Name: Pumpkin Pie in a Jar (No-Bake Pumpkin Parfaits) Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 large egg yolks, cold or room temperature; 3 and 1/2 Tablespoons (28g) cornstarch; 1 and 2/3 cups (400g/ml) whole milk (do not use low-fat or nondairy); 2/3 cup (133g) granulated sugar; 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 cup (226g) canned pumpkin puree; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste; 1 and 1/4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (store-bought or homemade); pinch salt (less than 1/8 teaspoon); 24–28 ginger snaps or Biscoff cookies (about 190g); 1 Tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon light or dark brown sugar; 1 cup (240g/ml) heavy cream or heavy whipping cream, very cold; 2 Tablespoons light or dark brown sugar or granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste; 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; crushed ginger snap or Biscoff crumbs, for topping

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 79 reviews

If you adore the flavors of fall and crave something sweet yet delightful, the Pumpkin Pie in a Jar (No-Bake Pumpkin Parfaits) Recipe is an absolute must-try. This charming take on classic pumpkin pie captures all the cozy spices and creamy textures you love, but with a refreshing no-bake twist that makes it perfect year-round. Individually layered in jars, these parfaits are not only gorgeous but super convenient to make ahead and impress guests or treat yourself to anytime. Rich pumpkin custard, spiced whipped cream, and a crunchy ginger snap crust come together to create a feel-good dessert that you’ll want to share again and again.

Ingredients You'll Need

A clear glass mixing bowl sits on a white marbled surface, containing one layer of smooth, bright yellow batter in the center. A metal whisk with a light blue handle rests on the batter, partially mixing it. The bowl's transparent sides show measurement marks, and the scene is brightly lit with soft shadows visible inside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient here plays a starring role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your pumpkin parfaits. Simple and easy to find, these essentials come together to make something truly special.

5 large egg yolks: These create the velvety base of the pumpkin pastry cream, lending richness and body.

3 and ½ Tablespoons cornstarch: The key thickener that transforms the custard into a luscious pudding texture.
1 and ⅔ cups whole milk: Provides creaminess and smoothness, so nothing low-fat or nondairy here!
⅔ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard just right without overpowering the pumpkin’s natural flavor.

2 Tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds silkiness and a buttery finish to the custard.
1 cup canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that brings depth, natural sweetness, and vibrant orange color.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.

1 and ¼ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: A warming blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that defines the dessert.
Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the spices.
24–28 ginger snaps or Biscoff cookies: Crushed, they form a buttery, spiced crust that adds crunch.

1 Tablespoon unsalted butter: Melted with brown sugar to toast the cookie crumbs perfectly.
1 teaspoon light or dark brown sugar: Brings a caramel hint in the crust.
1 cup heavy cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection with just the right touch of spice and sweetness.

2 Tablespoons sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream while allowing pumpkin pie flavors to shine.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Rounds out the whipped cream’s flavor beautifully.
½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: Adds the signature fall flavor to the whipped topping.

Optional crushed cookie crumbs: For a final decorative crunch on top.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie in a Jar (No-Bake Pumpkin Parfaits) Recipe

Step 1: Make the Pumpkin Pastry Cream

Start by whisking the egg yolks and cornstarch together until they come together into a smooth paste. This is the foundation of your pumpkin custard. Next, heat the milk and sugar until just simmering, then temper the yolks carefully by pouring the hot milk in slowly, whisking constantly to avoid scrambling. Whisk in the pumpkin puree, then strain the mixture to ensure silky smoothness. Return it to heat and cook until thickened to a pudding-like consistency. Finally, stir in butter, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent skinning, and chill for at least 3 hours until fully set.

Step 2: Prepare the Crunchy Crust

While the custard chills, crush your ginger snaps or Biscoff cookies until you have a nice mix of crumbs and a few larger bits. Melt butter and brown sugar in a skillet over medium-low heat, toast the crumbs for about 3 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, then let them cool completely. This buttery, spiced crumb base will add the perfect textural contrast beneath the creamy custard.

