Double Layer Cream Cheese Pumpkin Pie will be the star of your holiday table. This 10-minute no-bake pie is easy to assemble and full of comforting fall flavor.
When it comes to fall pies, apple, sweet potato, and pumpkin are the classics. The warm baking spices and silky pumpkin layer make pumpkin pie a comforting favorite. But coordinating oven time for the holidays can be a challenge, which is why this no-bake cream cheese pumpkin pie is such a welcome option. It delivers all the flavor of a traditional pumpkin pie with a creamy, chilled texture and requires no oven time — perfect for busy holiday prep.
This recipe is inspired by a childhood memory of a layered pumpkin pie: a smooth cream cheese layer beneath a spiced pumpkin topping. The result is a delightful contrast of textures and flavors — a lightly spiced cream cheese base, a pumpkin layer enriched with instant vanilla pudding for stability, and a whipped topping finish dusted with chai spice for extra warmth. It’s easy to make ahead and actually improves as it chills, making it a great make-ahead dessert for holiday gatherings.
Double Layer Pumpkin Pie Ingredients
- Graham cracker pie crust – homemade or store-bought.
- Cream cheese – block cream cheese, softened.
- Whipped topping (Cool Whip) – or stabilized whipped cream.
- Granulated sugar
- Milk
- Chai spice mix (recipe below)
- Salt
- Instant vanilla pudding mix
- Pumpkin puree – use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
How to Make Cream Cheese Pumpkin Pie
Cream Cheese Layer
- Mix the chai spice ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, stir together softened cream cheese and half of the whipped topping with a rubber spatula until combined. The mixture may look slightly lumpy at first.
- Add granulated sugar, milk, and 1 teaspoon of the chai spice to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until smooth, using the spatula to press and smooth the cream cheese as needed.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of the graham cracker crust in an even layer. Try to keep it mostly on the bottom so the pie shows the double-layer effect around the edge.
Pumpkin Layer
- In a medium bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with 1/2 cup milk until thickened. Since you’re using less milk than a normal pudding recipe, it will thicken quickly.
- Whisk in the pumpkin puree, 1/2 teaspoon chai spice, and a pinch of salt until well combined and smooth.
- Spread the pumpkin mixture over the cream cheese layer, smoothing it to the edges so the cream cheese is completely covered.
Topping
- Top the center of the pie with the remaining whipped topping and spread it with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Leaving a 1-inch border around the edge shows the layers, but you can cover the whole top if you prefer. Sprinkle additional chai spice over the top for garnish.
- Cover the pie and refrigerate until ready to serve. Chill for at least an hour for best texture; it gets better the longer it sits.
- Slice into 8 pieces and serve.
This pie develops flavor as it chills: the spices meld into both layers and the textures settle, but it’s also fine to enjoy right away if needed. It’s an ideal make-ahead dessert for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering.
For pumpkin purists in my house I still make a classic baked pumpkin pie, but this no-bake version is an easy way to add another pumpkin option to the table. Swapping pumpkin pie spice for chai spice gives the pie a cozy, tea-like warmth that appeals to chai lovers and anyone who appreciates layered, creamy desserts.
Notes
- Whipped topping tends to hold up best in this recipe. If you prefer, substitute 3 cups of stabilized whipped cream.
- The pie tastes better after chilling, as the spices infuse both layers, but it’s enjoyable immediately.
Chai Spice Mix
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
If you love pumpkin, there are plenty of other fall recipes to explore — from pumpkin bread to pumpkin fritters and beyond. This no-bake double layer cream cheese pumpkin pie is a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that looks festive and tastes like the season.