Looking for easy and cozy fall dessert ideas that don’t require turning on the oven? These No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Jars are a dreamy, layered treat packed with all the warm spices of autumn. Perfect for entertaining, gifting, or indulging in a solo fall night in, these jars are quick to assemble, irresistibly creamy, and full of pumpkin flavor.
Ingredients
Each layer in these jars plays an essential role in delivering the nostalgic taste of pumpkin pie without the hassle. Here’s what you’ll need:
Crust Layer (Graham Cracker Crumble):
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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full crackers)
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¼ cup brown sugar
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½ tsp ground cinnamon
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6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Pumpkin Pie Filling:
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1 ½ cups canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
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1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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½ tsp ground ginger
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¼ tsp ground nutmeg
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¼ tsp ground cloves
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1 cup whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)
Whipped Cream Topping:
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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2 tbsp powdered sugar
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½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Garnishes:
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Crushed graham crackers
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Cinnamon sticks
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A sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon
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Mini pumpkin candies or toasted pecans
Required Kitchen Tools
To prepare these easy no-bake jars, you’ll need the following tools:
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Mixing bowls (2–3 medium-sized)
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Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
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Rubber spatula
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Food processor or ziplock bag + rolling pin (for crushing crackers)
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Small mason jars or dessert glasses (6–8 jars, 6–8 oz each)
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Piping bag (optional, for neat layering of whipped cream)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
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In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
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Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
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Spoon about 2–3 tablespoons of the crust mixture into the bottom of each jar.
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Lightly press down using the back of a spoon. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
2: Make the Pumpkin Pie Filling
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In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
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Add the pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, vanilla, and spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves).
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Mix until fully combined and smooth.
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Gently fold in the whipped topping with a spatula to create a light, mousse-like texture.
3: Prepare the Whipped Cream
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In a cold bowl, add heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
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Beat with a mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. This takes about 3–4 minutes.
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Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
4: Assemble the Jars
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Remove the jars with graham crust from the fridge.
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Spoon or pipe a generous layer of pumpkin filling over the crust.
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Add a layer of whipped cream on top.
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Repeat layers if jars are taller or for extra decadence.
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Garnish with crushed graham crackers, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a festive topping.
5: Chill and Serve
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Cover jars with lids or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving. This allows the layers to set and flavors to blend.
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Serve chilled, straight from the jar!
Helpful Tips for Making No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Jars
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Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free filling.
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Chill the jars overnight if preparing ahead for parties or holiday dinners. They hold well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
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Get creative with the base – use crushed ginger snaps, Biscoff cookies, or even Oreo crumbs for a fun twist.
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Make it dairy-free by using vegan cream cheese and coconut whipped cream.
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Add texture by sprinkling chopped nuts or a layer of caramel sauce between layers.
Approximate Nutritional Value (Per Jar, Based on 8 Servings)
Note: Values may vary depending on the specific brands used.
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Calories: 360
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Total Fat: 24g
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Saturated Fat: 13g
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Cholesterol: 70mg
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Carbohydrates: 31g
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Sugar: 19g
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Protein: 4g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sodium: 180mg
Why These No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Jars Are the Perfect Fall Dessert
When fall rolls around and you’re browsing for fall dessert ideas, this is the kind of recipe that checks every box. It’s quick, festive, and delivers all the flavor of a traditional pumpkin pie — without the stress of pie crusts and baking time. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, planning a cozy movie night, or creating a fun dessert table for a fall gathering, these jars are sure to be a hit.
Plus, serving desserts in individual jars feels modern, clean, and perfect for portion control. And since they’re no-bake, they’re ideal for novice bakers or anyone short on time.
Conclusion
These No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Jars are not only delicious and beautiful but also one of the easiest fall dessert ideas you can make at home. With warm spices, a creamy texture, and layers of comforting flavor, they capture everything we love about autumn in every bite.