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A slice of layered Pumpkin Icebox Cake with whipped cream topping and cinnamon dusted on a white plate.
Maryam

Pumpkin Icebox Cake

Layers of spiced pumpkin mousse and graham crackers transform into a velvety, sliceable dessert after a night in the fridge - no baking required.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 8 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

For the Pumpkin Mousse
  • 2 cups heavy cream cold
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 15 oz canned pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.25 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1.5 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 0.25 tsp salt
For Assembly
  • 27 sheets graham crackers about 3 sleeves
For Topping
  • 1 cup heavy cream cold
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 0.25 tsp cinnamon for dusting

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Electric Mixer
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Rubber spatula

Method
 

Make the Pumpkin Mousse
  1. In a large bowl, beat 2 cups cold heavy cream and 1/2 cup powdered sugar on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. The cream should hold its shape when you lift the beaters. Transfer to a separate bowl and refrigerate.
  2. In the same large bowl (no need to clean), beat softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Add pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Beat until fully combined and smooth, scraping down the sides once.
  3. Gently fold about one-third of the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture to lighten it, then fold in the remaining whipped cream until no streaks remain. Use a rubber spatula and work from the bottom up to keep the mixture airy.
Assemble the Cake
  1. Spread a thin layer of pumpkin mousse on the bottom of a 9x13 inch dish. Arrange 9 graham crackers in a single layer, breaking pieces as needed to fill gaps. Spread one-third of the remaining mousse evenly over the crackers. Repeat with two more layers of crackers and mousse, ending with mousse on top.
  2. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight. The crackers will soften and absorb moisture from the mousse, creating a cake-like texture.
Finish and Serve
  1. Just before serving, beat 1 cup cold heavy cream and 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe over the chilled cake. Dust lightly with cinnamon. Slice with a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts for neat slices.

Notes

For cleanest slices, run your knife under hot water and wipe dry before each cut. The cake needs the full 8 hours to set properly - do not rush this step. Make this up to 2 days ahead; the flavor actually improves as it sits. For a ginger twist, substitute gingersnaps for graham crackers.