Layered Pumpkin Delight: Utah's Seasonal Treat to Savor!

Photo bysuci salamah

As the leaves turn golden and the crisp autumn air sets in, there’s one flavor that truly captures the essence of fall: pumpkin. In Utah, where fall is celebrated with family gatherings and festivals, a Layered Pumpkin Dessert has become a seasonal favorite. This sweet, creamy, and spiced treat not only highlights the versatility of pumpkin but also blends the comfort of a cheesecake base with a rich pumpkin layer.

This layered dessert is the perfect choice for any fall occasion, offering a harmonious balance of flavors. Imagine a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a smooth cream cheese filling, followed by a velvety pumpkin layer, and finished with a whipped cream topping. It’s a dessert that both satisfies your sweet tooth and brings the warmth of the season to your table.

Recipe: Utah’s Layered Pumpkin Dessert

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅓ cup butter, melted

Cream Cheese Filling:

• 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs

Pumpkin Filling:

• 1 can (15 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin
• 3 large eggs, separated
• ¾ cup sugar, divided
• ½ cup 2% milk
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
• ¼ cup cold water

Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter and press the mixture into a 13x9-inch baking dish.
2. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and eggs, beating until light and fluffy. Spread this mixture over the crust and bake for 15-20 minutes or until set. Let it cool completely.
3. For the pumpkin filling, whisk together pumpkin, egg yolks, ½ cup sugar, milk, cinnamon, and salt in a double boiler until the mixture reaches 160°F. Stir in gelatin dissolved in cold water and let the mixture cool.
4. In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites with the remaining sugar over low heat until 160°F. Beat until stiff peaks form and fold into the pumpkin mixture. Pour this layer over the cream cheese filling. Chill for at least 4 hours.
5. Just before serving, whip the heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread over the pumpkin layer, and enjoy!

This Utah-inspired dessert brings together the flavors of the season in a way that’s comforting, yet elegant. It’s perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or simply when you want to enjoy a sweet treat that captures the spirit of fall. The combination of creamy layers, spiced pumpkin, and a buttery crust makes this dessert a memorable centerpiece for any occasion.

For more recipe variations and tips, you can check the original versions at (Taste of Home)tp​(Desserts On A Dime)/recip​(Valerie's Kitchen)sert/), Desserts on a Dime, and Valerie's Kitchen.