As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to dance with vibrant colors, I can’t help but crave the cozy flavors of fall. This year, I decided to take those beloved autumn tastes and reimagine them in a fun and refreshing way. Enter my No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches! Imagine creamy pumpkin ice cream sandwiched between a crunchy Biscoff cookie crust—it’s everything I adore about pumpkin pie but in a delightful ice cream form.
These treats are not only incredibly easy to whip up, but they’re also the perfect make-ahead dessert for holiday gatherings or simply satisfying an afternoon sweet tooth. With no baking required, you can focus on enjoying the season while impressing your friends and family. So, whether you’re curling up after a bustling day or celebrating with loved ones, these ice cream sandwiches will bring the warmth of fall into every creamy bite. Let’s get started on this delightful no-bake adventure!
Why Will You Love Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
Boldly delicious: These Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches combine the rich flavors of pumpkin with the crunch of Biscoff cookies, creating a treat that’s impossible to resist.
Effortless preparation: With no baking required, this recipe makes it easy to whip up a gourmet dessert in no time.
Perfectly festive: Ideal for fall gatherings or Thanksgiving, these sandwiches capture the essence of autumn in each bite.
Make-ahead convenience: Prepare ahead of time and simply freeze, letting you enjoy stress-free celebrations.
Creamy indulgence: The smooth, creamy pumpkin ice cream filling offers a delightful contrast to the crunchy crust, making each bite a joyful experience.
Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches Ingredients
For the Cookie Crust
- Biscoff Cookies – These provide the base crust, but feel free to substitute with graham crackers for a different flavor.
- Unsalted Butter – Melted butter binds the cookie crumbs together, ensuring an even mixture.
For the Pumpkin Ice Cream Filling
- Heavy Cream (or Whipping Cream) – The key to achieving a light and airy texture; low-fat alternatives may result in less creaminess.
- Canned Pumpkin Purée – The star ingredient offering that signature fall flavor; make sure it’s well-pureed for a smooth filling.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; using pure vanilla extract will elevate the taste further.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice – This spice provides the classic pumpkin flavor; if you don’t have it, a mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves works well.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds sweetness and a creamy texture; opt for evaporated milk for a lighter version, keeping in mind it will change the flavor profile.
For the Topping
- Remaining Biscoff Cookie Crumbs – Use the rest of the crushed cookies to create a delicious top layer, adding extra crunch to your Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches.
With these simple, readily available ingredients, you’re just a few steps away from enjoying a delightful treat that captures the cozy warmth of fall!
How to Make Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches
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Prep the Pan: Line a 9×9″ pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang. Use binder clips to secure the edges for easy removal later.
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Make the Crust: Crush Biscoff cookies into fine crumbs. Combine with melted butter until it resembles wet sand, then press half into the prepared pan. Freeze while you work on the filling.
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Whip Ice Cream Base: Beat heavy cream, pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form, creating a light and airy texture.
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Combine Ingredients: Gently fold in sweetened condensed milk, mixing until fully blended. This adds the perfect creaminess to your pumpkin ice cream filling.
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Fill and Freeze: Pour the ice cream mixture over the crust in the pan, smoothing it out evenly. Freeze for 2-3 hours until firm and set.
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Top Layer: Sprinkle the remaining cookie crumb mixture over the ice cream layer, pressing down gently. Freeze again for at least 6-8 hours or overnight for best results.
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Serve: Once fully frozen, lift the dessert block out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Slice into delightful sandwiches and enjoy!
Optional: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize these delightful treats to suit your taste buds and dietary preferences!
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Sweet Potato: Swap canned pumpkin purée with sweet potato for a unique twist that brings a different earthy flavor.
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Vegan Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free option that’s just as creamy.
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Flavor Boost: Add a splash of maple extract or almond extract instead of vanilla for an unexpected burst of flavor that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
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Nutty Crunch: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts into the ice cream mixture for an added layer of crunchy texture that enhances each bite.
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Chocolate Chips: Fold in mini chocolate chips or chunks into the pumpkin filling for a delightful surprise that makes these sandwiches even more indulgent.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or chili powder into your pumpkin spice mix for a surprisingly warm kick that really elevates the flavors!
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Savory Touch: Mix in a pinch of sea salt to your ice cream filling; the balance of sweet and savory makes for an exciting flavor profile.
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Holiday Cheer: Top with crushed candy canes around the holidays for a festive peppermint twist that will add a seasonal crunch!
Experiment and find your perfect version that reflects your taste; after all, cooking is all about making it your own!
What to Serve With Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches?
As you indulge in these seasonal treats, elevate your gathering with delightful accompaniments that harmonize perfectly with every creamy bite.
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Warm Apple Pie: The classic favorite offers a comforting contrast to your chilled sandwiches, bringing a harmony of textures and flavors. Together, they create a nostalgic fall dessert table.
