No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

Fall is almost here – yay happy dance! With fall comes pumpkins and so many other great things. One of those great things is a no bake pumpkin cheesecake! Definitely one dessert we enjoy here every year. It is something that we put our pumpkin whipped cream on. What is your favorite fall dessert?

Baked cheesecakes are good also and I have a layered pumpkin cheesecake as well that is baked, but this is great for when you don’t want the oven on or you just want a slightly easier dessert. As a heads up, the taste is a little different from when you bake one and it doesn’t hold it’s shape as well so it can be a little messy sometimes. But the flavor is amazing so it’s ok to be a little less then perfect, right?

Of course it is 🙂 Ready? Let’s make some amazing fall dessert! You can make this is a 8×8 pyrex dish or a 9 inch pie dish.

Making the No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake

It is rather easy to make. The hardest part is waiting for it to refrigerate. Yeah, it has to be in the fridge for at least 4 hours but overnight is best. Remember it will not hold it’s shape like a baked cake will.

I use a stand mixer for this, it is the best kitchen gadget ever invented in my opinion. I also like to use my splash guard and pour the powdered sugar in but it isn’t a big deal if you do not have one. They do come in handy tho for many recipes!

Making the Crust

This is where you have options. You can buy a crust, make a chocolate cookie crust, a brownie crust or even a traditional graham cracker crust. This is a preference you will decide. Some people do not like the chocolate with pumpkin.

To make a graham cracker crust you will use about 10 graham crackers crushed. You add 5 tablespoons melted butter and mix well. Press down firmly into the bottom of the dish. We usually add a little cinnamon depending on the graham crackers I buy.

To make a cookie crust you will use 26 sandwich cookies (like Oreo’s) crushed in a food processor and add 5 tablespoons melted butter. Mix well. Pat it down in the dish you are making your cake in. You can bake the crust, but I never do when I make it.

You may already have your favorite crust and that is great too!

Making the filling

If making homemade whipped cream – first I like to put the mixer bowl and whisk attachment in the fridge for about a half hour or in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes. Makes a better whipped cream. When ready add in the whipping cream, sugar and vanilla to the mixing bowl. Set the stand mixer to 8 for about 2 minutes but keep a close eye on it. When stiff peaks just start to form, turn it off at once. Transfer whipped cream into a bowl. You can also use Cool Whip if preferred.

Now add the softened whipped cream, softened butter, vanilla and lemon juice in the mixer bowl. Using the paddle attachment set the speed to 2 and stir until incorporated. Too high of a setting here will make a mess. We won’t talk about how I know!

Here is where the splash guard comes in handy (but not required.) Keep the setting on 2 and add the powdered sugar in a half cup at a time. Once it is mostly incorporated, turn up to 8 and let it mix for 3 minutes.

Take half of the mix out and place in a bowl. Gently fold in 1/4 cup of the whipped cream. Layer this over the crust.

Add the pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin to the remaining mix that is still in the mixer bowl. We use fresh pumpkin – this explains how to easily make it if you have an Instant Pot. Set the mixer onto 6 and let it mix for 2 minutes. Add this layer to the top of the dessert.

Place in fridge uncovered for about 30 minutes to an hour. Then add a piece of plastic wrap or foil to cover and allow to refrigerate for at least 4 hours but overnight is better. Reason for starting out uncovered is because you may end up with condensation if you cover right away due to the temp difference.

We use some of the whipped cream to decorate this no bake pumpkin cheesecake and we also use the remaining amount for people to add some on their plates. We use this one and the pumpkin whipped cream. You can use one or the other if you don’t want to use both.