Step 1

Place 16 ounces cream cheese on the counter. Let sit at room temperature until softened, about 45 minutes. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan that’s at least 2 inches tall with 2 sheets of parchment paper, positioning them perpendicular to each other, so that the parchment hangs at least 2 inches over all 4 sides of the pan to form a sling.

Step 2

Melt 1 stick unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts until mostly melted, 40 to 60 seconds total (it will melt completely as it sits). (Alternatively, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.) Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3

Break 12 whole graham cracker sheets into rough pieces and place in a food processor fitted with a blade attachment. Add 2 tablespoons packed light or dark brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of the ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of the kosher salt. Process until the crackers are the texture of sand, 20 to 30 seconds. Add the butter and pulse to combine, 6 to 8 (1-second) pulses. (If using graham cracker crumbs, just stir 1 1/2 cups crumbs, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and butter together in a medium bowl.)

Step 4

Transfer the mixture to the baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to press the crumbs into an even layer, making sure to reach the edges and fill the corners. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.

Step 5

Place 2 cups cold heavy cream and 1/4 cup of the powdered sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer (or large bowl if using an electric hand mixer). Beat with the whisk attachment on high speed until stiff peaks form, 2 to 4 minutes. Transfer to another bowl.

Step 6

Place the cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons of the vanilla extract, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt in the bowl of the stand mixer (no need to wipe clean). Beat with the whisk attachment on medium speed until light and very fluffy, scraping down the sides with a flexible spatula halfway through, about 3 minutes total.

Step 7

Transfer half of the whipped cream (about 2 cups) to the cream cheese mixture and gently fold together with a flexible spatula until just combined. Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture (about 2 cups) into the baking dish and spread into an even layer.

Step 8

Place 3 tablespoons water and 2 1/2 teaspoons powdered unflavored gelatin in a small microwave-safe bowl and whisk well to combine breaking up any lumps. Microwave on HIGH power for 5 seconds. Whisk until the gelatin is dissolved.

Step 9

Add the gelatin mixture, 1 (15-ounce can) pumpkin purée, the remaining 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, and remaining 2 teaspoons vanilla extract to the remaining cream cheese mixture. Beat with the whisk attachment on medium speed until fluffy and smooth, about 30 seconds.

Step 10

Dollop over the cream cheese mixture in the baking dish and spread into an even layer. Spoon the remaining whipped cream over the pumpkin layer and spread into an even layer. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.

Step 11

When ready to serve, coarsely chop 1/4 cup pecans if desired. Grasping the excess parchment, transfer the pumpkin delight slab to a cutting board. Sprinkle with the pecans and dust with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Cut into 9 to 12 pieces, wiping the knife between each cut for cleaner cuts.