I absolutely love how this Pumpkin Cheesecake Lasagna Recipe brings together all the cozy flavors of fall in one easy, no-bake dessert. It’s creamy, rich, and layered with pumpkin spice goodness, making it a perfect showstopper for any gathering or just a weeknight treat to cozy up with. When I first tried this, I was blown away by how simple it is to assemble but feels so impressive on the table.
You’ll find that this Pumpkin Cheesecake Lasagna Recipe is incredibly versatile and forgiving, especially if you’re a home baker who wants a delicious result without fuss. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser — my family goes crazy for it at Thanksgiving and holiday parties. It’s a refreshing twist on traditional pumpkin pie that’s both rich and light thanks to the whipped cream and pudding layers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Ease: This dessert comes together without turning on the oven, perfect for busy days or warm weather.
- Rich & Creamy Layers: With cream cheese, whipped cream, and pumpkin pudding, every bite melts in your mouth.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The pumpkin pie spice and caramel drizzle give it an irresistible seasonal twist everyone loves.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it a day in advance, making your party prep stress-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Pumpkin Cheesecake Lasagna Recipe work beautifully together, balancing creamy richness with pumpkin spice warmth. Simple pantry staples and a little pumpkin puree turn into a decadent layered dessert that feels special without complicated techniques.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat and softened for the best creamy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Just the right amount to sweeten without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, it keeps the layers light and fluffy.
- Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and helps the pudding set perfectly.
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Gives that smooth, custardy feel quickly—don’t skip it!
- Pumpkin Puree: You want pure pumpkin, not pie filling; homemade or canned both work well.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: The magic blend that makes this dessert unmistakably fall-flavored.
- Graham Cracker Sheets: They act like the “layers” of lasagna, adding crunch and sweetness.
- Caramel Sauce: Adds gooey, sweet richness; homemade or store-bought, your call.
- Chopped Roasted Pecans: For a crunchy, nutty topping that pairs beautifully with pumpkin and caramel.
Variations
I love how flexible this Pumpkin Cheesecake Lasagna Recipe is — you can tweak it based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs without losing any of its charm. Playing around with add-ins or toppings keeps it fresh and fun, so don’t be shy about making it yours!
- Dairy-Free Option: I swapped cream cheese for a plant-based version and used coconut milk pudding — it was surprisingly delicious and still creamy.
- Spice Level: If you want a bolder pumpkin spice flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving.
- Nuts and Crunch: Sometimes I toss toasted pecans or even candied walnuts into the layers for extra texture.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling melted bittersweet chocolate instead of caramel is a fun twist my friends adored.
How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Cream Cheese Mixture
Start by beating the softened cream cheese and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy—this is key to getting a smooth, creamy texture. Slowly add the heavy cream while continuing to beat until you get stiff peaks. This whipped cream and cream cheese combo is what makes the layers so luscious, so don’t rush this part—it really pays off.
Step 2: Mix the Pumpkin Pudding Layer
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the whole milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice until everything’s smooth and thickens up nicely. It should have that custard-like consistency, which will help hold the “lasagna” together without any baking.
Step 3: Layer It Up Like Lasagna
This is where the fun starts! Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on the bottom of your 13″ x 9″ dish—kind of like a “sauce.” Top it with 6 or 7 graham cracker sheets, then spread half the pumpkin pudding, followed by half of the remaining cream cheese mixture. Drizzle half the caramel sauce over that. Repeat the layers ending with cream cheese on top. This layering builds beautiful flavor with every bite.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Cover your lasagna loosely with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. This chilling step allows the graham crackers to soften and absorb all that delicious pumpkin and cream, setting the whole dessert for perfect slices.
Step 5: Final Touches Before Serving
Right before serving, drizzle the reserved caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with chopped roasted pecans for that perfect crunch. It adds an inviting finish and makes it look as gorgeous as it tastes.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cheesecake Lasagna Recipe
- Softened Cream Cheese Matters: Let your cream cheese sit out for at least 30 minutes to avoid lumps when whipping.
- Whip Cream to Stiff Peaks: This ensures the top layer holds nicely and the texture stays light rather than dense.
