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Easy No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake with Graham Cracker Crust

Easy no-bake pumpkin cheesecake with a buttery graham cracker crust. Thick, creamy, and lightly spiced pumpkin pie flavor sets in the fridge for a clean-slice texture.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Chill 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1.75 cup graham cracker crumbs about 14 full sheets
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 7 tbsp unsalted butter melted
For the filling
  • 16 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.75 cup powdered sugar
  • 0.25 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
  • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream cold
To serve
  • 1 whipped cream
  • 1 caramel sauce for drizzling
  • 1 ground cinnamon pinch

Equipment

  • 1 springform pan

Method
 

Make the crust
  1. Stir the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted unsalted butter until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch springform pan, then chill while you make the filling.
Make the filling
  1. Beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and light brown sugar on medium speed until completely smooth and lump-free, about 2 minutes. Scrape the bowl as needed so no dry pockets remain.
  2. Add the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and salt, then beat until evenly orange and creamy. Mix just until the color is uniform.
  3. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream to stiff peaks, about 3 minutes. Stop when the peaks hold their shape clearly.
  4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture in two additions until no white streaks remain. Keep the mixture airy and avoid overmixing.
Chill and serve
  1. Spread the filling over the crust, smooth the top, cover, and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight until firm. Chill at 40°F/4°C for best sliceable texture.
  2. Run a knife around the edge, release the springform ring, and slice with a knife wiped clean between cuts. Slice while cold so the layers hold together.
  3. Top each slice with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a pinch of ground cinnamon, then serve cold. Add toppings right before eating for clean presentation.

Notes

For the thick, creamy set, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before beating and fold the whipped cream gently so it stays airy. Refrigerate the cheesecake covered for up to 4 days; freeze slices for up to 2 months (thaw overnight in the fridge). If you want a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and reduce powdered sugar slightly to taste while keeping the texture for a good chill-set.