Description
Pumpkin Lush is a no-bake layered dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker or pecan crust, creamy spiced pumpkin filling, sweetened cream cheese, and fluffy whipped topping—perfect for fall gatherings and make-ahead entertaining.
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs or crushed pecan shortbread cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional)
- For the cream cheese layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
- For the pumpkin layer:
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant vanilla or cheesecake pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- For the topping:
- 2 cups whipped topping
- Optional toppings: chopped pecans or walnuts, crushed gingersnaps, cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for dusting
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar (if using) until combined.
- Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the layers.
- In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 cup whipped topping. Spread evenly over chilled crust.
- In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, pudding mix, milk, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon until thickened. Spread gently over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with the remaining whipped topping, spreading it evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
- Before serving, garnish with chopped nuts, crushed cookies, or a dusting of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice if desired.
- Slice and serve chilled.
Notes
- Use freshly whipped cream (stabilized) in place of whipped topping if preferred.
- Make a gingersnap or pecan crust for extra seasonal flavor.
- Add caramel drizzle or toffee bits for an indulgent twist.
- Best when made a day ahead to allow layers to set and flavors to blend.
- Use individual cups or jars for a portable, party-friendly presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/15 of pan)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
