Creamy Layered Pumpkin Dessert with a Ginger Snap Crust is the perfect fall treat, combining the comforting flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with a crunchy, spicy ginger snap crust. This layered dessert offers a sophisticated twist on traditional pumpkin pie, with its rich, creamy pumpkin filling and light, fluffy whipped topping. The bold contrast between the creamy layers and the zesty ginger snap base makes each bite exciting and satisfying.

Not only does this dessert provide a burst of seasonal flavors, but it also makes a stunning addition to any holiday table. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving or a cozy autumn gathering, this dessert is sure to impress your guests both in taste and presentation. The multi-layered approach gives it an elegant appearance, while the straightforward preparation ensures anyone can make it, regardless of baking experience.

What Makes This Dessert Special?

This dessert stands out for its incredible combination of textures and flavors. The crunchy ginger snap crust brings a spicy bite that perfectly complements the creamy, mildly sweet pumpkin filling. Despite its luxurious appearance, it’s remarkably simple to prepare, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

If you’re looking for a delicious alternative to the traditional pumpkin pie, this creamy layered pumpkin dessert offers a unique and memorable twist that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients Breakdown

Ginger Snap Crust

Ingredients: Ginger snap cookies, melted butter.

Why Ginger Snaps?: Ginger snap cookies are used for their bold, spicy flavor, which adds a nice contrast to the creamy, mildly sweet pumpkin filling. The crunch of the ginger snap crust also provides a delightful texture that balances out the smooth layers. The spice from the ginger complements the warmth of the pumpkin spice in the filling, making each bite full of fall flavor.

Creamy Pumpkin Layers

Ingredients: Pumpkin puree, cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of salt.
Ingredient Importance:
- Pumpkin Puree: The star of the dessert, providing a rich, earthy sweetness and a smooth texture.
- Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and a slight tang, which complements the pumpkin and keeps the dessert from being overly sweet.
- Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger): These warm spices enhance the flavor of the pumpkin, giving the dessert its distinct fall aroma and taste.
- Sugar: Balances the tang of the cream cheese and the earthy flavor of the pumpkin, sweetening the filling just right.
- Vanilla: Adds depth and rounds out the flavors.

Whipped Topping

Ingredients: Heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract.

Why a Light Topping?: The whipped topping is essential for balancing the richness of the pumpkin and cream cheese layers. Its airy, fluffy texture adds lightness to each bite and ensures the dessert doesn’t feel too heavy. The slight sweetness of the whipped cream enhances the dessert without overpowering it.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Making the Ginger Snap Crust

Crushing the Ginger Snaps:
- Place ginger snap cookies in a food processor or seal them in a zip-lock bag and crush them with a rolling pin until finely ground.
- Measure about 1 ½ cups of crushed cookies.
Mixing with Butter:
- Melt 6 tablespoons of butter and stir it into the crushed cookies until the mixture resembles wet sand. The butter helps bind the crumbs together, creating a firm, cohesive crust.

Pressing into the Baking Dish:
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to ensure it’s packed tightly. This will help the crust stay intact when slicing.
Optional Chilling:
- Chill the crust for 10-15 minutes in the fridge to help it set and firm up before adding the filling.

Preparing the Creamy Pumpkin Layers

Combining Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 8 ounces of cream cheese until smooth.
- Add 1 cup of pumpkin puree, ½ cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Mix in ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Tips for a Smooth Filling:
- To avoid lumps, make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing.
- Use an electric mixer or a blender to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth.
Layering Over the Crust:
- Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the chilled ginger snap crust using a spatula. Make sure it’s smooth and even for a clean, uniform layer.

Whipping the Topping

Whipping the Cream:
- In a cold mixing bowl, pour 1 cup of heavy cream and whip it using an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.

Sweetening the Cream:
- Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then continue to whip until stiff peaks form.
Spreading the Topping:
- Gently spread the whipped cream evenly over the pumpkin layer. The light, airy texture of the cream should sit smoothly on top of the filling without mixing into it.

Chilling and Serving

Refrigeration:
- Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set fully. This step is crucial for the dessert to hold its shape when sliced.

Serving:
- Use a sharp knife to cut neat squares or slices. For the cleanest cuts, wipe the knife between slices.
Optional Garnishes:
- Sprinkle crushed ginger snaps or lightly dust with cinnamon for a decorative and flavorful touch.

Tips for Success

Best Ginger Snap Cookies to Use

Look for ginger snap cookies that are crispy and well-spiced. The stronger the spice, the better it complements the pumpkin. Some brands to consider include Nabisco or Trader Joe’s.
Alternatives: If ginger snaps aren’t available, substitute with graham crackers mixed with a bit of ground ginger and cinnamon to recreate the spicy flavor.

Ensuring the Perfect Creamy Texture

Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
Over-Mixing: Don’t over-mix the filling, as this can introduce too much air and cause air bubbles or uneven layers. Blend just until everything is smooth and combined.

