There is nothing quite as delightful and festive as a Pumpkin Pie Parfaits Recipe to celebrate the cozy flavors of fall in a fun and elegant way. This easy-to-make dessert layers luscious pumpkin pie filling, fluffy Cool Whip, crunchy walnuts, and tart dried cranberries, creating a symphony of textures and flavors in each spoonful. Ideal for entertaining or a comforting night in, these parfaits bring the best of pumpkin pie without any fuss, making them a must-try this season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three white dessert cups filled with layered pumpkin pie trifle. Each cup has four visible layers starting with a bottom layer of smooth, orange pumpkin pie filling with a rich texture. Above that is a thick white layer of whipped topping, followed by another layer of pumpkin pie filling. The top layer is white whipped topping sprinkled with small brown bits and dried red cranberries for texture and color contrast. Long spoons are placed in each cup, ready for eating, and the cups sit on a white tray with raised edges. The background surface is white marble and a woman’s hand is gently holding one cup in some shots. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret behind these amazing Pumpkin Pie Parfaits. Each element plays an important role—whether it’s providing smooth creaminess, a burst of tartness, or that signature pumpkin spice warmth—making the final treat both balanced and irresistible.

Mrs. Smith’s Pumpkin Pies: Using pre-baked pumpkin pies saves time while ensuring that classic pumpkin flavor and smooth texture you love.
Cool Whip: This airy topping adds lightness and a creamy contrast to the dense pumpkin pie layers.
Dried Cranberries: These sweet-tart berries give a delightful pop of color and flavor that brighten each bite.
Walnuts (chopped): Crunchy walnuts bring a satisfying texture that complements the softness of the pumpkin and whipped topping.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: A sprinkle of this iconic spice blend adds warmth and aroma, enhancing every layer.
Clear Glasses: Perfect for showcasing the stunning layered look of the parfaits.

How to Make Pumpkin Pie Parfaits Recipe

Step 1: Bake the Pumpkin Pies

Begin by baking the pumpkin pies according to the package instructions. Once baked to perfection, allow them to cool completely for about two hours; this ensures the pie layers hold together nicely when assembled in the parfaits.

Step 2: Cut Out the Pie Circles

Using a circular cookie cutter roughly the size of your serving glasses, cut out 9 perfect circles from each pumpkin pie. Keep the edges for snacking or discard; these circles will fit snugly at the bottom and between layers of the parfait.

Step 3: Prepare the Cool Whip for Piping

Transfer the Cool Whip into a zip-top plastic bag and snip off one corner to create a piping bag. This trick makes it easy to create neat, circular dollops of whipped topping that beautifully contrast the pie layer.

Step 4: Layer the Parfaits

Start by placing one pumpkin pie circle at the bottom of each clear glass. Pipe a generous layer of Cool Whip over the pie, then sprinkle about one teaspoon each of dried cranberries and chopped walnuts. This layering creates a harmony of flavors and textures.

Step 5: Repeat Layers

Continue layering the pie circles, Cool Whip, cranberries, and walnuts two more times to build tall, beautiful parfaits. The repetition ensures every bite has all those delicious components working together.

Step 6: Finish with a Dusting of Pumpkin Pie Spice

Once the parfaits are fully assembled, lightly sprinkle pumpkin pie spice on top to add a warm, fragrant finish that makes the dessert smell just as good as it tastes.

How to Serve Pumpkin Pie Parfaits Recipe

Three clear tall glasses sit side by side on a white rectangular tray with a delicate pattern on the edges. Each glass holds four layers, starting with a bottom layer of creamy orange pumpkin-colored puree, followed by a thick white fluffy cream layer, then another layer of the pumpkin puree, and topped again with white cream swirled on top. The top cream layer is sprinkled with small chunks of walnut and dried cranberries. Each glass has a silver spoon standing inside it. The background is a white marbled texture with an orange plate holding decorative pine cones and a small pumpkin in soft focus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elegant garnishes can elevate the Pumpkin Pie Parfaits even further. Consider topping with a fresh mint leaf, a whole walnut, or a few extra dried cranberries for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. These simple touches make the parfaits look inviting and festive.