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Spiced Hot Chocolate: Rich and velvety, this drink perfectly complements the pumpkin spice flavors, ensuring every sip feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
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Caramel Drizzle: A simple yet elegant addition that adds sweetness and a lovely visual appeal. Drizzle it over your sandwiches for a decadent touch that enhances every bite.
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Pecan Pie Bites: Combining both crunchy and creamy elements, these bite-sized treats provide another layer of richness that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin flavor.
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Maple Pecan Cookies: Their nutty sweetness offers a delightful contrast to the creamy ice cream flavor, creating a well-rounded dessert experience.
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Cinnamon Whipped Cream: A dollop of this fluffy topping can provide additional spicy sweetness, enhancing the pumpkin notes while creating a delightful texture.
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Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: For those who crave more ice cream, a scoop on the side serves as a luxurious complement, balancing the flavors with its classic creaminess.
Expert Tips for Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches
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Chill the Pan: Before adding the crust mixture, chill the pan in the freezer for a few minutes. This helps the crust set better and prevents sticking.
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Creaming Technique: When whipping the heavy cream, make sure your bowl and beaters are cold. This helps achieve better volume and a light, airy texture for your ice cream filling.
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Proper Layering: Be sure the ice cream layer is frozen solid before adding the top crust. If it’s soft, the top layer may sink, compromising the sandwich’s structure.
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Gentle Pressing: When adding the remaining cookie crumbs on top, use gentle pressure. Pressing too hard can cause the ice cream layer to compress, altering the texture of your Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches.
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Storage Tips: Wrap the sandwiches in parchment or foil to keep them fresh in the freezer. This prevents freezer burn and maintains the delightful texture and taste.
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Slice with Warm Knife: For perfectly clean cuts, dip your knife in warm water before slicing. This technique gives you beautiful, even portions of your ice cream sandwiches!
Storage Tips for Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Room Temperature: Keep these sandwiches out of direct sunlight; they should not be left at room temperature for more than 1 hour to maintain their creamy texture.
Fridge: If you need to store them for a short period, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days, but they will lose their ice cream-like consistency.
Freezer: For longer freshness, wrap the pumpkin pie ice cream sandwiches tightly in parchment or foil and store them in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. For best texture, enjoy within 1 week.
Reheating: No reheating is necessary; simply let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for optimal creaminess.
Make Ahead Options
These Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches are a game-changer for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare both the cookie crust and the creamy pumpkin ice cream filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply crush the Biscoff cookies and mix them with melted butter for the crust, then freeze it while you whip the ice cream filling together and pour it over the crust. For the best quality, make sure to wrap the assembled dessert tightly in plastic wrap before freezing, which will help maintain the texture and flavor. When you’re ready to serve, just add the top layer of cookie crumbs and freeze for an additional 6-8 hours or overnight. This way, you’ll have a delightful treat ready for gatherings or spontaneous dessert cravings, all without any last-minute fuss!
Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches Recipe FAQs
What type of pumpkin purée should I use?
I recommend using canned pumpkin purée for consistency and flavor, as it’s perfectly smooth and easy to work with. If you prefer fresh, make sure it’s well-pureed without any chunks for the best texture.
How should I store these ice cream sandwiches?
To keep your Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches fresh, wrap them tightly in parchment paper or foil and store them in the freezer. They can last up to 2 weeks, but for the best texture, enjoy them within a week.
Can I freeze the ice cream sandwiches? How long do they last?
Absolutely! After assembling, freeze your sandwiches for at least 6-8 hours or overnight. They will maintain their quality for up to 2 weeks, but for the best taste and texture, consume them within a week.
What can I do if my ice cream mixture doesn’t whip up properly?
If the heavy cream isn’t whipping well, check that your bowl and beaters are cold; this is essential for achieving volume. Make sure you aren’t overmixing and stop once soft peaks form. If it still seems too soft, you might need to consider using a little less heavy cream or chilling it before whipping.
Can I make substitutions for dietary restrictions?
Definitely! For a dairy-free version, you can substitute heavy cream with a non-dairy whipping cream and use coconut condensed milk for sweetness. If you have allergies to specific ingredients, feel free to swap the Biscoff cookies with gluten-free alternatives or graham crackers to accommodate your needs.
Can I change the flavor profile of the ice cream?
Yes, you can experiment! Try substituting pumpkin purée with sweet potato or butternut squash for a different twist. You can also add in extras such as chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or flavored extracts like almond or maple to make it uniquely yours!
Irresistible Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Sandwiches for Fall Festivities
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line a 9x9" pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang to aid later removal.
- Crush Biscoff cookies into fine crumbs, mix with melted butter, and press into the prepared pan. Freeze.
- In a large bowl, beat heavy cream, pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold in sweetened condensed milk till fully blended.
- Pour ice cream mixture over crust, smooth out, and freeze for 2-3 hours.
- Sprinkle remaining cookie crumbs over ice cream and press gently. Freeze for 6-8 hours or overnight.
- Lift out using parchment overhang, slice into sandwiches, and serve. Optionally drizzle with caramel.