The sweet smell of pumpkin spice makes me think of fall right away. The creamy layers with crunchy bits taste so good together. It feels like a little treat in every spoonful.

I remember making these parfaits one cool evening. My family loved how fun they looked in the glasses. The mix of smooth pumpkin and crunchy topping made everyone smile.

Now I want to share how easy they are to make. You don’t need much time, and they turn out so pretty. Let’s get started with these Pumpkin Crunch Parfaits.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Fall Flavors: Pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg combine for that warm autumn taste everyone loves.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Can be assembled ahead of time, making them perfect for gatherings or busy days.
No-Bake Delight: This dessert doesn’t require baking, making it a breeze to prepare.
Versatile: Customize with different layers and toppings for a personal twist.
Great for Pumpkin Lovers: If you adore pumpkin desserts, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your collection!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, here are a few kitchen tools you’ll need to create these Pumpkin Crunch Parfaits:

Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few for mixing the different components (pumpkin filling, whipped topping, etc.).
Electric Mixer or Whisk: If you don’t have a hand mixer, a whisk will do, but an electric mixer makes the process much easier for beating the cream and pudding together.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure you get the perfect balance of ingredients.
Parfait Glasses or Jars: You can use traditional parfait glasses, mason jars, or any clear glass container to show off the beautiful layers.
Spatula or Spoon: For layering and serving.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these fall-inspired parfaits (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

2 cups Whipped Topping: A light, fluffy topping that balances the richness of the pumpkin and pudding layers.
1 cup Canned Pumpkin: Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
1 package (3.4 ounces) Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This adds a creamy, smooth texture to the parfaits.
3/4 cup 2% Milk: Helps create a creamy consistency when mixed with the pudding.
1/2 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice: This spice blend brings out the classic fall flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
1 cup Chopped Pecans: Toasted for added flavor, these crunchy nuts elevate the parfait with a bit of richness and texture.
32 Gingersnap Cookies (about 1.5 cups), crushed: These cookies provide a delightful crunch and a warm, spicy flavor that complements the pumpkin.
Optional Toppings: Additional whipped topping and chopped pecans for garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pumpkin Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin, instant vanilla pudding mix, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk together until everything is smooth and fully combined. The pudding mix will help thicken the pumpkin mixture, creating a rich, creamy base for your parfait.

2. Add the Milk

Slowly pour in the 2% milk and continue whisking until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. The milk helps to create a smooth texture for the pumpkin filling.

3. Fold in the Whipped Topping

Gently fold in the whipped topping to the pumpkin mixture. This will make the filling light and fluffy while still maintaining that pumpkin-rich flavor. Stir until it’s fully incorporated, and set this aside.

4. Toast the Pecans

To bring out the best flavor in the pecans, toast them lightly. Simply place the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once they’re golden and fragrant, remove them from the heat and set them aside to cool.

5. Crush the Gingersnap Cookies

Crush the gingersnap cookies into small pieces. You can do this by placing them in a ziplock bag and using a rolling pin to crush them, or you can pulse them in a food processor. These cookies add the perfect amount of spice and crunch to the parfaits.

6. Assemble the Parfaits

Now comes the fun part: assembling the parfaits! Start with a layer of crushed gingersnap cookies at the bottom of each glass. Then, add a generous layer of the pumpkin mixture on top of the cookies. Continue layering until the glass is full, making sure to end with a layer of the pumpkin filling.

7. Add the Pecans and Whipped Topping

Sprinkle the toasted pecans over the top of the final layer of pumpkin mixture for a crunchy, nutty finish. If you’d like, you can also add a dollop of whipped topping for extra creaminess and garnish with additional chopped pecans.

8. Chill the Parfaits

Once the parfaits are assembled, place them in the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight). Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and gives the dessert time to firm up, creating a more satisfying texture.

Variations for Pumpkin Crunch Parfaits

Add a Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top of the parfaits for an extra layer of sweetness.
Swap Out the Pecans: If you’re not a fan of pecans, try walnuts, almonds, or even toasted coconut for a different texture and flavor.
Make It Lighter: Use fat-free whipped topping and sugar-free pudding mix for a lighter version of this dessert.
Try Different Cookies: While gingersnaps are classic, you could swap them for crushed graham crackers or even speculoos cookies for a different flavor profile.
Vegan Version: Use dairy-free whipped topping and substitute the pudding mix with a vegan alternative.

How to Serve Pumpkin Crunch Parfaits

These parfaits are perfect for serving at any occasion, and their versatility means they can be enjoyed in many different ways.

For Fall Gatherings

Pumpkin Crunch Parfaits make an excellent dessert for fall gatherings like Thanksgiving or Halloween. Their individual serving sizes are great for buffets or potlucks, and they look beautiful when displayed on a dessert table.

For Weeknight Treats

You don’t need a special occasion to enjoy these parfaits. Make them ahead of time for a weeknight treat or snack. Since they’re so easy to prepare and store, you can enjoy them throughout the week without much effort.

For Special Occasions

If you’re hosting a dinner party, these parfaits can easily be elevated with a few additional touches. Serve them in fancy glasses, and garnish with fresh whipped cream or additional spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Your guests will be impressed by both the flavor and presentation.

Storing Pumpkin Crunch Parfaits

Store in the Fridge: Since the parfaits contain whipped topping and milk, it’s important to store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days when covered tightly.
Make Ahead: You can make the parfaits a day or two in advance, allowing them to set and chill properly.
Don’t Freeze: Freezing is not recommended, as it will alter the texture of the whipped topping and pumpkin mixture.

Nutrition (per serving)

Nutrition Information	Amount
Calories	250
Total Fat	16g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	150mg
Total Carbohydrates	30g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	17g
Protein	2g

Conclusion

These Pumpkin Crunch Parfaits are a delightful way to indulge in the flavors of fall, and they’re surprisingly easy to make. With layers of creamy pumpkin, spiced cookies, and crunchy pecans, they offer the perfect combination of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving them at a special gathering or enjoying them as a weeknight treat, these parfaits will be a hit. They’re versatile, make-ahead, and guaranteed to satisfy your pumpkin cravings!