Frosty Salted Caramel Pumpkin Parfaits Recipe for Fall

Sweet autumn whispers dance through the kitchen as these decadent salted caramel pumpkin parfaits capture the essence of seasonal comfort.

Layers of creamy richness blend seamlessly with warm spices and deep pumpkin notes.

The delicate balance of sweet and salty creates a dessert that feels both indulgent and sophisticated.

Velvety pumpkin mousse nestles between crisp graham cracker crumbles and silky caramel drizzles.

Each spoonful promises a luxurious journey through fall’s most beloved flavors.

Elegant yet approachable, these parfaits deliver a gourmet experience that anyone can master at home.

Dive into this irresistible dessert and let your taste buds celebrate the magic of autumn.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Calories: 389 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients Needed for Salted Caramel Pumpkin Parfaits

• Sugar: Transforms into a golden, rich syrup that forms the backbone of the decadent caramel sauce, select granulated white sugar for consistent melting.
• Butter: Adds luxurious creaminess and helps stabilize the caramel, choose unsalted butter for precise salt control.
• Heavy Cream: Creates silky smooth texture and balances the caramel's intense sweetness, opt for high-fat content cream.
• Sea Salt: Provides a sophisticated flavor contrast, select flaky sea salt for delightful texture and burst of saltiness.

• Pudding Mix: Delivers creamy foundation for the dessert, pick instant vanilla pudding mix for quick preparation.
• Milk: Activates pudding mix and adds subtle richness, use whole milk for maximum creaminess.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Infuses warm autumnal flavors, choose freshly ground spice blend for most vibrant taste.
• Pumpkin Puree: Introduces earthy sweetness and gorgeous orange color, select 100% pure pumpkin puree.
• Gingersnap Cookies: Creates crunchy, spicy base layer, look for crisp cookies with robust ginger flavor.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Adds tangy, smooth element to balance sweet layers, choose store-bought or homemade version.

• Extra Gingersnap Crumbles: Provides textural contrast and decorative touch, crush cookies just before serving for maximum crispness.
• Additional Salted Caramel: Offers final flavor drizzle and visual appeal, ensure caramel is at room temperature for smooth pouring.

Utensils and Equipment for Salted Caramel Pumpkin Parfaits

• Medium saucepan: Essential for creating smooth, rich caramel sauce.
• Whisk: Perfect for stirring sugar and blending caramel ingredients smoothly.
• Wooden spoon: Helps stir caramel safely and prevent sugar from burning.
• Thermometer: Optional but helpful for precise caramel temperature.
• Large mixing bowl: Ideal for preparing pumpkin pudding mixture.
• Small jars or serving glasses: Required for layering parfait ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Spatula: Helpful for folding and scraping mixtures cleanly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Salted Caramel Pumpkin Parfaits

Caramel Pumpkin Delight

• Sugar Transformation

Spread sugar evenly in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Watch as it slowly melts and transforms into a golden liquid. Gently stir until the color deepens to a rich amber shade.

• Butter Magic

Add butter cubes, creating a luxurious swirl. The mixture will bubble and dance, so stay alert. Whisk until smooth and velvety.

• Cream Fusion

Pour heavy cream slowly, stirring carefully. Sprinkle sea salt for an unexpected flavor burst. Let the caramel cool and develop its complex taste.

• Pumpkin Pudding Prep

Blend pudding mix with milk and pumpkin pie spice. Fold in smooth pumpkin puree until the mixture becomes creamy and inviting.

• Layered Masterpiece

Crush gingersnap cookies into a crunchy base in serving glasses. Layer the pumpkin pudding and cream cheese frosting. Drizzle caramel between each layer for a decadent touch.

• Chill and Enjoy

Refrigerate the parfaits for a few hours. The flavors will mingle and develop, creating a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent.

• Caramel Bonus

Store extra caramel in the refrigerator. Gently warm before serving to restore its silky texture.

