Pumpkin Pie Parfaits Recipe

If you love all things pumpkin and crave a dessert that’s both creamy and crunchy with layers of fall flavor, you’re going to adore this Pumpkin Pie Parfaits Recipe. It’s like having pumpkin pie ready to go in individual jars—perfect for parties, quick treats, or anytime you want a cozy, festive dessert without the fuss of baking a whole pie. Trust me, once you try this, your family (and guests!) will be asking for it again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Pie Parfaits Recipe plays a role in balancing flavor and texture — from the smooth pumpkin and tangy cream cheese to the airy whipped cream and crunchy graham crackers. These simple pantry staples really come together to create a festive, impressive dessert.

• Pumpkin puree: Use canned pumpkin puree for smooth consistency and true pumpkin flavor—fresh pumpkin can be used but requires cooking and pureeing.
• Cream cheese: I like using whipped cream cheese because it blends easily, but room temperature regular cream cheese works great too.
• Pumpkin pie spice: This spice mix brings warmth and depth; if you’re out, a combo of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves will do the trick.
• Brown sugar: Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses that complements pumpkin perfectly.
• Heavy whipping cream: Make sure it’s cold so it whips into fluffy peaks for that luxurious texture.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without graininess.
• Graham crackers: Crushed for a crunchy layer like the pie crust—crush fresh or use store-bought crumbs for convenience.

Variations

I love how versatile this Pumpkin Pie Parfaits Recipe is—once you get comfortable with the basic layers, you can easily make it your own. Whether you want it healthier, dairy-free, or jazz it up for a holiday party, there’s a variation that’ll fit your vibe.

• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese and whip up coconut cream instead of heavy cream; the coconut adds a subtle tropical note that blends surprisingly well.
• Spice Swap: If you’re not a fan of pumpkin pie spice, swap it with an equal amount of cinnamon and a dash of cardamom for a fresh twist—I tried this once and loved the slightly floral hint it brought.
• Add Extra Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or candied walnuts between layers for a nutty surprise my family goes crazy for.
• Simplify It: If you’re short on time, layer just the pumpkin mixture and graham crackers with ready-made whipped cream—still delicious and perfect for last-minute guests.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Parfaits Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Mixture

This part is where the magic happens. Combine pumpkin puree, cream cheese, pumpkin pie spice, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Using an electric mixer, blend until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy—around 2 minutes. I always let my cream cheese sit out for a bit beforehand, so it mixes easier and the texture is silky. You’ll notice how this mixture smells like fall in a bowl, which is always a good sign!

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In another bowl or with your stand mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream along with powdered sugar until light, fluffy, and holding soft peaks—usually about 5 minutes. The trick I discovered? Make sure the cream is cold, and don’t overbeat or it will turn buttery. You want it just stable enough to hold its shape when layering.

Step 3: Assemble Your Parfaits

Grab your mason jars (or any clear glass if you don’t have jars) and start layering: first a layer of crushed graham crackers, then a thick spoonful of the pumpkin cream cheese mix, followed by a scoop of whipped cream. Repeat these layers until the jar is filled—aim for at least two layers of each. This layering makes every bite a perfect balance of crisp, creamy, and pumpkin-spiced goodness.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Pop the parfaits in the fridge for at least an hour so the flavors can mingle and the graham crackers soften slightly without getting soggy. I usually make these a few hours ahead for parties, and everyone loves how the parfaits hold up beautifully while tasting fresh and rich.

How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Parfaits Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a light dusting of cinnamon or a small dollop of whipped cream just before serving. Sometimes I toss on a few toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce for that extra “wow” factor—makes the parfaits look irresistible and adds a nice flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

Since these parfaits are rich and sweet, I like serving them alongside simple, savory autumn snacks—think spiced nuts, a sharp cheddar cheese board, or even apple slices with almond butter. They balance the sweetness perfectly and make your dessert feel more special.

Creative Ways to Present

For the holidays, I’ve presented these parfaits in mini clear cups topped with edible gold leaf or tiny gingerbread cookie cutouts on the rim. Adding themed twine around the jar lids or festive straws makes them gift-ready or party showstoppers. It’s such a fun twist that guests always ask how I made them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store my leftover parfaits covered tightly in the refrigerator and they stay delicious for up to 3 days. Just make sure the lids or plastic wrap are snug so the graham crackers don’t get too soggy over time. I often eat the leftovers for breakfast with a sprinkle of extra crushed grahams on top.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my favorite for this recipe because the texture of the whipped cream and cream cheese changes when thawed, getting a bit grainy. If you must freeze, scoop parfaits into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge, stirring gently before serving.

Reheating

Since this is a cold dessert, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. If you want a warmer treat, consider serving alongside warm spiced cider or hot coffee instead—it complements the flavors beautifully.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Pie Parfaits Recipe has become one of my absolute fall favorites because it’s so easy, crowd-pleasing, and versatile. I love how it captures the essence of pumpkin pie without the stress of baking, and it’s perfect for last-minute guests or holiday potlucks. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll find yourself coming back to this one over and over whenever the craving for cozy pumpkin desserts strikes.

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