Easy No Bake Cake

Featured in Sweet Treats Everyone Will Love.

This chilled pumpkin cheesecake blends creamy goodness with a crisp spiced crust. Needs fridge time but ideal to make ahead for fall fun.
Emily Watson
Updated on Mon, 24 Mar 2025 23:19:59 GMT
Dessert slice with whipped topping and chocolate, sitting on a gray plate with a fork nearby. Pin it
Dessert slice with whipped topping and chocolate, sitting on a gray plate with a fork nearby. | thefamilycooks.com

I'm thrilled to pass along this no-heat pumpkin cheesecake to you guys. I spent tons of time in my kitchen trying out sweets until this one won me over completely. The smooth pumpkin mixture rests on a zesty gingersnap base creating something truly wonderful. And guess what? You won't need your oven at all, which leaves more space for your holiday dishes.

Why This Treat Stands Out

Throughout my cooking journey, I've noticed that the easiest treats often become family favorites. This cheesecake combines crunchy spiced cookies with a velvety filling in the most amazing way. My kids can't get enough of how the pumpkin flavor comes through without being too strong. Ever since I launched my website, this has been the fall dessert everyone asks for, particularly when holiday madness kicks in.

Your Ingredients List

  • Gingersnap Cookies: I always pick up Stauffers because they work perfectly every time.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: This gives us that fluffy, dreamy texture we want.
  • Cream Cheese: Don't go for low-fat here - the full-fat version makes all the difference.
  • Canned Pumpkin: I always keep this in my cupboard for reliable outcomes.
  • Confectioners Sugar: This helps us get that incredibly smooth finish.
  • Brown Sugar: It adds those yummy hints of caramel throughout.
  • Vanilla Extract: Real vanilla just makes everything taste better.
  • Spices: My special mix adds warmth to each mouthful.
  • Butter: This binds our crust into one solid base.

Making Your Showstopper

Tackling the Base First
Smash those gingersnaps into fine crumbs, add sugar and spices, then mix with melted butter. Push it down into your dish and stick it in the freezer. This quick cold spell really makes a difference.
Getting the Cream Just Right
Be patient while whipping to get those perfect stiff peaks. This step is what gives us that amazing texture everyone loves.
Mixing Your Main Filling
Blend cream cheese, pumpkin, sugars and spices until completely smooth. When you add the whipped cream, use soft movements as we want to keep all that fluffiness.
Bringing Everything Together
Spread your mixture evenly with an offset spatula if you have one. Wrap it up and let it sit in the fridge all night, I promise the wait pays off.

Insider Tricks

Wanna know how I get those perfect slices? Pack that crust down firmly and be extra gentle with your whipped cream. Don't skip the overnight chill, it's not optional but crucial for the right consistency. I always stock good gingersnaps specifically for whipping up this treat.

Creative Serving Ideas

I'll sometimes create tiny versions in small mason jars for my cooking classes. They're always a crowd-pleaser, especially with a drizzle of homemade caramel on top. When I'm only feeding a few folks, I just make half the batch and it turns out great.

Keeping It Fresh

This cheesecake is my go-to during hectic times. I can make it two days before I need it and it actually tastes better. For my fans who love planning ahead, I wrap single slices in parchment and freeze them, they thaw perfectly in the fridge.

You'll Fall In Love With This

After putting hundreds of recipes on my website, this no-heat pumpkin cheesecake still holds a special spot in my heart. It combines all the best parts of autumn desserts without any hassle. It's just right for those times when you want to dazzle your guests without getting stressed out.

A slice of creamy pumpkin cheesecake with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle, sitting on a speckled plate. Pin it
A slice of creamy pumpkin cheesecake with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle, sitting on a speckled plate. | thefamilycooks.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long do I need to chill this?
At least 8 hours in the fridge, but overnight (up to 12 hours) works best.
→ Is it okay to freeze it?
Absolutely! This will keep in the freezer for 3 months. Wrap tightly, then thaw in the fridge.
→ What pumpkin should I get?
Opt for canned pumpkin puree. Avoid fresh puree or pie filling since it might not firm up.
→ Can I swap the pan?
A deep 9-inch pie plate works fine, but a springform pan makes serving easier.
→ How long does it stay fresh?
In the fridge, it's good for 5 days. Frozen, it'll last up to 3 months.

No Bake Pumpkin Cake

Soft pumpkin layers on a crunchy ginger crust. No oven required, perfect for fall meetups or prepping early.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
20 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (One cheesecake, 9 inches)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 200g (2 cups) crushed gingersnap cookies.
02 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon.
03 1/4 tsp ground ginger.
04 85g (6 Tbsp) unsalted butter, melted.
05 50g (1/4 cup) granulated or brown sugar.
06 240ml (1 cup) heavy cream, chilled.
07 452g (16 ounces) softened full-fat cream cheese.
08 227g (1 cup) canned pumpkin puree.
09 90g (3/4 cup) powdered sugar.
10 50g (1/4 cup) packed brown sugar (light or dark).
11 1 tsp vanilla extract.
12 2 tsp pumpkin spice mix.
13 1/2 tsp cinnamon, ground.
14 Pinch of salt (about 1/8 tsp).

Instructions

Step 01

Stir together cookie crumbs, cinnamon, ginger, melted butter, and sugar. Push the mix into a springform pan and pop it into the freezer for 10-20 minutes.

Step 02

Whip the cold cream on medium-high speed with a mixer. Keep going until stiff peaks form (about 4 minutes).

Step 03

Beat the cream cheese till it's silky smooth. Toss in pumpkin puree and sugars, then blend well. Add salt, spices, and vanilla extract, and mix again.

Step 04

Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Combine until the texture is consistent.

Step 05

Pour the finished filling onto the cold crust. Spread it out with an offset spatula for a smooth surface.

Step 06

Cover and let it sit in the fridge for 8 hours minimum, or up to two days.

Notes

  1. You can prepare it 1-2 days early and store it in the fridge.
  2. Freezing works great—store it up to 3 months.
  3. Go with canned pumpkin, not fresh, for the best outcome.
  4. Cheesecake leftovers stay good in the fridge for around 5 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • Springform pan, 9- or 10-inch size.
  • Mixer (handheld or standing options).
  • Offset spatula for smoothing.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, heavy cream).
  • Contains wheat (gingersnap cookies).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
  • Protein: 5 g