Prepare to delight your taste buds with these incredibly delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake Popsicles! Boasting a wonderfully creamy and smooth texture, these frozen treats are an instant hit with both adults and children alike. They are the quintessential little ice cream dessert, offering a refreshing and innovative addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table, or any fall celebration.
Irresistible Pumpkin Cheesecake Popsicles: Your Ultimate Fall & Thanksgiving Dessert
Oh, yes, we’ve done it! We’ve created a sensational pumpkin-infused frozen delight that promises to elevate your Thanksgiving festivities and autumnal gatherings. While some might argue that the colder months aren’t traditionally “ice cream season,” we believe true dessert enthusiasts know that the craving for a cool, sweet treat never truly fades. If you’re one of us – someone who savors ice cream year-round – then you’re in for a truly special experience with these incredible Pumpkin Cheesecake Popsicles.
Why Pumpkin Cheesecake Popsicles Are a Must-Try This Season
For a while now, we’ve been eager to share this innovative recipe. Following the immense popularity of our Berry Cheesecake Popsicles, we knew another creamy, delightful cheesecake popsicle was destined to emerge. The original recipe was simply too good not to inspire a seasonal counterpart. Given that pumpkin cheesecake holds a special place in our hearts as a beloved fall dessert, the idea of transforming this classic into a fun, portable, and universally appealing frozen pop for the holidays was simply too exciting to resist. Why not add a novel twist to our traditional fall dessert spread this year?
A Delightful Twist on a Classic Fall Favorite
Imagine your favorite slice of rich, tangy pumpkin cheesecake, but perfectly portioned and served on a convenient stick. That’s precisely what these popsicles offer, making them an unparalleled dessert in terms of both flavor and convenience. They are surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring minimal effort for maximum impact. Whether you own a dedicated popsicle mold or prefer a more rustic approach using standard 8-9 oz. plastic or paper cups, the process remains wonderfully straightforward.
The heart of these popsicles lies in their exquisite filling: a masterful blend of velvety cream cheese, authentic pure pumpkin (we highly recommend Libby’s for its consistent quality), a touch of half and half, and decadent heavy cream. This creamy base is then beautifully infused with aromatic pumpkin pie spice and warming ground cinnamon, delivering a flavor profile that is both comforting and exhilarating. The result is a lusciously smooth texture with an unforgettable burst of pumpkin flavor. To complete this autumnal masterpiece, each popsicle is crowned with a sweet, crumbly graham cracker crust, adding a delightful textural contrast. Sounds absolutely divine, doesn’t it?
Crafting Your Perfect Pumpkin Cheesecake Popsicles: Tips and Tricks
Creating these frozen delights is not only easy but also a fun activity. Let’s delve into some additional insights to ensure your pumpkin cheesecake popsicles turn out perfectly every time.
Choosing Your Vessels: Molds vs. Cups
While specialized popsicle molds offer a classic shape, don’t hesitate to get creative if you don’t have one. Disposable paper or plastic cups (like small drinking cups or yogurt cups) work wonderfully. The key is to select cups that are easy to peel away or slightly warm to release the frozen treat. For plastic cups, a quick dip in warm water usually does the trick.
The Art of the Creamy Filling
Achieving that signature creamy cheesecake texture starts with room temperature cream cheese. This ensures a lump-free, fluffy base when beaten. Gradually adding sugar helps it dissolve smoothly, contributing to the silky consistency. When incorporating the pumpkin and spices, make sure everything is thoroughly blended without overmixing, which can introduce too much air. The balance of half and half with heavy cream is crucial for the perfect freezing consistency – rich and smooth, not icy.
The Perfect Graham Cracker Crust
The graham cracker crust isn’t just an afterthought; it’s an integral part of the experience. The gentle pressing of the crumbs onto the top of the mixture before freezing creates a delightful buttery, slightly crisp layer that perfectly complements the creamy filling. You can even experiment with other cookie crumbs like ginger snaps or biscoff for a different twist!
Freezing for Optimal Enjoyment
Patience is a virtue when it comes to freezing. The initial hour in the freezer allows the mixture to firm up just enough to hold the popsicle sticks upright. The subsequent 5 hours (or overnight) ensure the popsicles are completely solid, making them easy to handle and enjoy without melting too quickly. Planning ahead means these can be a stress-free addition to your holiday menu.
Beyond Thanksgiving: Versatility and Serving Suggestions
While these Pumpkin Cheesecake Popsicles are undeniably perfect for Thanksgiving, their appeal extends far beyond the holiday table.
- Fall Gatherings: Serve them at Halloween parties, bonfire nights, or harvest festivals. They are a unique and fun alternative to traditional pie.
- Kid-Friendly Parties: A healthier and more exciting option than store-bought ice cream, these pops are always a hit.
- Everyday Indulgence: Keep a batch in your freezer for a delightful personal treat anytime you crave something sweet and autumnal.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Their freezer-friendly nature makes them an ideal make-ahead dessert, freeing up valuable time during busy holiday preparations.
Imagine the delight on your guests’ faces as they discover these unexpected yet perfectly seasonal frozen treats. Just a friendly word of advice: don’t tell the kiddos about them too far in advance, or they might try to skip straight to dessert!
We truly hope you enjoy making and savoring these incredible Pumpkin Cheesecake Popsicles. They offer a refreshing take on fall desserts and are sure to become a new favorite tradition. Enjoy your wonderful weekend, and join us back next week for a special celebration at The Beach House Kitchen—it’s our 2-year anniversary! Time truly flies when you’re making delicious memories!
Pumpkin Cheesecake Popsicles
MaryAnn Dwyer
8 popsicles
Pin Recipe
20 mins
6 hrs
6 hrs 20 mins
Ingredients
Graham cracker crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp. butter, melted
Popsicle Filling:
- 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 cup half and half
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter with a fork until well combined. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat cream cheese until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Turn mixer to low speed and slowly add granulated sugar. Beat until smooth.
- Add pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, half and half, and heavy cream. Beat until well blended and smooth.
- Divide the mixture evenly between eight 8 or 9 oz. cups, filling each approximately 3/4 full. Top each with about 2 tablespoons of graham cracker crumbs, gently pressing to even them out.
- Cover the cups and place them in the freezer for one hour. After one hour, remove from the freezer and carefully insert popsicle sticks into the middle of each cup. Return to the freezer for an additional 5 hours, or until totally frozen solid.
- To remove popsicles from paper cups, simply peel away the paper. If using plastic cups or a popsicle mold, briefly run the outside of the cup/mold under warm water to slightly melt the edges, allowing for easy release of the popsicle.
Before your first bite, snap a photo and share!
If you make this recipe, we’d love to see it! Be sure to follow The Beach House Kitchen on Instagram and tag or mention @thebeachhousekitchen or use the hashtag #thebeachhousekitchen!