This No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake is light, airy and so easy to make — the perfect pumpkin dessert for a fall supper or Thanksgiving! Includes step by step recipe video
So here we are, my birthday week, and I’ve made the hubs a pumpkin cheesecake.
Don’t get me wrong — I love me a good cheesecake (although, you should already know this because there’s been no shortage of cheesecake recipes around here).
I will take a vanilla cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake, s’mores cheesecake, lemon cheesecake, banana split cheesecake, or just about any other cheesecake (and if it’s this No Bake White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake? No question).
But this one is all his.
I do the official taste test of all my recipes, yes, even the pumpkin recipes.
But after that? I’m pretty much done. I can say, “yes, that is an awesome recipe for someone who likes pumpkin” or “no, that is a terrible recipe even if someone likes pumpkin”.
And I will admit that I am ever so slowly coming around.
My first year of blogging, I maybe had one bite. Last year, it was maybe 2 or 3. And who knows? Maybe this year I will make it to half a piece! And the hubs will only get 11.5 pieces to himself 😉
Do you think he will make me a birthday cake in return for my generosity? We will have to wait and see!
Tips for making the best No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake:
- Cream cheese is a lot easier to beat smooth when it is at room temperature — be sure to take it out of the fridge at least a few hours before making!
- Want to mix things up? Try using chocolate baking crumbs or gingersnap crumbs for the crust, or drizzling with caramel and toasted pecans.
- Make sure your cream is heavy whipping cream, or at least 30% fat.
- Your cream needs to be cold when it is whipped, and the bowl, beaters and other ingredients must not be warm.
- It needs to chill a minimum 6 hours but overnight is even better — if you are ahead of the game and can make it a day before you want to serve it, that’s the best option.
Can I add gelatin to this No Bake Cheesecake recipe?
I prefer not to add unflavored gelatin to my no bake cheesecake recipes unless it’s absolutely necessary as it can lead to a “Jello-y” texture.
If you are concerned about the cheesecake setting up, or you are going to have it sitting at room temperature for some time and want some extra insurance, you can add some in, but I really don’t believe there is any reason to with the recipes updates made down below.
You can add half or a full package of unflavored gelatin (the more you add, the firmer and more “Jello-y” it will be). Simply sprinkle over cold water and let sit for 5 minutes. Then microwave in 10 second intervals, stirring each time, until dissolved. At this point you can mix it into your cheesecake filling.
Recipe updates as of October 2020
I made a few updates to this recipe to make it even more foolproof for those who were having difficulty getting the cheesecake to set up.
The original version is slightly softer in texture, although not considerably, but I still want everyone to have that perfect No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake they’re looking for.
- Whip the cream separately: you know I’m all about fewer dishes in the kitchen, so I am not going to use an extra bowl if it’s not needed. For me, with the original recipe, I didn’t feel that it was needed, and I have never had a problem with the cheesecake setting. But since some people did, I have opted to change the recipe so that the cream is whipped separately — this ensures it gets whipped properly and will hold up well.
- Bake the crust: this is optional, but baking the crust does help it to firm up, and makes it easier to remove from the pan as well as slice and serve.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: I swapped the original cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice after some requests for more pumpkin spice flavor. You can use either, or a combination of spices you prefer.
Looking for this recipe? It’s the same one, just new and improved!
No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream 35%
- 3 packages full fat cream cheese 8oz each, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups pure pumpkin puree
- 1 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- whipped cream for garnish if desired
Instructions
- Line 9" springform pan with parchment paper (pinch it in between the sides and the bottom) and preheat oven to 350 degrees F (baking the crust is optional, but helps it stay together more firmly).
- Combine graham crumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Press firmly into the bottom and 1" up the sides of the prepared pan.
- Bake crust for 10 minutes or until it looks slightly dry. Remove and let cool to room temperature.
- In a medium bowl, whip cold cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the pumpkin and beat until combined, scraping down the sides as necessary.
- Add the sugar, pumpkin pie spice and vanilla and beat on medium-low with an electric mixer until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Use a spatula to gently fold in whipped cream until no white streaks remain.
- Pour filling into pan, smooth the top, cover lightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate until set, about 8 hours or overnight.
- Garnish with whipped cream if desired and serve.
