Pumpkin Cream Dream Layer Cake

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on August 16, 2025


Fall flavors meet creamy indulgence in this Pumpkin Cream Dream Layer Cake. With velvety layers of spiced pumpkin, sweet cheesecake filling, and a buttery vanilla base, this no-bake dessert is a festive showstopper that’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in.

The best part? It requires minimal effort and no oven (if using cookies or graham crackers as the base). Simply whip, layer, chill, and serve! Each slice is creamy, nutty, and kissed with pumpkin spice the ultimate seasonal treat.

Whole pecan caramel cake with piped buttercream frosting, pecans, and caramel drizzle

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Dream Cake

Cozy Pumpkin Spice Flavors

The warm blend of pumpkin purée and pumpkin pie spice creates a creamy filling that tastes like fall in every bite.

No-Bake, Make-Ahead Dessert

This layered cake sets in the fridge, making it the perfect dessert to prepare ahead of time for parties or family dinners. It tastes even better after chilling overnight.

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Dream Layer Cake

Ingredients

  • 1 box vanilla cake mix (baked and cooled) or graham crackers/vanilla cookies for a no-bake base
  • 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée
  • 1 (5 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 ½ cups cold milk
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (Cool Whip or similar), thawed
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional, alcohol-free)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling
    In a medium bowl, whisk together pudding mix, cold milk, pumpkin purée, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and thick. Chill for 5–10 minutes to firm up.
  2. Make the Cheesecake Layer
    In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until creamy. Gently fold in half of the whipped topping.
  3. Assemble the Layers
    In a 9×13-inch dish, place half the baked vanilla cake (or a layer of cookies/crackers if making no-bake). Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the base.
  4. Add the Pumpkin Layer
    Spread the pumpkin pudding mixture on top of the cheesecake layer.
  5. Top It Off
    Cover with the remaining whipped topping and smooth the surface. Sprinkle chopped nuts generously over the top.
  6. Chill & Serve
    Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results. Just before serving, drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.
Whole pecan caramel cake with cream cheese frosting, pecans, and caramel drizzle

Tips, Variations & Serving Ideas

Tips for Success

  • Use graham crackers or cookies for a faster no-bake version.
  • Make sure the pumpkin pudding is well chilled before layering for easier assembly.
  • Chill overnight for the creamiest texture and best flavor.

Fun Variations

  • Swap pecans for toasted almonds or candied walnuts.
  • Add a thin layer of crushed ginger snaps between the pumpkin and cream layers for extra spice.
  • Top with chocolate drizzle instead of caramel for a twist.
Print
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ayered pecan caramel cake with cream cheese frosting, pecans, and caramel drizzle

Pumpkin Cream Dream Layer Cake

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A luscious no-bake dessert with layers of pumpkin pudding, cheesecake filling, and a buttery vanilla base. Finished with whipped topping, nuts, and caramel drizzle, it’s the ultimate cozy fall treat.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (includes chill time)
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Scale

1 box vanilla cake mix (baked and cooled) or graham crackers/cookies

1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée

1 (5 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix

1 ½ cups cold milk

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping, thawed

½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

Whisk pudding mix, milk, pumpkin purée, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth. Chill 5–10 minutes.

Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in half the whipped topping.

Layer half the baked cake (or cookies) in a 9×13-inch dish.

Spread cheesecake mixture over the base.

Add pumpkin pudding mixture on top.

Cover with remaining whipped topping and sprinkle with nuts.

Chill at least 4 hours or overnight.

Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

Notes

Use cookies or graham crackers for a quick no-bake base. Chill overnight for best results. Try ginger snaps or chocolate drizzle for variations.

  • Author: chef david
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: ~320
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

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