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, permitting flavors to harmonize and layers to stabilize.
11. Before serving, embellish with crushed ginger snaps, a luxurious caramel drizzle, or chopped pecans for textural contrast.
12. Slice into elegant squares and savor the decadent autumnal creation.

Notes

• Swap ginger snap cookies with graham crackers or gluten-free alternatives for dietary restrictions.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping to reduce overall calorie content and create a lighter dessert option.
• Enhance flavor complexity by toasting nuts before sprinkling on top, releasing deeper nutty undertones and adding delightful crunch.
• Create make-ahead friendly dessert by preparing layers up to two days in advance, keeping refrigerated until ready to serve for stress-free entertaining.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg