Velvety Pumpkin Cream Cheese Recipe

Heavenly Pumpkin Cream Cheese Delight Recipe for Fall Bliss

Autumn whispers comfort with every slice of this delectable pumpkin cream cheese delight recipe that promises pure indulgence.

Cool breezes and falling leaves set the perfect backdrop for a dessert that melts in your mouth.

Warm spices dance through each creamy bite, creating a symphony of seasonal flavors.

This dessert combines rich pumpkin with smooth cream cheese for an irresistible treat that feels like a warm hug.

Layers of velvety goodness await you in this simple yet elegant recipe.

The balance of sweet and tangy notes will make this dessert the star of any gathering.

Get ready to savor a slice of pure autumn magic that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Mixing Pumpkin and Cream Cheese into One Smooth Dessert

  • Crust Preparation

Transform a simple pie pan into a golden canvas by pressing delicate dough along its edges. Gently chill the crust to help it maintain its elegant shape, then bake until it reaches a warm, sun-kissed color.

  • Creamy Pumpkin Fusion

Blend rich cream cheese with silky pumpkin puree, creating a smooth landscape of autumn flavors. Stir in warm spices that whisper of cozy gatherings, allowing each ingredient to dance together into a harmonious mixture.

  • Oven Magic

Pour the velvety filling into the waiting crust, then slide into a warm oven. Watch as the pie slowly transforms, its center becoming soft and tender, promising a delectable dessert that celebrates seasonal comfort.

  • Elegant Presentation

Once cooled, slice the pie into generous wedges. Crown each piece with a cloud of fluffy whipped cream, inviting friends and family to savor this decadent autumn treat.

Tips for Fall Flavor That Feels Like a Hug

  • Swap traditional pie crust with a gluten-free alternative made from almond flour or graham cracker crumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing texture.
  • Blend in extra cream cheese for a richer, more decadent filling that provides a tangy contrast to the sweet pumpkin base.
  • Elevate the dessert by adding a caramel drizzle, candied pecans, or a sprinkle of sea salt to create unexpected flavor dimensions that will surprise and delight guests.

Ways to Serve Pumpkin Cream Cheese Warm or Cold

  • Garnish with Seasonal Flair: Top each slice with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few candied pecans for extra crunch and warmth.
  • Pair with Complementary Beverages: Serve alongside a steaming mug of spiced chai tea or a rich, dark coffee to enhance the pie's deep autumn flavors.
  • Create a Decadent Dessert Plate: Add a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream next to the pie slice for a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, spiced filling.
  • Elevate with Homemade Whipped Cream: Prepare fresh whipped cream with a hint of vanilla and a touch of maple syrup to complement the pumpkin's natural sweetness.

Storing Your Pumpkin Dessert for Later Enjoyment

  • Maximize Freshness: Store the pumpkin cream cheese pie in an airtight container, covering it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 4 days to maintain its delightful texture and flavor.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its creamy consistency.
  • Slice and Serve Smart: Cut individual portions only when ready to enjoy. This prevents moisture buildup and keeps the crust crisp and delicious. Use a sharp, clean knife for neat slices.
  • Room Temperature Tips: Let the pie sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This slight warming enhances the flavors and creates a softer, more luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 70 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 335 kcal

Servings: 9

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Must-Haves

For Crust Base:
  • Pie Dough: Provides the crispy, flaky foundation that cradles the creamy filling, choose an all-butter pastry for rich, tender texture.
  • Pie Weights or Dried Beans: Ensures the crust maintains its shape during initial baking, preventing unwanted bubbling or shrinking.
For Filling Creamy Blend:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers luxurious, tangy smoothness that creates the pie's signature silky consistency, select full-fat for maximum richness.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Brings warm, earthy autumn flavors and beautiful orange color, opt for pure pumpkin without added spices.
  • Sugar: Balances the pumpkin's earthiness with sweet undertones, use granulated for smooth incorporation.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity, drawing out subtle taste nuances.
For Spice and Aromatic Layers:
  • Egg Yolks: Provides custard-like structure and deep golden color, choose fresh, room-temperature eggs.
  • Half-and-Half: Creates luscious, creamy texture, select high-quality dairy for superior taste.
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and depth, use unsalted for precise flavor control.
  • Vanilla Extract: Introduces warm, comforting background notes, pure extract recommended over artificial.
  • Cinnamon: Delivers classic autumnal warmth, freshly ground offers more vibrant flavor.
  • Ginger: Optional spice that adds subtle, zingy complexity to the pie.

Equipment That Gets Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dessert Just Right

  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for blending cream cheese, pumpkin, and other filling ingredients smoothly.
  • Electric Mixer or Whisk: Perfect for beating cream cheese until creamy and combining filling components.
  • 9-inch Pie Pan: Crucial for creating the perfect pie shape and size.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Wire Cooling Rack: Helps pie cool evenly after baking.
  • Spatula: Great for folding ingredients and scraping bowl sides.
  • Pie Weights or Dried Beans: Keeps pie crust flat during initial baking.
  • Baking Foil: Protects crust edges during initial baking stage.
  • Sharp Knife: Ideal for clean pie slicing.
Print
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Velvety Pumpkin Cream Cheese Recipe

Velvety Pumpkin Cream Cheese Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Creamy pumpkin cream cheese delight merges autumn’s warmth with rich dessert pleasures. Smooth spices and silky texture invite you to savor seasonal comfort without complexity.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (473 ml) mashed canned pumpkin
  • 1 package (8 oz/226 g) softened cream cheese
  • 1 piece pre-made pie dough
  • 1 cup (200 g) sugar
  • 1 cup (237 ml) half-and-half cream
  • ¼ cup (57 g) melted butter
  • 3 egg yolks, slightly beaten
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger (optional)
  • Whipped cream (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Position the oven rack in the center and preheat to 180°C (350°F). Carefully drape pie dough into a 9-inch pie pan, creating delicate crimped edges. Chill in the freezer for 60 minutes to prevent shrinkage.
  2. Blind Baking: Line the chilled crust with parchment paper and ceramic pie weights. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove weights and parchment. Return to oven for an additional 10-12 minutes until achieving a golden appearance. Cool completely.
  3. Filling Creation: In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually blend in pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, salt, egg yolks, half-and-half cream, and melted butter until achieving a velvety consistency.
  4. Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and optional ground ginger, folding gently to distribute flavors evenly throughout the mixture.
  5. Baking Process: Transfer the filling into the pre-baked crust, ensuring an even spread and eliminating air pockets. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the center shows a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
  6. Cooling and Setting: Remove from oven and place on a wire rack. Allow the pie to rest and set at room temperature for 2-3 hours, ensuring a perfect texture.
  7. Serving: Slice with a clean, sharp knife between each cut. Embellish with a billowing dollop of freshly whipped cream for a sophisticated presentation.

Notes

  • Crust Chilling Technique: Freezing the pie crust for exactly 60 minutes prevents shrinkage and creates a flaky, stable base for your pie.
  • Blind Baking Precision: Using ceramic weights or dried beans ensures an evenly cooked, crisp crust that won’t become soggy from the creamy filling.
  • Smooth Filling Secret: Blend cream cheese thoroughly and add ingredients gradually to achieve a silky, lump-free texture that guarantees a professional-quality dessert.
  • Doneness Test Tip: Look for a gentle wobble in the center when shaking the pie, which indicates perfect baking and a creamy, custard-like consistency.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 70 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 335
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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