Step 3: Whip the Spiced Cream

For the luxurious topping, whip cold heavy cream with sugar, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice until medium peaks form — just the right balance between soft and stiff peaks. This spiced whipped cream adds airy lightness and hints of autumnal warmth, complementing the richness of the pumpkin custard.

Step 4: Assemble Your No-Bake Pumpkin Parfaits

Now for the fun part: layering! Spoon about ¼ cup of the cooled cookie crust into the bottom of each jar. Next, carefully pipe or spoon ½ cup of the chilled pumpkin custard on top. Finish with a generous swirl of the spiced whipped cream. If you want, sprinkle a few pumpkin pie spice dustings or crushed cookie crumbs on top for a beautiful finishing touch. Your Pumpkin Pie in a Jar (No-Bake Pumpkin Parfaits) Recipe is ready to enjoy or chill until party time!

How to Serve Pumpkin Pie in a Jar (No-Bake Pumpkin Parfaits) Recipe

The image shows a clear glass jar filled with three visible layers. The bottom layer is dark brown and crumbly, resembling crushed cookies or a crumb base. Above it is a thick, smooth orange layer that looks like pumpkin or sweet potato mousse. The top layer is a generous swirl of white whipped cream sprinkled lightly with brown cinnamon or nutmeg powder. A silver spoon is inserted into the jar, pressing slightly into the whipped cream, held by a woman's hand. The jar is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten up your parfaits by adding a light dusting of pumpkin pie spice, a sprinkle of crushed ginger snaps, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. Freshly shaved dark chocolate or chopped toasted pecans also make for irresistible toppings.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced chai, pumpkin latte, or a simple black coffee. For a cozy gathering, try serving alongside warm apple cider or cinnamon-spiked hot chocolate to amplify those perfect fall flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

These parfaits look stunning in clear mason jars or layered dessert cups to show off their beautiful colors and textures. Tie a rustic ribbon around each jar for gifting or place them on a wooden board with little spoons for a charming dessert display. You could even layer the components in mini shot glasses for bite-sized treats at your next party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, cover the jars loosely with lids or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The custard will stay creamy and the crust will maintain a pleasant crunch for a surprisingly long time, making this dessert super convenient for preparing ahead.

Freezing

Though delicious fresh, freezing is not recommended for Pumpkin Pie in a Jar (No-Bake Pumpkin Parfaits) Recipe as the whipped cream may lose its texture and the custard could become grainy. For best results, enjoy within two days of preparation.

Reheating

This dessert is best served cold, so reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer a slightly softer texture to the custard, you can let the parfait sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to take the chill off gently.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Absolutely! While ginger snaps or Biscoff cookies provide great spice and crunch, you can experiment with graham crackers, speculoos, or even shortbread for different flavor profiles.

Is it safe to use raw egg yolks in the custard?

The egg yolks are tempered with hot milk and then cooked on the stove until thickened, which effectively cooks them through, making this method safe as long as you follow the temperature guidelines carefully.

Can I make the spiced whipped cream ahead of time?

You can prepare the whipped cream a few hours in advance and store it tightly covered in the refrigerator, but it’s best to whip it fresh on the day of serving for optimal texture and volume.

How can I make this dessert dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on dairy for texture and flavor, so substituting with nondairy milk and cream will change the outcome. If you want a dairy-free alternative, consider a coconut cream whipped topping and experimenting with cornstarch-thickened coconut milk custard, but results may vary.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes! This recipe scales up beautifully. Just be mindful to maintain the cooking times and temperature checks for the custard to ensure it thickens properly without curdling.

Final Thoughts

Making the Pumpkin Pie in a Jar (No-Bake Pumpkin Parfaits) Recipe is like capturing the essence of fall in every jar—comforting, festive, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you're surprising your family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, these parfaits bring a bright spot to any day with their rich flavors and charming presentation. Give it a try and watch how quickly these little jars of pumpkin joy become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire!

Pumpkin Pie in a Jar (No-Bake Pumpkin Parfaits) Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need