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Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Icebox Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping, easy-to-make dessert that tastes like autumn in every bite, let me introduce you to the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Icebox Cake Recipe. I absolutely love this because it combines the rich espresso flavor with smooth pumpkin cream layers and crunchy graham crackers—creating a texture and flavor party in your mouth that’s perfect for cozy gatherings or a special treat after dinner. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ultra Creamy Layers: The mascarpone and whipped cream create a rich yet light texture that melts in your mouth.
  • No Baking Required: This dessert comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy schedules or last-minute guests.
  • Perfect Balance of Flavors: The espresso cuts through the sweetness of the pumpkin and cream, keeping each bite interesting.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: It’s a fantastic option for prepping in advance, with flavors that only improve after chilling overnight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a special role in the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Icebox Cake Recipe—whether it’s the creamy mascarpone that enriches the espresso layer or the pumpkin puree that brings that cozy fall vibe. When you shop, look for high-quality pumpkin puree and instant espresso powder for the best results.

Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Icebox Cake Recipe - Ingredients
  • Graham Crackers: Adds that classic icebox cake crunch and balances the creamy layers.
  • Heavy Cream: Whipped to soft peaks for luscious layers that provide the perfect lightness.
  • Mascarpone Cheese: Brings a subtle tang and rich creaminess to the espresso layer.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cream layers nicely without overpowering the coffee or pumpkin.
  • Instant Espresso Powder: Gives that deep coffee flavor without bitterness, dissolving smoothly in the cream.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Be sure to use pure pumpkin for the cleanest taste; avoid pumpkin pie filling with added spices or sugars.
  • Pumpkin Spice: The fragrant mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that screams fall in every bite.
  • Crushed Graham Crackers and Cinnamon/Pumpkin Spice (for topping): Adds a crunchy, flavorful finish that looks as good as it tastes.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Icebox Cake Recipe is! I often mix it up depending on the season or what we have on hand. Don’t hesitate to make it your own with little tweaks that suit your taste or dietary needs—I promise it’ll still turn out amazing.

  • Dairy-Free Version: I once swapped mascarpone and heavy cream for coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese—still creamy, just with a tropical twist.
  • Chocolate Twist: Adding a thin layer of melted dark chocolate or cocoa powder to the espresso layer instantly ups the decadence, and my family went crazy for it!
  • Spice It Up: For a bolder fall flavor, I sometimes double the pumpkin spice or add a pinch of cayenne for a subtle kick—it’s surprisingly good.
  • Mini Portions: I’ve made individual parfait versions in small jars for parties, making serving and clean-up a breeze.

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Icebox Cake Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Espresso Cream Layer

Start by grabbing your electric mixer because this step is the heart of that dreamy espresso layer. Beat 1 ½ cups of heavy cream on medium speed until it just starts to thicken—right before soft peaks form. Don’t overbeat here or you might get butter! Next, add the mascarpone cheese and continue beating gently until fully incorporated. Then stir in the sugar, instant espresso powder, and vanilla extract. You’ll want it silky, smooth, and perfectly balanced—like a rich coffee-flavored cloud.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Cream Layer

In a clean bowl, repeat the whipping process with 1 ½ cups of heavy cream until just starting to thicken. Add pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin spice, and vanilla extract, then beat everything until soft and fluffy. The sweet spices mixed with the creamy pumpkin will get your kitchen smelling like fall heaven—trust me, this is one of my favorite moments.

Step 3: Assemble Your Icebox Cake

Now the fun begins! Take a 9×9 inch square dish and lay down a double layer of graham crackers. I like to be generous here because those crunchy layers are so important. Spread half of the espresso cream on top, smoothing it out to cover every inch. Next, spread half of the pumpkin cream layer, then add another double layer of graham crackers. Repeat with the remaining espresso cream followed by the rest of the pumpkin cream. It looks beautiful layered like this—and you can almost see the magic happening.

Step 4: Chill and Finish

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in your fridge for at least 8 hours or overnight. This chilling time is where all the layers soften and marry into a creamy, sliceable dessert. If you want those perfect clean slices, I’ve found that freezing the cake for about 30 minutes before cutting helps a lot. Right before serving, sprinkle with fresh crushed graham crackers and a little cinnamon or pumpkin spice for that extra pop of texture and flavor.

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Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Icebox Cake Recipe

  • Don’t Overbeat the Cream: I learned the hard way that beating past soft peaks can ruin the texture, so stop just as the cream thickens.
  • Room Temperature Mascarpone: Let the mascarpone sit out for a bit so it blends smoothly without lumps.
  • Layering is Key: Two layers of graham crackers give the cake more crunch and structure—it’s a little trick I swear by for balance and presentation.
  • Chill Overnight: This recipe benefits hugely from resting time; flavors deepen and the texture becomes perfect if you have patience.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Icebox Cake Recipe

Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Icebox Cake Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

For garnishes, I’m all about crushed graham crackers sprinkled on top for extra crunch and a dash of pumpkin spice or cinnamon to amp up the aroma and festive feel. Sometimes I even add a few chocolate shavings or a drizzle of caramel sauce if I’m feeling indulgent—those little touches make it feel like a special celebration.

