Aunt Agnes’ Homemade Layered Cream Cheese Pumpkin Torte has been in our family for generations. Aunt Agnes is my great, great aunt and she shared this recipe with my mom, who has now shared this delicious recipe with me. It’s one of our favorite fall desserts.
If you love pumpkin pie, you are sure to fall in love with this dessert. Layered with lots of fall flavors, graham crackers, cream cheese, smooth pumpkin filling, creamy whipped topping, and pecans. Imagine a pumpkin cheesecake. Just more pumpkin than cheesecake. This is just a great dessert.
It is a must have dessert for our Thanksgiving table. Picture this, a luscious symphony of flavors and textures, layered in a 9 x 13 pan, creating a dessert masterpiece that’s both timeless and utterly irresistible.
A dessert that transcends seasons and brings comfort with every bite. This recipe has stood the test of time. You can make this on repeat throughout the fall season and winter months. Your family and friends will thank you.
It’s always a big hit at any gathering.
A creamy alternative to pumpkin pie
If you are a pumpkin pie lover, my guess is, you’ll love this Pumpkin Torte. Perfect for your Holiday table or a potluck.
It all starts with a graham cracker crust layer. The second layer is a velvety cream cheese layer that adds a delightful tangy note. Add the star of the show is the third layer. The pumpkin pie filling layer. All the goodness that embodies the warmth of Autumn. Finally, top the pumpkin layer with a cloud of whipped topping and chopped pecans sprinkled generously on top. This adds a final layer of satisfying crunch.
Pumpkin Desserts
If this pumpkin torte is sitting next to a traditional pumpkin pie, which one would you choose? At Thanksgiving, we tend to have quite a few dessert choices. We serve pumpkin pie and this pumpkin torte. Every single crumb of the torte will vanish, and that pie will sit there.
We do eat the pie, but that is usually not until the next day when we are enjoying our leftovers.
Make Ahead Dessert
This is a wonderful dessert to make a day ahead of time. It needs 4 hours to set up so making it the day before is perfect. Just keep cool until serving.
Pumpkin Torte with Cream Cheese Recipe Variations
Graham Cracker Crust. If you prefer a bit nuttier flavor, reduce the graham crackers by ½ cup and substitute ½ cup of ground nuts. You can also use crushed vanilla wafers or swap out some of the graham crackers for crushed pretzels.
Ground Cinnamon. If you don’t have any or prefer, you can use pumpkin pie spice.
Whipped Topping. It is super easy to use a container of whipped topping. However, if you prefer, you can use a pint of heavy cream and whip it with ½ of granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. If you are worried that the whipped cream will not stay whipped, we have a solution for you. Find out how to make stabilized whipped cream.
Pecans. Any kind of nut will work for this recipe, walnuts and almonds are great alternatives.
Homemade Layered Cream Cheese Pumpkin Torte Dessert
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
- 1/3 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ½ Cup Butter Melted
Cream Cheese Filling
- 12 Ounces Cream Cheese Softened
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 3 Large Eggs
Pumpkin Filling
- 15 Ounces Solid Packed Pumpkin 1 can
- 3 Large Eggs Separated
- ¾ Cup Granulated Sugar Divided
- ½ Cup Milk
- 2 Tablespoons Ground Cinnamon
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Envelope Unflavored Gelatin .25 ounces in a packet
- ¼ Cup Cold Water
Topping
- 8 Ounces Whipped Topping 1 Tub
- 1 Cup Pecans Chopped
Instructions
Crust
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and ground cinnamon together.2 Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs, 1/3 Cup Granulated Sugar, 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon, ½ Cup Butter
- Stir in the melted butter until the graham cracker crumbs are all moistened.
- Press into an ungreased 9 X 13 Baking dish.
Cream Cheese Layer
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, 1-2 minutes. Add the sugar and eggs and beat until fluffy.12 Ounces Cream Cheese, 1 Cup Granulated Sugar, 3 Large Eggs
- Pour over the graham cracker crust and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit just until set.
- Allow it to cool to room temperature.
Pumpkin Pie Layer
- Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites, set aside.3 Large Eggs
- In a large saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree, egg yolks, ½ cup of the sugar, milk, salt, and cinnamon.15 Ounces Solid Packed Pumpkin, ¾ Cup Granulated Sugar, ½ Cup Milk, 2 Tablespoons Ground Cinnamon, ½ Teaspoon Salt
- Using a medium to low heat most of the time, cook for 5-10 minutes, until mixture thickens. Turn off heat. Adjust the heat as needed so the pumpkin puree doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- In a small bowl or cup, sprinkle gelatin in the cold water. Let stand for 1 minute to dissolve completely. It will take on a gel-like texture. Stir to combine.1 Envelope Unflavored Gelatin, ¼ Cup Cold Water
- Add to the pumpkin mixture stirring into the pumpkin mixture until it is dissolved completely. 1 minute. Allow the pumpkin mixture to cool while you work on the next step.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Add the rest of the ¼ cup of sugar and continue beating until the sugar is dissolved. The egg whites will look thick and glossy.
- Fold the egg whites into the pumpkin mixture.
- Pour over the cream cheese layer.
Whipped Topping Layer
- Top with the container of whipped topping, such as Cool Whip or another brand.8 Ounces Whipped Topping
- Chop the pecans and sprinkle generously over the top.1 Cup Pecans
- Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or until set.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
How Many Days Will This Last in the Refrigerator?
The Homemade Cream Cheese Pumpkin Torte can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. However, for the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to consume it within the first 2 days. Keep it covered or stored in an airtight container to prevent the dessert from absorbing any odors from the fridge and to maintain its freshness. If you find that you won’t be able to finish it within the recommended time frame, consider freezing individual slices in airtight containers for longer storage. Just be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator before serving. Enjoy your delicious dessert.Nutrition
We have a few other delicious recipes for you to try.
- 2-Ingredient Pumpkin Bread Recipe with Glaze
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