Pumpkin Cream Cheese Delight Recipe

The Ultimate Pumpkin Cream Cheese Delight Recipe For Fall Fun

Pumpkin cream cheese brings warmth and comfort to autumn’s most beloved dessert.

Sweet spices dance through rich, creamy layers that promise indulgence in every bite.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with seasonal ingredients, creating a decadent treat that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Traditional fall flavors merge into a delightful fusion of smooth, velvety goodness.

Delicate notes of cinnamon and nutmeg complement the luxurious pumpkin base, elevating this dessert beyond ordinary expectations.

Soft, pillowy textures melt on your tongue, inviting memories of cozy kitchen gatherings and festive celebrations.

Perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, this recipe converts simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Ideas You’ll Want to Try

  • Nutty Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pie: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the pie before baking for added crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Maple Spice Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pie: Replace sugar with maple syrup and add extra warm spices like nutmeg and allspice for a richer autumn taste.
  • Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pie: Create a chocolate marbled effect by swirling melted dark chocolate into the pumpkin filling before baking, adding depth and richness.
  • Coconut Crumble Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pie: Top the pie with a crispy coconut streusel made from shredded coconut, butter, and brown sugar for a tropical-inspired dessert.

What Makes Pumpkin Cream Cheese So Comforting

  • Savor Creamy Comfort: This pumpkin cream cheese pie delivers a velvety smooth texture that melts in your mouth, combining the rich warmth of cream cheese with the classic autumn flavor of pumpkin.
  • Craft Effortless Elegance: The recipe provides a straightforward method that transforms simple ingredients into an impressive dessert, perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want to create something special without complicated techniques.
  • Celebrate Seasonal Delight: Packed with warm spices like cinnamon and optional ginger, this pie captures the essence of fall gatherings, making it an ideal centerpiece for holiday meals or cozy family dessert nights.
  • Enjoy Versatile Indulgence: Whether served at a festive dinner or enjoyed as an afternoon treat, this pie offers a luxurious balance of sweetness and spice that appeals to everyone from kids to sophisticated dessert lovers.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Ingredients You’ll Need

Pie Crust:
  • Pie Dough: Sturdy base for the creamy filling, homemade or store-bought works well.
  • Pie Weights or Dried Beans: Helps prevent crust from puffing during initial baking.
Filling Base:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth, rich foundation that provides creamy texture, room temperature is best.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Authentic autumn flavor, canned puree recommended for consistent texture.
  • Sugar: Balances the pumpkin's earthiness and adds sweetness.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
Liquid and Spice Components:
  • Egg Yolks: Adds richness and helps set the filling, fresh eggs preferred.
  • Half-and-Half: Creates smooth, luxurious consistency.
  • Butter: Melted butter adds depth and silky texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, subtle background flavor.
  • Cinnamon: Classic warm spice that complements pumpkin.
  • Ginger: Optional spice that adds subtle warmth.
Topping:
  • Whipped Cream: Light, airy garnish that adds another layer of richness.

How to Make This Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dessert

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust and Oven

Warm up your oven to 180°C (350°F). Gently press the pie dough into a 9-inch pie pan, creating beautiful crimped edges. Pop the crust into the freezer for 1 hour. When ready, line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove weights and continue baking until it turns a lovely golden color (about 10 more minutes).

Step 2: Create the Creamy Filling

Grab a large mixing bowl and whip the cream cheese until it’s silky smooth. Fold in the pumpkin puree, blending thoroughly. Add the following ingredients:
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Egg yolks
  • Half-and-half
  • Melted butter
Stir until the mixture becomes perfectly uniform. Gently mix in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cinnamon
  • Ginger (optional)

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the luscious filling into the pre-baked crust. Slide into the oven and bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 50 minutes. The pie is ready when the center sets firmly but still has a gentle jiggle. Remove and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the cooled pie into elegant wedges. Crown each piece with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream. Invite friends and family to savor this decadent autumn treat!

Pro Tip: For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving.

Tips for Rich and Creamy Pumpkin Filling

  • Chill the Crust: Freeze the pie dough for exactly 1 hour to prevent shrinkage and maintain a crisp, flaky texture during baking.
  • Smooth Cream Cheese Technique: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat until completely smooth to avoid lumps in the filling.
  • Prevent Cracking: Avoid overbaking by removing the pie when the center is slightly jiggly but set, as it will continue to firm up while cooling.
  • Flavor Boost: Toast ground cinnamon and ginger briefly before adding to intensify their warm, aromatic qualities.
  • Perfect Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream just before serving, adding a touch of powdered sugar for stability and subtle sweetness.