Side Dishes

This icebox cake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte. I’ve also served it alongside light fruit salads or roasted nuts to balance the creamy sweetness with some fresh or crunchy bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like assembling this recipe in clear glass trifle dishes or individual jars to show off the beautiful layers. Adding edible flowers or a dusting of cocoa powder on top always gets compliments, and it’s a fun way to personalize the dessert for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After you enjoy a few slices, just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated. I’ve found it stays fresh and creamy for up to 3 days, which is perfect if you don’t want to rush through it all at once.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. When I’ve done this, the texture stays pretty close to fresh after a week or two, making it a convenient make-ahead dessert.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t really recommended. If it’s a little too frozen, just let slices thaw in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving to bring back that creamy texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I use regular brewed coffee instead of instant espresso powder?

    While you could try, instant espresso powder is highly concentrated and dissolves seamlessly into the cream, giving you that rich coffee flavor without altering the texture. Brewing regular coffee may add extra liquid and dilute the cream mixture, affecting the final consistency.

  2. Do I have to use mascarpone in the espresso layer?

    Mascarpone adds a lovely creamy tang and richness that balances the espresso. If you don’t have it, cream cheese can work in a pinch, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different—less smooth and a bit tangier.

  3. How long can I keep this icebox cake in the fridge?

    It keeps wonderfully for up to 3 days when stored tightly covered. Beyond that, the graham crackers might get too soggy and the flavor won’t be as fresh.

  4. Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

    Absolutely! Just swap out the graham crackers for your favorite gluten-free cracker or cookie. The rest of the layers are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adjustment.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Icebox Cake Recipe is such a warm, comforting dessert that always feels like a hug from the inside out. I’ve enjoyed making it for friends and family gatherings, and it never fails to impress without lots of fuss. If you’re craving something that’s both elegant and easy, give this a try—you’ll be amazed how simple ingredients come together to create something truly special. Grab your mixer, some pumpkin puree, and let’s make fall magic happen in your kitchen.

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Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Icebox Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 608 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 to 10 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Icebox Cake is a luscious no-bake dessert combining layers of espresso-infused cream, pumpkin spiced cream, and crispy graham crackers. This chilled treat offers a harmonious blend of bold coffee flavor and comforting pumpkin spice, perfect for autumn gatherings or any time you crave a creamy, refreshing dessert.


Ingredients

Graham Crackers

  • 1 (14 ounce) box graham crackers

Espresso Layer

  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 8 ounces mascarpone cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 ½ tablespoons instant espresso powder
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Pumpkin Layer

  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • ¾ cup pumpkin puree
  • ⅔ cup sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin spice
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Toppings

  • Crushed graham crackers, for topping
  • Cinnamon or pumpkin spice, for topping


Instructions

  1. Prepare the espresso layer: In a medium bowl, beat 1 ½ cups of heavy cream on medium speed until it begins to thicken but is just before forming soft peaks. Add the mascarpone cheese and continue beating until combined. Then, beat in the granulated sugar, instant espresso powder, and vanilla extract until smooth and slightly fluffy. Set aside the mixture in the bowl, scraping off any remaining cream mixture from the beaters into the bowl without completely cleaning them.
  2. Prepare the pumpkin layer: In a separate bowl, beat 1 ½ cups of heavy cream on medium speed until it starts to thicken just before soft peaks form. Add the pumpkin puree and beat until combined. Then mix in the sugar, pumpkin spice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is soft, fluffy, and well incorporated.
  3. Assemble the cake: Using a 9×9 inch square dish, lay two layers of graham crackers at the bottom to form a sturdy base. Spread half of the espresso cream mixture evenly over the graham cracker layers.
  4. Add pumpkin cream and more layers: Spread half of the pumpkin cream mixture over the espresso layer. Add two more layers of graham crackers on top of the pumpkin layer for added texture and structure.
  5. Finish layering: Spread the remaining espresso cream mixture over the graham crackers, followed by the rest of the pumpkin cream mixture on top as the final creamy layer.
  6. Chill the cake: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or preferably overnight to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld. For cleaner slices, you may freeze the cake prior to serving.
  7. Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle crushed graham crackers and a dusting of cinnamon or pumpkin spice on top for added flavor and crunch. Slice and enjoy your Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew Icebox Cake!

Notes

  • For best results, chill overnight to allow full flavor development and firm texture.
  • If you prefer cleaner slices, freeze the cake for 30 minutes before cutting.
  • Use room temperature mascarpone cheese to ensure smooth espresso cream.
  • You can adjust the amount of espresso powder to taste for a stronger or milder coffee flavor.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10 of recipe)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

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