These Pumpkin Pie Parfaits are an easy, no-bake dessert that brings together the flavors of pumpkin pie, a creamy cheesecake layer, graham cracker crumbs, and chocolate toffee bits. They are perfect for fall, Thanksgiving, or anytime you want a little pumpkin dessert without making an entire pie.
Sometimes I want a dessert for just two people. My husband doesn’t enjoy sweets as much as I do, so I created these Pumpkin Pie Parfaits with Chocolate Toffee Bits as a smaller alternative to a traditional pumpkin pie.
I love that this recipe makes just two parfaits, but you can easily adjust the ingredients to make more for family gatherings and holiday celebrations. They look pretty served in clear dessert glasses, and every spoonful has a delicious combination of creamy pumpkin filling, a sweet cream cheese layer, and crunchy crumbs.
One of my favorite little tricks is using crumbled graham cracker pie crust instead of plain graham cracker crumbs. The pie crust adds a little extra sweetness and makes a delicious base for these individual desserts.
If you are looking for an easy pumpkin dessert to add to your fall menu, these parfaits are a wonderful choice!
HOW TO MAKE PUMPKIN PIE PARFAITS:
Ingredients for Pumpkin Pie Parfaits
- Cream cheese: Creates a smooth, creamy layer at the bottom of each parfait.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer and helps keep it smooth.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Helps thicken the pumpkin filling and adds sweetness.
- Pumpkin puree: Use 100% pure canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Whole milk: Combines with the pudding mix and pumpkin to create the creamy filling.
- Graham cracker pie crust crumbs: Add a sweet, crumbly layer between the fillings and on top.
- Frozen whipped topping: Adds a light, creamy finish.
- Chocolate toffee bits: Add a little chocolate flavor and a delicious crunch.
INSTRUCTIONS
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In a small mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and confectioner sugar until smooth; set aside.
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Place the pudding mix, pumpkin and milk into a medium size mixing bowl. Beat together until well combined, using an electric mixer. Set aside.
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Place 2 tablespoons of the graham cracker crumbs into the bottom of each of the 2 (8 or 9oz) parfait glasses. Press down with fingertips.
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Divide the confectioner sugar mixture evenly between the 2 glasses and spread with small spoon. Divide the pumpkin mixture evenly between the 2 glasses and spread over the cream cheese layer.
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Sprinkle the remaining graham cracker crumbs over the pudding layer. Top each parfait with 2 tablespoons of whipped topping. Sprinkle half of the toffee bits over each parfait.
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Refrigerate until ready to serve
We have a very large family, and sometimes I need a pumpkin dessert that serves a crowd. These are delicious options:
Pumpkin Butterscotch Mascarpone Cookie Tart.
Pumpkin Streusel Cream Cheese Bars
and Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Sheet Cake.
Why You Will Love Pumpkin Pie Parfaits
- They are a perfect dessert when you are having a small crowd.
- You can make the number of these that you need for a larger crowd.
- These are perfect for fall and Thanksgiving with all of the flavors of a traditional pumpkin pie but so much easier.
- They are unique looking and always get great compliments.
- These parfaits are so easy to make.
Helpful Tips and Frequently Asked Questions
- Choose your serving dishes. Small parfait glasses, clear dessert dishes, half-pint mason jars, or clear plastic dessert cups all work well. Wide openings make layering easier.
- Try graham cracker pie crust. Crumble a prepared graham cracker pie crust and measure the crumbs as needed. It gives the parfaits a sweeter flavor than plain crumbs.
- Soften the cream cheese. Let it sit at room temperature before mixing so the cream cheese layer is smooth and easy to spread.
- Make them ahead. These parfaits can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until serving. For the best crumb texture, add the final graham cracker topping shortly before serving if you prefer it crunchy.
Can I make these parfaits ahead of time?
YES. They can be made 1 day ahead of time, cover with a plastic wrap or lid, and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The crust will become softer the more time it sets.
Do I have to use Cool-Whip or a topping like this?
No. This is an easy one to use that holds up well in these cups, but you can use a homemade whipped topping if desired.
This post was shared on Sweet Little Bluebird Weekend Potluck.
PUMPKIN PIE PARFAITS
Ingredients
- 3 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/3 cup confectioner sugar
- 3 Tablespoons instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1/3 cup canned pumpkin
- 1/3 cup whole milk
- 2/3 cup graham cracker pie crust crumbs
- 4 Tablespoons frozen whipped topping thawed
- 2 Tablespoons chocolate toffee chips
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and confectioner sugar until smooth; set aside.
- Place the pudding mix, pumpkin and milk into a medium size mixing bowl. Beat together until well combined, using an electric mixer. Set aside.
- Place 2 tablespoons of the graham cracker crumbs into the bottom of each of the 2 (8 or 9oz) parfait glasses. Press down with fingertips.
- Divide the confectioner sugar mixture evenly between the 2 glasses and spread with small spoon. Divide the pumpkin mixture evenly between the 2 glasses and spread over the cream cheese layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining graham cracker crumbs over the pudding layer. Top each parfait with 2 tablespoons of whipped topping. Sprinkle half of the toffee bits over each parfait.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve
Notes
- These parfaits can be made in small, clear glasses, clear dessert dishes, half pint mason jars, or the plastic dessert cups like I use. They can be found at craft stores, kitchen stores and on Amazon. The square tops with wide openings work the best.
- I like to use graham cracker pie crusts in my base layer instead of plain graham cracker crumbs. I just crumble the pie crust into a storage container and measure from there when I need them. The pie crust has a sweeter flavor.
This just sounds sooooo good! And they look cute too – perfect for a buffet table!
Thank you. I love individual desserts in little serving dishes.
These would make a great Thanksgiving dessert! Pinning!
Thank you. It is a good one to add to Thanksgiving, a little smaller and lighter dessert.
Those do sound easy and delicious! I love fall even if it doesn’t seem like fall here!