Pumpkin Icebox Cake Dessert: A Delicious Fall Treat You Must Try

Pumpkin Icebox Cake Dessert is a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall in every bite. As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, this no-bake dessert becomes a favorite in many households, bringing warmth and comfort to gatherings and celebrations. The origins of icebox cakes date back to the early 20th century, when refrigeration became more common, allowing for the creation of these layered delights. What I love most about Pumpkin Icebox Cake Dessert is its incredible balance of flavors and textures; the creamy pumpkin filling pairs beautifully with the crunchy graham cracker layers, creating a harmonious experience that is both satisfying and refreshing.

People adore this dish not only for its rich, spiced flavor reminiscent of pumpkin pie but also for its convenience—no baking required! It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert that allows you to spend more time with loved ones and less time in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or simply craving a sweet treat, this Pumpkin Icebox Cake Dessert is sure to impress and delight everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

• 1 (15 oz) can of pure pumpkin puree
• 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup of powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
• 1 (12 oz) container of whipped topping, thawed
• 1 package of graham crackers (about 14-16 sheets)
• 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)

Preparing the Pumpkin Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger to the cream cheese mixture. Continue to mix on medium speed until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.
3. Once the pumpkin mixture is smooth, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whipped topping; you want to keep the mixture light and airy. This will give your icebox cake a lovely texture.

Assembling the Icebox Cake

1. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar-sized container. Start by laying down a single layer of graham crackers at the bottom of the dish. You may need to break some crackers to fit them snugly.
2. Spread a generous layer of the pumpkin mixture over the graham crackers, making sure to cover them completely. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly.
3. Repeat the process: add another layer of graham crackers on top of the pumpkin mixture, followed by another layer of the pumpkin mixture. You can do this for 2-3 layers, depending on how tall you want your cake to be. Make sure to finish with a layer of the pumpkin mixture on top.
4. If you’re using chopped pecans or walnuts, sprinkle them on top of the final layer of pumpkin mixture for added texture and flavor.

Chilling the Cake

1. Once assembled, cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the graham crackers to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.
2. While the cake is chilling, you can prepare any additional toppings you might want to use, such as whipped cream or caramel sauce. If you’re using whipped cream, you can whip some heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.

Serving the Pumpkin Icebox Cake

1. After the chilling period, remove the cake from the refrigerator. Carefully take off the plastic wrap or foil.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut the cake into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. It’s best to dip the knife in warm water before cutting to ensure clean slices.
3. Serve each piece on a plate, and if desired, add a dollop of whipped cream on top. Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
4. Enjoy your delicious pumpkin icebox cake with friends and family! This dessert is perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or any time you crave a sweet treat.

Tips for Success

• Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing. If you forget to take it out in advance, you can microwave it for about 10-15 seconds to soften it slightly.
• Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. If you love cinnamon, add a bit more! If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the spices.
• For a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free graham crackers or another type

  Conclusion:

  In wrapping up this delightful journey into the world of Pumpkin Icebox Cake Dessert, I can confidently say that this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to impress their friends and family with a seasonal treat that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious. The creamy layers of pumpkin and whipped topping, combined with the crunch of graham crackers, create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. For serving suggestions, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream on top, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with variations by incorporating different spices like nutmeg or ginger, or even swapping out the graham crackers for chocolate cookies for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless! I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Pumpkin Icebox Cake Dessert a try. It’s perfect for gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s spread the joy of this delightful dessert together! Happy baking! Print
  

  Pumpkin Icebox Cake Dessert: A Delicious Fall Treat You Must Try

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  • Author: Dottie
  • Total Time: 260 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

  Print Recipe

  Pin Recipe

  Description

  Enjoy the taste of fall with this no-bake Pumpkin Icebox Cake, featuring layers of creamy pumpkin filling and graham crackers. Perfect for gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and even easier to savor!

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  Ingredients

  Scale 1x2x3x

  • 1 (15 oz) can of pure pumpkin puree
  • 1 (8 oz) package of cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup of powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
  • 1 (12 oz) container of whipped topping, thawed
  • 1 package of graham crackers (about 14–16 sheets)
  • 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)

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  Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
  2. Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger to the cream cheese mixture. Continue mixing on medium speed until well combined and smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  3. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping using a spatula, being careful not to deflate it.
  4. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. Lay down a single layer of graham crackers at the bottom, breaking them as needed to fit.
  5. Spread a generous layer of the pumpkin mixture over the graham crackers, smoothing it out evenly.
  6. Repeat the layering process with more graham crackers and pumpkin mixture for 2-3 layers, finishing with a layer of pumpkin mixture on top.
  7. If using, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the final layer.
  8. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the graham crackers to soften.
  9. Prepare any additional toppings, such as whipped cream or caramel sauce, while the cake chills.
  10. After chilling, remove the cake from the refrigerator and take off the cover.
  11. Cut the cake into squares or rectangles using a sharp knife (dipping it in warm water helps for clean cuts).
  12. Serve each piece on a plate, adding a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce if desired.
  13. Enjoy this delicious dessert with friends and family!

  Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is softened for easy mixing. If needed, microwave for 10-15 seconds.
  • Adjust spices to your taste preference.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes