
Easy No-Bake Fall Treats
No-bake pumpkin desserts deliver autumn flavor without heating up the kitchen. These twelve recipes celebrate pumpkin’s natural sweetness and creamy texture in treats requiring no oven time. From puddings to cheesecakes to energy balls, each dessert comes together quickly with minimal effort. Perfect for warm fall days or when oven space runs scarce during holiday preparations, these no-bake treats satisfy completely.
Why No-Bake Pumpkin Desserts Work
No-bake desserts save time and energy during busy fall seasons. They keep kitchens cool on unseasonably warm autumn days. Most no-bake treats require simple mixing and refrigeration rather than complicated techniques. Pumpkin puree provides natural creaminess that works perfectly in chilled desserts. These recipes prove that impressive autumn desserts need not require baking skills or oven time.
Creamy No-Bake Pumpkin Desserts
1. No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake
Prep: 20 Minutes plus Chill TimeThis creamy cheesecake delivers classic flavor without turning on the oven. The graham cracker crust requires no baking while the filling sets perfectly in the refrigerator.
Ingredients (Serves 12):
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 8 ounces whipped topping
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter in a bowl.
- Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Refrigerate crust while preparing filling.
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Add pumpkin puree and powdered sugar, beating until combined.
- Mix in vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
- Fold in whipped topping gently until just combined.
- Pour filling over chilled crust.
- Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
- Remove from springform pan before serving.
- Slice and serve chilled.
2. Pumpkin Mousse
Prep: 15 Minutes plus Chill TimeLight and airy pumpkin mousse makes an elegant dessert that comes together in minutes.
Ingredients (Serves 6):
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- Whipped cream for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree with powdered sugar.
- Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to the pumpkin mixture.
- Stir until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold one-third of the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture to lighten it.
- Gently fold in remaining whipped cream until just combined.
- Divide mousse among six serving glasses or bowls.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Top with additional whipped cream before serving.
3. Pumpkin Pudding
Prep: 10 Minutes plus Chill TimeThis simple pudding requires just mixing and chilling for a quick pumpkin dessert.
Ingredients (Serves 6):
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup whipped topping
- Graham crackers for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together pudding mix and cold milk.
- Whisk for 2 minutes until thickened.
- Add pumpkin puree to the pudding.
- Mix in cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
- Fold in whipped topping gently.
- Divide pudding among serving dishes.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Serve with graham crackers for dipping.
4. No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Parfaits
Prep: 15 MinutesLayered parfaits with pumpkin cream and graham crackers create individual no-bake pies.
Ingredients (Serves 6):
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- Whipped cream for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Add pumpkin puree and powdered sugar, beating until combined.
- Mix in vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice.
- Fold in whipped topping gently.
- Layer graham cracker crumbs in the bottom of six glasses.
- Add a layer of pumpkin cream mixture.
- Repeat layers ending with pumpkin cream on top.
- Top with whipped cream.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
5. Pumpkin Icebox Cake
Prep: 20 Minutes plus Chill TimeLayers of cookies and pumpkin cream soften overnight to create a cake-like texture.
Ingredients (Serves 10):
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 package graham crackers
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and ginger.
- Beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold whipped cream into pumpkin mixture.
- Spread a thin layer of pumpkin cream in a 9×13 baking dish.
- Arrange a layer of graham crackers over the cream.
- Spread more pumpkin cream over crackers.
- Repeat layers ending with cream on top.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- The crackers will soften to a cake-like texture.
- Slice and serve chilled.
No-Bake Pumpkin Energy Treats
6. Pumpkin Energy Balls
Prep: 15 Minutes plus Chill TimeThese no-bake energy balls combine pumpkin with oats and dates for a healthy fall snack.
Ingredients (Makes 24 balls):
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup ground flax seeds
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Add dates to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
- Add pumpkin puree, oats, almond butter, flax seeds, and honey.
- Add cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
- Process until mixture comes together.
- Refrigerate mixture for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Roll mixture into 24 equal-sized balls.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Eat as a healthy snack or dessert.