Making the Dessert Ahead of Time

In Advance: This dessert can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap.

Freezing: While the texture of the whipped cream may change, the dessert can be frozen for up to 2 weeks. Thaw it in the fridge before serving.

Variations and Customizations

Substituting Ingredients

Mascarpone: Use mascarpone instead of cream cheese for a lighter, less tangy filling.
Sweeteners: Add maple syrup or honey for natural sweetness and a deeper flavor.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free ginger snaps or a crust made from ground nuts for those with gluten sensitivities.

Adding Extra Layers

Chocolate Ganache: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the crust and pumpkin layer for a rich, indulgent twist.
Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of caramel over the whipped topping can add extra sweetness and decoration.

Texture Enhancements: Include chopped pecans, walnuts, or toffee bits in the pumpkin layer or sprinkled on top for a crunchy bite.

Serving Suggestions

Pairing with Other Dishes

This creamy layered pumpkin dessert pairs well with warm spiced drinks like chai tea, mulled cider, or pumpkin spice lattes.
For an elegant dinner, serve it alongside a selection of fall-themed appetizers or a cozy, hearty meal like roasted squash or turkey.

Presentation Tips

Serve the dessert in individual ramekins for a more formal presentation.
For added flair, top each serving with a decorative swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a small ginger snap cookie.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead of making my own?

Yes, store-bought whipped topping can be used, but making fresh whipped cream provides a richer, fresher taste. Store-bought toppings are often lighter and may not hold their shape as well.

Can this dessert be made without dairy?

Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese (such as a coconut-based alternative) and coconut cream in place of heavy cream for the topping. The texture will be slightly different, but it can still be delicious.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The ginger snap crust may soften slightly over time, but the flavor will remain intact.

Can I freeze this dessert?

Yes, you can freeze this dessert. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Creamy Layered Pumpkin Dessert with a Ginger Snap Crust

Author: Munil

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Layered Pumpkin Dessert with a Ginger Snap Crust is a rich, flavorful twist on traditional fall desserts. With its smooth, creamy pumpkin filling layered over a spicy ginger snap crust, and topped with light whipped cream, this dessert brings together the perfect combination of textures and flavors. It’s an ideal treat for autumn gatherings, offering a delicious alternative to pumpkin pie with a sophisticated layered presentation.

Instructions

Prepare the Ginger Snap Crust:

In a medium bowl, combine the crushed ginger snap cookies and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with the butter.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even layer. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the other layers.
Make the Pumpkin Layer:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until smooth and thick. Set aside.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:

In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
Assemble the Dessert:

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled ginger snap crust.
Next, carefully spread the pumpkin layer over the cream cheese layer.
Finally, top with a generous layer of whipped topping.
Chill:

Cover the dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld together.
Serve:

Before serving, garnish the top with crushed ginger snaps, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or chopped pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
Cut into squares and enjoy!

Notes

Crust Texture:
- For a firmer crust, make sure to pack the crushed ginger snaps tightly into the baking dish using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass. If the crust is too loose, it may crumble when you cut the dessert. Chilling the crust for 10-15 minutes before adding the filling also helps it set more firmly.
Pumpkin Layer Smoothness:
- Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients. This helps avoid lumps in the filling. If you do encounter lumps, use a hand mixer or blender to smooth the mixture out.
- Don’t over-mix the pumpkin filling. Over-mixing can introduce too much air, which may lead to a spongy texture rather than a smooth, creamy consistency.
Whipped Cream Topping:
- For the best results, chill your bowl and whisk (or mixer beaters) before whipping the heavy cream. Cold equipment helps the cream whip faster and maintain its texture.
- Sweeten the whipped cream to taste, but be careful not to add too much sugar—it can overwhelm the lightness of the cream and make the topping too sweet.
Refrigeration Time:
- Allow the dessert to chill for at least 2 hours, but for best results, overnight chilling is ideal. This gives the layers time to set properly, ensuring clean slices when serving.
- The longer it chills, the firmer the layers will be, making it easier to cut and serve without the dessert falling apart.
Optional Garnishes:
- Crushed ginger snaps sprinkled over the whipped cream add a nice crunch and visual appeal.
- A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel can give the dessert a festive touch, making it even more appealing for holiday gatherings.
Storage Tips:
- If you plan to store leftovers, cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. While it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, the crust may soften slightly due to the moisture from the filling and whipped cream.
- If freezing, wrap the dessert in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the fridge for several hours or overnight before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions:
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free ginger snaps or replace the ginger snap crust with a nut-based crust.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative like coconut or almond cream cheese, and use coconut cream for the whipped topping.
Make-Ahead Tip:
- This dessert can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Assemble the crust and pumpkin layers, then refrigerate. Add the whipped topping just before serving to ensure it stays fluffy and fresh.