Side Dishes

Since these parfaits are rich and sweet, pairing them with light, crisp sides works wonderfully—think fresh apple slices, spiced nuts, or a cup of warm chai tea. These accompaniments balance the dessert’s flavors while keeping the cozy theme alive.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Pumpkin Pie Parfaits Recipe in mason jars or mini trifle bowls for a charming rustic vibe. You can also layer them in shot glasses for bite-sized treats at a party. Mixing and matching presentation options keeps things fresh and fun every time you serve.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any parfaits left over, cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. They stay fresh for up to two days, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight. Just give them a gentle stir before serving to revive the texture.

Freezing

Freezing these parfaits isn’t recommended because the Cool Whip may separate, and the texture of the pumpkin pie can change once thawed. For best results, enjoy the Pumpkin Pie Parfaits Recipe fresh or within a couple of days stored in the fridge.

Reheating

Since this dessert is best served chilled, reheating is not advised. If you prefer a warm pumpkin pie, reserve a slice separately for warming, and keep the parfaits cold for optimal taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I make these parfaits with homemade pumpkin pie?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin pie will add a personal touch and potentially even richer flavors, but make sure your pie is fully cooled before assembling to prevent sogginess.

What can I substitute for Cool Whip?

If you want a more natural option, whipped heavy cream sweetened lightly with sugar or vanilla extract works beautifully as a creamy layer in this parfait.

Are there nut-free alternatives for this recipe?

Yes! You can replace walnuts with toasted pumpkin seeds or simply leave out the nuts. Adding extra dried cranberries or a sprinkle of cinnamon can keep the texture interesting.

Can the parfaits be made vegan?

To veganize the Pumpkin Pie Parfaits Recipe, use a dairy-free pumpkin pie and substitute Cool Whip with coconut whipped cream. Check that your pie spice contains no animal products as well.

How far ahead can I assemble the parfaits?

It’s best to assemble the parfaits up to one day in advance. This lets the flavors meld nicely while ensuring the textures remain distinct and fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Pie Parfaits Recipe is a joyful celebration of fall’s favorite flavors wrapped up in an easy, elegant presentation. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just treating yourself, this dessert is sure to bring smiles and sweet memories. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—once you do, it’s bound to become a treasured addition to your seasonal favorites!

Pumpkin Pie Parfaits Recipe

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4.3 from 46 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Pumpkin Pie Parfaits are a delightful layered dessert combining classic pumpkin pie, creamy Cool Whip, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts, all topped with a hint of pumpkin pie spice. Perfect for fall gatherings or a festive treat, this no-fuss recipe delivers a deliciously sweet and creamy autumnal experience in individual servings.

Ingredients

2 Mrs. Smith’s Pumpkin Pies
1 container Cool Whip (approximately 8 oz)
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
6 clear glasses

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Instructions

Bake the Pumpkin Pies: Preheat your oven and bake the pumpkin pies according to the package instructions. Once baked, allow the pies to cool completely for about 2 hours so they can set properly before assembling.
Cut Pie Circles: Using a circular cookie cutter the same diameter as your serving glasses, carefully cut out 9 circles from each pumpkin pie. You can discard the leftover pie scraps or enjoy them as a snack while you work.
Prepare Cool Whip Bag: Transfer the Cool Whip into a zip-top plastic bag and snip off a small corner to create a piping bag, which allows you to pipe the Cool Whip neatly into the parfaits.
Layer the Parfaits: Place one pumpkin pie circle at the bottom of each of the six glasses. Pipe a generous layer of Cool Whip over the pie circle in a circular motion. Sprinkle each with 1 teaspoon of dried cranberries and 1 teaspoon of chopped walnuts.
Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process two more times in each glass, always starting with a pie circle, followed by Cool Whip, cranberries, and walnuts. After assembling all three layers, finish with a light dusting of pumpkin pie spice on top for added warmth and flavor.
Serve: Add a spoon to each glass and serve the parfaits immediately, or chill them briefly if desired for a cooler dessert.

Notes

Ensure pumpkin pies are completely cooled before cutting to keep the layers intact.
You can substitute Cool Whip with whipped cream if preferred.
For added texture, lightly toast the walnuts before use.
These parfaits can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated until serving.
If you don’t have a cookie cutter, a sharp knife can be used to cut circles or squares to fit glasses.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Pumpkin Pie Parfaits Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need