Notes
Nutrition Information
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Angie Casanova Bravo says
Do you drain the pumpkin puree?
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Angie, no, I’m not sure I have ever had a can that needed draining. Your pumpkin shouldn’t have any liquid that requires draining.
Ian says
I’ll use your recipe to celebrate your birthday. Happy birthday to you Ashley!!!
The Recipe Rebel says
Thanks Ian!
Kathie says
Just wondering how you would bake the crust with the wax paper under it
Ashley Fehr says
You do not use wax paper you use parchment paper
Susan says
My family loves this recipe. This is light and very tasty.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Susan!
Sharon says
I’m a family of one so I’m wondering if I could make this in separate ramekins so they could be frozen (without the whipped cream on top)? Please also respond to my email. Thanks so much.
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, I think that would work great!
Delannia C says
What is used for icing?
Ashley Fehr says
Just sweetened whipped cream
Jacky says
I made this last week and it was perfect! Delicious and not overly spiced. It’s definitely going to be a go to.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Jacky! I’m so happy to hear that!
Emily says
I just put the finishing touches on this deliciousness! Yummo!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Emily!
Ellie says
I would really hate to mess this up. Can you give me the measurements in grams?
Ashley Fehr says
Unfortunately I don’t have the measurements in grams for this recipe
Rochelle says
Hi! This recipe looks easy enough, but I’m a bit confused… in the video you beat the cream cheese and the heavy whipping cream at the same time, but the recipe instructions say to beat the cream cheese first then add the remaining ingredients. Is one way better than the other?? Thanks for your patience with this not-so-experienced dessert maker 🙂
Ashley Fehr says
If you beat the cream cheese first it just ensures that it is smoother and there’s less of a chance of lumps. Either way should work the same!
Dana Renee Hunt says
Can you turn it into a baked cheesecake as is or would you need to add eggs?
I already tried the no bake version and thought it was delicious! Just wondering how to successfully turn it into a baked version
Ashley Fehr says
I’m not really sure how you could do that, you would need to change the recipe quite a bit! I do have a recipe for baked pumpkin cheesecake bars if that’s something you’re interested in! https://www.thereciperebel.com/pumpkin-cheesecake-bars-recipe-video/
Kristen says
Could you leave out the pumpkin and just make it a no bake cheesecake? If so, would you change how much cream cheese is used?
Ashley Fehr says
I think you definitely could and I wouldn’t change how much cream cheese is used 🙂 I’d love to hear how it goes!
LuAnn says
So the cream cheese is not allowed. To sit at room temperature? Cold cream cheese i feel would leave bits and or chunks in the batter
Ashley Fehr says
Yes it is room temperature. Cold will not beat totally smooth.
Żaklina says
Is pumpkin puree from raw pumpkin or cooked?
Ashley Fehr says
From cooked! I usually buy it in a can
Emma says
If it’s not sold in a can, do you bake it and scoop or boil? We don’t have canned pumpkin in Ireland and I miss this pie.
KLarae says
If I add the gelatin, do you think this could withstand being without a crust? Or do you think it might be better to just make “cupcakes” out of it? Thanks!
Ashley Fehr says
I think if you want to make it without a crust I would do small individual jars or glasses — but it should also work with the added gelatin!
Magdeli Cruz says
Can I use regular sugar or does it have to be powder sugar?
Ashley Fehr says
It does need to be powdered sugar as it helps to thicken the filling
Betsy says
I do not have a spring form pan. Can it be made in a regular glass pie plate? If I do use a pie plate and line with wax paper, can I lift out without it falling apart?
Ashley Fehr says
If you do use a pie plate, I would slice and serve from the plate and not remove it as the crust likely won’t hold up. It will work fine though!
Ciara says
Making this for turkey day how far in adVance can I make this and how do I keep it stored until I serve it?
Ashley Fehr says
You can make it up to a day or two in advance
Anna says
I don’t have an electric mixer…would a blender be a good substitute?
Ashley Fehr says
If you have a powerful enough blender, it might do the trick. But it is a pretty thick filling!
Roberta Greif says
Can you use pumpkin pie filling or does it have to be pumpkin puree?
Ashley Fehr says
You can use pie filling but you’ll have to keep in mind that pie filling has added sugar and spices.