7. No-Bake Pumpkin Granola Bars
Prep: 15 Minutes plus Chill TimeChewy granola bars with pumpkin flavor make perfect grab-and-go fall treats.
Ingredients (Makes 12 bars):
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, almond butter, and honey.
- Add oats, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Mix until everything is well combined.
- Press mixture firmly into the prepared pan.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Cut into 12 bars.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
8. Pumpkin Protein Bites
Prep: 10 Minutes plus Chill TimeThese protein-packed bites combine pumpkin with protein powder for a nutritious treat.
Ingredients (Makes 20 bites):
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, almond butter, and maple syrup.
- Add protein powder and almond flour.
- Mix in cinnamon, ginger, and salt.
- Stir until mixture comes together.
- If too wet, add more almond flour.
- Roll mixture into 20 small balls.
- Place on a plate lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for 1 hour until firm.
- Store in the refrigerator.
No-Bake Pumpkin Layered Desserts
9. Pumpkin Lasagna Dessert
Prep: 25 Minutes plus Chill TimeLayers of cream cheese, pumpkin, and whipped topping create an impressive no-bake dessert.
Ingredients (Serves 12):
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 packages instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 16 ounces whipped topping, divided
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter.
- Press into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
- Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Fold in half the whipped topping.
- Spread cream cheese layer over crust.
- Mix pumpkin puree with pumpkin pie spice.
- Fold pumpkin into remaining whipped topping.
- Spread pumpkin layer over cream cheese layer.
- Whisk pudding mix with cold milk until thickened.
- Spread pudding layer over pumpkin layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled.
10. Pumpkin Dirt Cups
Prep: 15 MinutesFun individual desserts layer pumpkin pudding with crushed cookies for a festive fall treat.
Ingredients (Serves 6):
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 10 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
- Gummy worms for decoration optional
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Whisk pudding mix with cold milk until thickened.
- Mix in pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and ginger.
- Fold in whipped topping.
- Crush chocolate cookies into fine crumbs.
- Layer cookie crumbs in the bottom of six clear cups.
- Add a layer of pumpkin pudding.
- Add another layer of cookie crumbs.
- Top with final layer of pumpkin pudding.
- Sprinkle remaining cookie crumbs on top.
- Add gummy worms for decoration if desired.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
11. No-Bake Pumpkin Trifle
Prep: 20 Minutes plus Chill TimeLayers of pound cake, pumpkin cream, and whipped topping create an impressive dessert.
Ingredients (Serves 10):
- 1 prepared pound cake, cubed
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- Extra whipped cream for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Add pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold whipped cream into pumpkin mixture.
- Layer cubed pound cake in the bottom of a trifle dish.
- Add a layer of pumpkin cream.
- Repeat layers until ingredients are used up.
- End with pumpkin cream on top.
- Top with additional whipped cream.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
12. Pumpkin Fluff Dessert
Prep: 10 Minutes plus Chill TimeThis ultra-simple dessert combines just a few ingredients for light pumpkin flavor.
Ingredients (Serves 8):
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 8 ounces whipped topping
- Graham crackers for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree with dry pudding mix.
- Do not prepare pudding according to package directions.
- Mix in pumpkin pie spice.
- Fold in whipped topping gently until combined.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Serve in bowls with graham crackers for dipping.
No-Bake Pumpkin Dessert Tips
Canned pumpkin puree has consistent moisture levels that work perfectly in no-bake desserts. Fresh pumpkin puree can be watery and affect texture. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling.
Most no-bake desserts require several hours of chilling to set properly. Plan ahead and make desserts in advance. Overnight chilling often produces the best texture and allows flavors to develop fully.
Room temperature cream cheese blends smoothly without lumps. Leave cream cheese on the counter for at least one hour before using. Cold cream cheese creates lumpy mixtures that ruin dessert texture.
Vigorous mixing deflates whipped cream and whipped toppings. Use a rubber spatula to fold gently in circular motions. This preserves the airy texture that makes no-bake desserts light.
Cover no-bake desserts tightly to prevent them from absorbing refrigerator odors. Most no-bake pumpkin desserts keep for three to four days when stored properly. Serve chilled for best flavor and texture.