Extra Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Pumpkin Parfaits

• Swap out sea salt for smoked salt to add a deeper, more complex flavor profile to your salted caramel sauce.
• Prepare all components of the parfaits up to 24 hours in advance, keeping layers separate until just before serving to maintain optimal texture and crunch.
• Enhance the pumpkin pudding by adding a pinch of ground cardamom or a dash of vanilla extract for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
• Replace gingersnap cookies with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour cookies to make the parfaits accessible to those with dietary restrictions.
• Top parfaits with candied pecans, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a few fresh cranberries during holiday seasons for a festive touch that elevates the presentation.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Pumpkin Parfaits

• Autumn Dessert Centerpiece: Arrange parfaits on a rustic wooden board with scattered gingersnap cookies and small pumpkins for a stunning thanksgiving or fall gathering display.
• Flavor Companion Pairings: Serve alongside a warm cup of spiced chai tea or creamy pumpkin latte to enhance the seasonal dessert experience with complementary flavors and cozy vibes.
• Garnish Elevation Technique: Top each parfait with a light dusting of cinnamon, a sprinkle of crushed gingersnaps, or a small caramel-drizzled cookie to add visual appeal and extra texture contrast.
• Make-Ahead Party Strategy: Prepare parfaits up to 24 hours in advance, keeping them chilled and covered, which allows flavors to meld and makes entertaining stress-free and convenient.

Store and Keep Salted Caramel Pumpkin Parfaits Fresh

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store these delightful parfaits in sealed glass containers, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool temperatures help maintain the pudding's creamy texture and prevent ingredient separation.
• Layering Protection: Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the parfait's surface before sealing the container, preventing moisture buildup and preserving the crisp gingersnap crunch.
• Caramel Care Corner: Keep extra salted caramel sauce in an airtight glass jar within the refrigerator's main compartment. Gently warm the sauce by placing the jar in lukewarm water before serving to restore its smooth, silky consistency.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare parfait components separately up to 2 days in advance. Store pudding, caramel, and crushed gingersnaps in individual containers, assembling just before serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy layers.

Luscious Salted Caramel Pumpkin Parfaits

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy salted caramel pumpkin parfaits blend seasonal autumn flavors in elegant layered desserts. Warm spices and rich textures invite sweet indulgence for guests craving classic fall comfort.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed and at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon sea salt
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can pumpkin puree
• 1 (5.1 oz / 145 g) package vanilla instant pudding mix
• 2 (10 oz / 280 g) containers Cool Whip Cream Cheese Frosting, thawed
• 40 gingersnaps, chopped
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
• 1 ½ tablespoons pumpkin pie spice

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Instructions

1. Caramel Creation: In a medium saucepan, spread sugar evenly and heat at medium-high temperature until it liquefies into a golden amber color, whisking continuously to prevent burning.
2. Butter Fusion: Add butter cubes to the caramelized sugar, whisking vigorously to create a smooth, glossy mixture that may bubble intensely.
3. Cream Integration: Remove from heat and gently stream heavy cream while stirring consistently, then incorporate sea salt and allow the mixture to cool for 10-15 minutes to develop complex flavors.
4. Pumpkin Pudding Preparation: Whisk pudding mix, pumpkin pie spice, and milk until thick and creamy, then fold in pumpkin puree to create a rich, aromatic filling.
5. Layering Foundation: Crush gingersnap cookies and sprinkle evenly in serving vessels, then generously layer pumpkin pudding to completely cover the base.
6. Frosting and Caramel Drizzle: Add a cream cheese frosting layer, then drizzle warm salted caramel across the surface, allowing it to cascade and enhance visual appeal.
7. Parfait Assembly: Repeat layering process, alternating between pudding, frosting, and caramel until ingredients are exhausted, then crown with an additional caramel drizzle and gingersnap crumble.
8. Chilling and Storage: Refrigerate parfaits for a minimum of two hours to meld flavors, and store any remaining caramel in a sealed container within the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Notes

• Caramel Crafting Technique: Watch sugar carefully during caramelization to prevent burning, as color changes rapidly from golden to burnt.
• Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat and whisk continuously to ensure smooth, even caramel without sugar crystallization.
• Cream Integration Tip: Add heavy cream slowly and steadily to prevent dangerous splattering when liquid hits hot caramel.
• Chilling Importance: Allow minimum two-hour refrigeration to develop rich flavor profiles and allow layers to set properly.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 389
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 423 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg