The Best Fall Comfort: Dreamy Pumpkin Lush Recipe

Creamy layers of decadent pumpkin lush dance with velvety textures that promise an autumn dessert dream.

Soft graham cracker crusts provide a delightful foundation for this irresistible treat.

Seasonal spices mingle throughout each delectable bite, creating a symphony of warmth and comfort.

Cool whipped cream blankets silky pumpkin pudding in luxurious waves of indulgence.

Cream cheese adds a tangy richness that balances the sweet pumpkin perfectly.

Dessert enthusiasts will adore how simple ingredients combine into something magical and memorable.

Why Pumpkin Lush Is a Showstopper Dessert

• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations where everyone craves a delightful sweet treat.
• No-Bake Wonder: Requires zero oven time, making it super simple for home bakers of all skill levels who want a stress-free dessert preparation.
• Layered Luxury: Creates a stunning visual presentation with multiple creamy layers that promise rich, indulgent flavors in every single bite.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Can be prepared well in advance, allowing hosts to relax and enjoy their event without last-minute dessert stress.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Lush

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic cookie base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the dessert.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust mixture.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich, smooth texture.

• Cream Cheese: A smooth, tangy dairy product that creates a rich and luxurious cheesecake layer.
• Confectioners Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a silky smooth texture.
• Cool Whip: A light and fluffy whipped topping that adds creaminess to multiple layers of the dessert.

• Pumpkin Puree: A classic autumn ingredient that brings a warm, seasonal flavor to the dessert.
• Pumpkin Spice: A blend of warm spices that enhances the pumpkin's natural taste.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Helps thicken the pumpkin layer and adds extra sweetness.
• Half and Half: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Pecans: A crunchy topping that adds nutty flavor and texture to the final dessert.

How to Prepare Pumpkin Lush

Step 1: Prepare the Crunchy Base

Create a delectable foundation by mixing graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Pop the crust into the refrigerator to set and chill while you prepare the next layers.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Layer

In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until it becomes silky smooth.

Gently fold in fluffy whipped topping to create a luscious, light texture.

Carefully spread this creamy mixture evenly across the chilled crust.

Step 3: Develop the Luscious Pumpkin Layer

• Pumpkin puree
• Pumpkin spice
• Instant vanilla pudding mix
• Half and half

Continue whisking until the mixture thickens beautifully.

Fold in a generous dollop of whipped topping to add extra richness.

Spread this vibrant pumpkin layer over the cheesecake base.

Step 4: Crown with Whipped Topping

Generously spread the remaining whipped topping across the pumpkin layer.

Sprinkle a handful of chopped pecans on top for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

Step 5: Chill and Serve with Love

Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, allowing all the layers to set and meld together.

When ready, slice into squares and serve this heavenly treat to eager dessert lovers.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Lush

• Keep cream cheese, Cool Whip, and half and half cold for smoother, more consistent layers.
• Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a compact base that won't crumble when serving.
• Adjust pumpkin spice to personal taste, starting with less and adding gradually for perfect flavor intensity.
• Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread each layer evenly without mixing previous layers.
• Toast pecans before sprinkling to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the dessert.

Variations to Try with Pumpkin Lush

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Lush: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour. Use gluten-free vanilla pudding mix for a celiac-friendly dessert.
• Vegan Pumpkin Delight: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream, use coconut whipped cream instead of Cool Whip. Substitute butter with coconut oil in the crust.
• Low-Carb Pumpkin Treat: Use almond flour for crust, replace sugar with stevia or erythritol. Utilize sugar-free pudding mix and low-carb whipped topping.
• Nut-Free Version: Omit pecans or replace with sunflower seeds. Keep all other ingredients the same for an allergy-friendly option.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Lush

• Cozy Autumn Gathering: Serve this pumpkin lush as a delightful dessert centerpiece during fall family gatherings, perfect for creating warm memories.
• Friendsgiving Favorite: Bring this dessert to potluck parties, where its creamy layers and seasonal flavors will impress everyone at the table.
• Dessert Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich pumpkin lush with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or a smooth caramel latte for an extra indulgent experience.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and giving you more time to enjoy with loved ones.

How to Store Pumpkin Lush

• Seal the pumpkin lush in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dessert.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire dessert in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing quality or taste.
• Transfer frozen pumpkin lush to the refrigerator overnight. Let it slowly defrost to maintain its creamy texture and prevent separation of layers.
• Enjoy the dessert chilled directly from the refrigerator. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the layers soggy and compromise the delicate texture.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, you can substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream. Just ensure it’s stabilized to maintain the dessert’s structure.

• Is this dessert gluten-free?

No, the graham cracker crust contains gluten. You’ll need to use gluten-free graham crackers or an alternative crust like crushed nuts to make it gluten-free.

• How long can I keep this dessert in the refrigerator?

The Pumpkin Lush can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.

Pumpkin Lush Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy pumpkin lush dessert promises a luxurious autumn experience with layers of graham cracker crust, silky cream cheese, and spiced pumpkin filling. Rich seasonal flavors blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor each delightful bite of this irresistible fall treat.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) graham cracker crumbs
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) granulated sugar
• 8 tablespoons (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake and Pumpkin Layer:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 15 ounces (425 grams) pumpkin puree
• 4 ounces (113 grams) instant vanilla pudding
• 2 cups (240 grams) confectioners sugar
• 2 teaspoons (10 grams) pumpkin spice
• 1 1/4 cups (300 milliliters) half and half

Topping Layer:

• 2 1/2 cups (600 milliliters) Cool Whip
• Pecans, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a crumbly foundation by blending graham cracker fragments with granulated sweetener and liquefied butter. Firmly compress the mixture into the base of a 9×13-inch dish. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to solidify.
2. Whip softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until silky and uniform. Gently incorporate one portion of whipped topping, ensuring a light, airy texture. Carefully distribute this creamy mixture across the chilled crust.
3. Construct the vibrant pumpkin stratum by whisking pumpkin puree with aromatic pumpkin spice, vanilla pudding mix, and creamy half and half until the consistency thickens. Delicately fold in half a portion of whipped topping to enhance smoothness.
4. Cascade the pumpkin mixture over the previous cream cheese layer, creating an even, uniform surface. Top with remaining whipped topping, spreading gently to cover completely.
5. Enhance the dessert’s visual appeal by sprinkling chopped pecans across the top layer, adding textural contrast and nutty flavor.
6. Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing layers to set and flavors to meld. When thoroughly chilled, slice into precise squares and serve.

Notes

• Customize the crust by swapping graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for those with dietary restrictions.
• Reduce sugar content by using low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free pudding mix, making the dessert more diabetic-friendly.
• Toast pecans briefly before sprinkling to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the dessert’s topping.
• Experiment with seasonal spices like cardamom or ginger to elevate the pumpkin layer’s complexity and create a unique flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 269 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 142 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 34 mg