When the air turns crisp and leaves start to fall, there’s no better time to bake with pumpkin. While pumpkin pie often gets all the attention, a pumpkin torte offers a layered, slightly more decadent alternative that still brings all the cozy flavors of the season. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party, but simple enough to serve with coffee on a quiet afternoon.
Unlike traditional pies or cakes, a torte is typically richer and often features layers or a denser crumb. In the case of a pumpkin torte, the dessert usually blends spiced pumpkin puree with a creamy filling or topping, such as whipped cream cheese, sour cream, or even mascarpone. The result is something that feels indulgent without being too heavy.
One of the best things about a pumpkin torte is its versatility. You can make it with a cookie crumb crust for texture, use chopped nuts for crunch, or even bake it in a springform pan to give it an impressive height. Layers can be alternated with spiced cake, vanilla custard, or even chocolate ganache for a more dramatic effect.
Flavor-wise, pumpkin torte is packed with autumn spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. These warm spices not only enhance the natural earthiness of pumpkin but also make your kitchen smell incredible while it bakes. A touch of pumpkin spice syrup or brown sugar can take the flavor up a notch, adding depth and a subtle caramel note.
Serving pumpkin torte chilled brings out its creaminess, while letting it sit at room temperature softens the layers just enough to melt in your mouth. Garnish it with candied pecans, a drizzle of caramel, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a finishing touch.
Whether you’re looking for a new addition to your holiday table or just want a break from the usual pumpkin desserts, a pumpkin torte is a sweet and satisfying way to celebrate fall. With its smooth texture, spiced flavor, and beautiful presentation, it’s a dessert that always earns compliments.

Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg ground
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 15 oz pumpkin puree 1 can
- 3 eggs large
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pecans chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the remaining 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir in the pumpkin puree. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Gradually add the heavy cream and milk. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the mixture into the prepared crust.
- In a small bowl, combine the chopped pecans, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the pumpkin filling.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the center is set. Remove from the oven and let cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Serve chilled with whipped cream on top.
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I think i did something wrong. The crust was too crumbly and fell apart when I cut it. Help?
I substituted pumpkin puree with sweet potato because that’s all I had, and it was still great! Highly recommend!
Great idea! Sweet potato is yum too! 😋
I don’t know if using sweet potato is a good swap. Won’t it taste different? 🤔
Honestly, it looks good, but my oven doesn’t bake things right. I ended up with a gooey mess. Not sure what I did wrong. 😕
I’m sorry to hear that! Maybe your oven temp is off? You could try using a thermometer next time. The torte sounds delicious though! 🍰
Very easy to make, but mine came out a bit too sweet. Maybe less sugar next time?
Why do people put nuts in desserts? Just ruin it for me. 😒
I don’t know about using pecans, can’t you just use walnuts? I didn’t like the texture.
Looks amazing!! Gonna try it for Thanksgiving dinner. Thanks!!
This pumpkin torte is AMAZING! It tastes like fall on a plate. My family loved it!
Hmm, I don’t know. I’ve tried making pumpkin desserts before and they never turn out right. Maybe I won’t risk it with this one.
I made this for Thanksgiving and it was a hit! Everyone asked for the recipe. Thank you for sharing!
Good, but why does it have so many fancy ingredients? Can’t it be simpler??
Um, is it really necessary to refrigerate it for so long? I ate it after just 2 hours. Still good!
I think you might be taking a risk there! Refrigerating helps the flavors meld and makes it safer too.
Who needs refrigeration? I never wait that long for desserts. Tastes just fine after two hours!
This pumpkin torte is absolutely delicious! Perfect for fall. 5 stars!
Yum! I can eat the entire thing by myself! 😋
Seems a bit too much for one person tho, don’t ya think? 🤔
Right?! It’s so good, I can’t stop myself! 😍
Yummy! I added some chocolate chips and it was a hit at the party! Everyone asked for the recipe.
Tastes good but heavy! Next time I think I’ll use less sugar. But what do I know, I’m no chef!
I don’t know… the pumpkin flavor is kinda strong, maybe too strong for some people. Might stick to my usual pie.
Torte? More like tort-y! 😂 Not a fan, sorry.
Torte is tasty, if you ask me! Gotta try it before dissing it! No offense or anything! 😂
Lol, I get it! Not everyone loves pumpkin desserts. Have you tried it with a little caramel drizzled on top?
Yum! I made this for a potluck and it vanished in seconds. It’s definitely a keeper!
This torte is delicious! Perfect for fall, and super easy to make. My family loved it! 🍂
I didn’t have pecans so I used walnuts, was still good, but not as crunch.
Walnuts are still a solid choice! I actually like them better in some things. Thanks for the tip!
But isn’t that kinda the point? You gotta use the right nuts, lol. Maybe try again with the pecans next time.
It’s okay, but my grandma’s recipe is way better. Too sweet for my taste.
Not impressed. It just tastes like pumpkin mush to me.
Didn’t come out right. Maybe my oven is broken? Who knows.
I was skeptical at first, but wow! This turned out better than expected! So creamy!
So good! But maybe too sweet? I think less sugar would make it perfect!
I followed the recipe but it didn’t set right. I think I did something wrong? Not sure what.
This pumpkin torte is delicious! I really loved the cinnamon flavor. Will definitely make again!
Is there a way to make this without eggs? My cousin is allergic. Thanks!
Pumpkin is like, the best fall flavor! I couldn’t believe how easy this was to make!
Yummy! The pecans give it a nice crunch. I’ll definitely be making this again.
Just made this for Thanksgiving and it was a hit! Everyone loved it!
Meh, not bad but I’ve had better. Got any recommendations for a chocolate version?
I forgot to put in the eggs and it was awful. Don’t skip any steps, folks!
Lol! Who forgets eggs in dessert?? That’s like the most important part! 😂
Oh no! I did the same once! Now I always double-check my ingredients. It’s a bummer when that happens.
What’s a torte? Is it like cake? I used pumpkin pie mix instead and it turned out fine!
Torte? What’s that? Just sounds fancy. But pumpkin pie mix? I dunno, that sounds not right for a torte.
Yeah, it’s like a cake but denser! Pumpkin pie mix sounds like a fun twist. I’ll have to try that sometime!
I tried this recipe and it was too sweet for my taste. I might not make it again.
I get what you mean! It did seem a bit sweet for a pumpkin recipe. Maybe try less sugar next time?
I loved it! Sweetness adds to the pumpkin flavor. Just use less sugar if you don’t like it sweet! 🤷
Kinda rich, but I love pumpkin. Would be better with some chocolate maybe?
Chocolate would be a great addition! It might balance the richness of the pumpkin. Can’t wait to try it!
I dunno, chocolate and pumpkin? Seems weird together. Isn’t pumpkin sweet enough on its own?
This torte is a game changer! I added a little bit of ginger too. Delicious!
Ginger? Really? I don’t know if that works. Pumpkin’s already got its own taste. 🤔
That sounds amazing! I love the idea of adding ginger. I’ll definitely try that next time!