- Layering Patience: Take your time layering to keep those gorgeous distinctions between layers clear and pretty.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: Refrigerating for at least 4 hours is essential; it helps the graham crackers soften perfectly and melds the flavors.
How to Serve Pumpkin Cheesecake Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this dessert with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce and toasted pecans, adding a wonderful crunch that contrasts with the creamy layers. Sometimes I throw on a few dollops of whipped cream and a light sprinkle of cinnamon for a classic finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This Pumpkin Cheesecake Lasagna Recipe pairs beautifully with a simple cup of coffee or warm spiced tea. For a full dessert spread, I like serving it alongside fresh fruit or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream if I’m feeling indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re bringing this to a party, try layering the dessert in individual clear glasses for a pretty parfait look. I once served it in mini mason jars with little spoons tied on, which was a huge hit — super cute and easy to grab-and-go for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days, and honestly, it tastes just as good the next day once the flavors have settled even more. Just be sure to keep it sealed so the cream cheese layers don’t dry out.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this Pumpkin Cheesecake Lasagna Recipe a few times wrapped well in foil and plastic wrap. When thawed overnight in the fridge, it maintains its creamy texture surprisingly well, though I recommend adding fresh pecans and caramel just before serving for the best taste.
Reheating
This dessert is best served cold, so I usually don’t reheat it. If you want to take the chill off slightly, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. That softens the layers just enough without losing the refreshing creaminess.
FAQs
-
Can I make Pumpkin Cheesecake Lasagna Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dessert actually benefits from chilling overnight, which allows the layers to meld together perfectly and the graham crackers to soften to a cake-like texture. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
-
What if I don’t have graham cracker sheets?
You can crush graham crackers into pieces and layer them similarly, or use digestive biscuits as a substitute. Just be mindful that the layering won’t be as uniform, but the flavor will still be spot on.
-
Can I use homemade pumpkin pie spice?
Yes! Homemade pumpkin pie spice made from cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice works just as well and can be adjusted according to your taste preferences.
-
Is this dessert gluten-free?
The traditional recipe uses graham crackers which usually contain gluten, but you can substitute with your favorite gluten-free crackers or cookies to make it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Cheesecake Lasagna Recipe has become one of my all-time favorite desserts because it’s straightforward, requires no baking, and tastes like a slice of autumn magic. I hope you’ll enjoy layering this delicious fall treat with the same joy I do — it’s a guaranteed way to impress your family and friends with minimal stress and maximum flavor. Give it a try next season and watch it become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation.
PrintPumpkin Cheesecake Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 4 hrs 30 mins
- Yield: 12 – 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pumpkin Cheesecake Lasagna is a no-bake layered dessert that combines creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling, smooth vanilla pudding infused with pumpkin pie spice, and crunchy graham cracker layers. Finished with caramel sauce and chopped roasted pecans, it’s perfect for festive gatherings or a comforting autumn treat.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Layer
- 2 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
Pudding Layer
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 (3.4-oz.) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Assembly & Garnish
- 12 graham cracker sheets, divided
- 1/2 cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce, divided
- Chopped roasted pecans, for serving
Instructions
- Make the Cheesecake Mixture: In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer on medium-high speed to beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and continue beating until stiff peaks form, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Prepare the Pumpkin Pudding: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together whole milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice until the mixture is smooth and thickened to the consistency of pudding.
- Assemble the Lasagna Layers: Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly in the bottom of a 13″ x 9″ baking dish. Top this with a layer of 6 or 7 graham cracker sheets. Spoon half of the pumpkin pudding mixture over the crackers, followed by half of the remaining cream cheese mixture. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over this layer. Repeat the layering process, finishing with a top layer of cream cheese mixture. Reserve any remaining caramel sauce for serving.
- Chill: Loosely cover the assembled dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight. This allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Before serving, drizzle the reserved caramel sauce over the top and garnish generously with chopped roasted pecans for added crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for the creamiest texture.
- You can make homemade caramel sauce to enhance flavor or choose store-bought for convenience.
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours to allow the layers to set properly; overnight chilling yields the best results.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with toasted coconut flakes.
- Graham crackers can be lightly crushed if you prefer smaller pieces but layering whole sheets gives a better structure.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/15th of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg