If you’re craving a dessert that captures the warm, cozy flavors of autumn but with a delightful twist, this Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine the spice-kissed pumpkin filling swirled into a rich, creamy ice cream texture, all nestled inside a buttery vanilla wafer crust. It’s a cool, refreshing take on a classic fall favorite that’s perfect for impressing guests or indulging on a lazy weekend. This pie strikes the perfect balance between creamy, crunchy, and warmly spiced, making it a must-try for anyone who loves pumpkin desserts with a refreshing chill.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a single layer of golden brown crumbly mixture that looks coarse and grainy with small uneven clumps throughout. A silver metal spoon is partially buried on the right side of the bowl, with its handle resting on the rim. The crumb mixture has a dry texture and light variation in color, showing hints of light to medium brown. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie Recipe calls for simple, straightforward ingredients that come together to create a dessert bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding warmth with spices or lending a luscious creaminess that melts in your mouth.

Vanilla wafer cookie crumbs (1 1/2 cups / 202g): These provide the perfect sweet, crunchy base for your pie crust.
Unsalted butter, melted (6 tbsp / 84g): Helps bind the cookie crumbs into a firm, buttery crust.
Sweetened condensed milk (1 cup / 240ml): Adds creamy sweetness and richness to the filling.
Canned pumpkin puree (3/4 cup): Delivers that signature pumpkin flavor and beautiful orange color.
Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Warms the filling up with classic spice goodness.
Ground nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Adds a sweet, nutty note for extra depth.
Ground ginger (1/8 tsp): Provides a gentle spicy kick without overpowering the other spices.
Ground cloves (1/8 tsp): Offers a rich, slightly sweet spice that ties all the flavors together.
Heavy whipping cream, cold (1 1/2 cups + 3/4 cup): Two separate amounts are used: one for the creamy filling and one for the fluffy whipped cream topping.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup / 58g): Sweetens the whipped cream topping smoothly and evenly.
Vanilla extract (3/4 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, familiar notes.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp): Sprinkled into the whipped cream to carry through that inviting spice.

How to Make Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie Recipe

Step 1: Make the Crust

Start by greasing a pie pan—choose a 9-inch deep-dish or a 10-inch regular pie pan, depending on your preference. In a bowl, mix your vanilla wafer cookie crumbs with the melted butter until all the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of your prepared pan. The crushed vanilla wafers create a delicate sweetness and a wonderful crunchy texture that perfectly complements the creamy filling. Pop the crust in the freezer to set while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin puree, and the blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This mixture should be richly spiced but not overpowering—just like a hug of fall in every bite. In a separate large mixing bowl, whip 1 1/2 cups of the cold heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Folding the whipped cream gently but thoroughly into the pumpkin mixture is crucial here to maintain that airy, velvety texture that feels like ice cream on a spoon.

Step 3: Assemble and Freeze

Once your filling is nicely folded, pour it evenly into the chilled crust. Smooth the top for a neat finish. The beauty of this Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie Recipe is that it doesn’t need baking—just patience. Freeze the pie for at least 4 to 6 hours, though overnight is ideal to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up perfectly.

Step 4: Finish with Whipped Cream Topping

To add a final touch of indulgence, whip the remaining 3/4 cup heavy cream with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until stiff peaks form. Pipe or dollop this fluffy topping all around the border of the pie, creating a lovely contrast to the smooth filling. Dust with a pinch more cinnamon if you like, and you have a show-stopping fall dessert.

How to Serve Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie Recipe

A round pumpkin pie with a crumbly light brown crust sits in a white ceramic pie dish on a white marbled surface. The pie has a smooth, orange filling with a slightly creamy texture, topped with seven evenly spaced dollops of white whipped cream, each sprinkled lightly with cinnamon or nutmeg. One slice is removed, showing a thick, firm layer of pumpkin filling above the crust. In the background, a small orange pumpkin, cinnamon sticks in a glass jar, and some whole nuts add a cozy fall feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Keep it simple with a light dusting of ground cinnamon or a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers on top for extra crunch. For a splash of color and texture, toasted pecans or a few fresh cranberries make gorgeous accents.

Side Dishes

This pie is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or a scoop of classic vanilla bean ice cream. If you want to go all out, serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce to amplify that cozy sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the pie in individual clear glass dishes to show off the layers, or slice it neatly and place a dollop of whipped cream plus a cinnamon stick on each plate for an elegant touch. For parties, try topping with mini ginger snaps around the whipped cream border for a charming, festive look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To enjoy your Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie Recipe later, keep it well-covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the freezer. It stays best within two weeks to preserve that fresh, creamy texture and bright pumpkin flavor.

Freezing

Since this pie is already frozen, it’s perfect for making well in advance. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent ice crystals from forming. When carefully sealed, it holds up wonderfully in the freezer without losing that luscious texture.

Reheating

This dessert is intended to be enjoyed frozen, so no reheating is needed. If the pie softens too much at room temperature, simply place it back in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use a different crust besides vanilla wafer cookie crumbs?

Absolutely! While vanilla wafer crust offers a lovely sweet crunch, graham cracker crumbs or gingersnap cookies also work wonderfully and add their own spice and flavor nuances that complement the pumpkin filling.

Is this Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie Recipe suitable for making ahead of a party?

Yes, it is ideal for making ahead! Since it requires freezing, you can prepare it well in advance, which makes party planning much less stressful and lets you focus on enjoying your company.

Can I substitute the canned pumpkin puree with fresh pumpkin?

You can, but be mindful that fresh pumpkin needs to be cooked and pureed until completely smooth and drained of excess moisture. The canned pumpkin puree offers convenience and a consistent texture perfect for this recipe.

How do I know when the whipped cream topping has reached stiff peaks?

When you lift the whisk out of the cream, the peaks should stand straight up without folding over. This ensures your topping holds its shape beautifully when piped or spread on the pie.

Can I make this pie without an electric mixer?

While possible, whipping the cream to stiff peaks by hand is quite laborious. Using an electric mixer ensures a light, airy texture in less time and effort, which is key to the smoothness of this pumpkin ice cream filling.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so wonderfully satisfying about this Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie Recipe that makes it a standout for any season, but especially when you want those autumnal flavors with a refreshing coolness. It’s simple to make, impressive to serve, and utterly delicious to eat. Next time you’re searching for a dessert that will wow your friends or just treat yourself, this pie is your go-to. I promise, once you try it, it’ll become a beloved favorite before you know it.

Pumpkin Ice Cream Pie Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need