Store and Reheat Pumpkin Cream Cheese Treats

  • Refrigerate: Store your pumpkin cream cheese pie in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap. Keep the pie refrigerated for up to 4 days to maintain its fresh flavor and creamy texture. Protect the delicate surface from absorbing other refrigerator odors by covering completely.
  • Freezing: Carefully wrap the entire pie or individual slices in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the pie's original consistency and taste.
  • Reheating: Warm individual slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Alternatively, place slices in a preheated oven at 160°C (325°F) for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm.

Drinks That Pair Well with Pumpkin Desserts

  • Brew the Perfect Coffee Companion: Pair this creamy pumpkin pie with a rich, medium-roast coffee that complements its warm spices and smooth texture. The coffee's subtle bitterness will balance the pie's sweetness, creating a delightful morning or afternoon treat.
  • Uncork a Dessert Wine Match: Select a sweet Riesling or Moscato to enhance the pie's creamy pumpkin flavors. These wines offer a light, fruity counterpoint that dances beautifully with the cinnamon and ginger notes.
  • Create a Whipped Cream Elevation: Transform the standard whipped cream topping by infusing it with a hint of maple syrup or a sprinkle of nutmeg. This simple twist will add depth and complexity to each bite, making the dessert feel extra special and homemade.
  • Mix a Spiced Chai Highlight: Serve a warm, fragrant chai tea alongside the pie. Its blend of cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger will echo the pie's spices, creating a harmonious and comforting dessert experience that feels like a warm hug.
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Pumpkin Cream Cheese Delight Recipe

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Delight Recipe


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4.5 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Pumpkin cream cheese delight brings autumn’s warmth to your dessert table with creamy layers of seasonal magic. Spiced pumpkin and silky cream cheese mingle in this irresistible treat that promises comfort and indulgence in each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Delight

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups mashed canned pumpkin
  • 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) package softened cream cheese
  • 1 piece pre-made pie dough

Sweet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup half-and-half cream
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • 3 egg yolks, slightly beaten (1 yolk plus 2 yolks)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spice and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)

Topping:

  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pie crust for a flawless foundation by positioning the oven rack in the center and preheating to 180°C (350°F). Gently drape the pie dough into a 9-inch pie pan, meticulously shaping the edges with delicate crimps and ensuring a smooth surface.
  2. Chill the prepared crust in the freezer for precisely 60 minutes to prevent shrinkage. Line with parchment paper and fill with ceramic pie weights or uncooked dried beans, then bake for 10 minutes to establish a sturdy structure.
  3. Remove the weights and parchment, returning the crust to the oven for an additional 10-12 minutes until it achieves a gentle golden hue. Allow the crust to cool completely while preparing the filling.
  4. In a spacious mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to transform the cream cheese into a silky, lump-free consistency. Gradually incorporate the pumpkin puree, ensuring a uniform blend.
  5. Introduce granulated sugar, a pinch of salt, egg yolks, half-and-half cream, and melted unsalted butter. Blend thoroughly until the mixture reaches a smooth, velvety texture with no visible streaks.
  6. Enhance the flavor profile by gently folding in pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and optional ground ginger for a subtle warmth and complexity.
  7. Pour the luxurious filling into the pre-baked crust, spreading evenly and eliminating any air pockets. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center exhibits a gentle wobble when softly shaken.
  8. Remove from the oven and position on a wire cooling rack. Allow the pie to rest and set completely at room temperature for approximately 2-3 hours.
  9. When ready to serve, slice with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts. Garnish each portion with a generous cloud of freshly whipped cream for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

  • Chilling the pie crust before baking helps prevent shrinkage and creates a flakier texture, ensuring a perfect base for your creamy pumpkin filling.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for smoother mixing and a more consistent filling that blends effortlessly.
  • Baking the pie until the center is just set prevents overcooking, keeping the texture silky and preventing cracks on the surface.
  • Let the pie cool completely at room temperature to allow the filling to set properly and develop a rich, smooth consistency.
  • Enhance the flavor by using freshly ground spices like cinnamon and ginger for a more vibrant and aromatic dessert.
  • Whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the dense, creamy pumpkin filling, creating a delightful balance of textures.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 70 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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