Decadent Pumpkin Lush Recipe: Your Ultimate No-Bake Fall Dessert

Get ready for an incredibly delightful dessert that celebrates the cozy flavors of autumn. This pumpkin lush recipe features luscious layers of creamy goodness, making it an irresistible treat. It boasts a crunchy graham cracker crust, a tangy cream cheese layer, a spiced pumpkin pudding layer, and a light whipped topping. Perfect for holidays or any fall gathering, this no-bake wonder is simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, ensuring a stress-free experience. Prepare to impress everyone with this creamy, dreamy confection!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Lush Recipe

• Effortless Elegance: This no-bake pumpkin lush recipe requires minimal effort, so you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying.
• Holiday Hero: It’s the perfect dessert for entertaining, especially during Thanksgiving or other fall celebrations.
• Flavor Fusion: Enjoy your favorite fall flavors, including pumpkin spice, in every decadent bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Layers create a beautiful visual appeal that everyone will adore.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare it ahead of time, allowing flavors to meld beautifully and saving you precious time on event day.

Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 4 ounces Cool Whip

For the Pumpkin Pudding Layer:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 2 (4 ounce) packets vanilla pudding mix
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 4 ounces Cool Whip

For the Whipped Topping:

• 1 (8 ounce) tub Cool Whip
• ½ cup chopped pecans (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs (optional, for garnish)
• ½ cup caramel sauce (optional, for garnish)

Notes & Substitutions

For the crust, you can substitute graham crackers with crushed gingersnap cookies or vanilla wafers for a different flavor profile. If you prefer homemade, use 2 cups of freshly whipped cream instead of Cool Whip for the layers and topping. Remember to use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is already spiced and sweetened. Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in the pumpkin layer to suit your taste, adding a pinch of allspice for extra warmth. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature; this prevents lumps and guarantees a perfectly smooth, creamy layer.

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
• Large mixing bowls (at least 3)
• Rubber spatula or offset spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crust
Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Ensure it’s firmly packed. Cover the dish and refrigerate it while you prepare the next layers to help it firm up.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
In a large mixing bowl, use your electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 4 ounces of Cool Whip using a rubber spatula until just combined. Spread this creamy cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust.

Step 3: Create the Pumpkin Pudding Layer
In another large mixing bowl, whisk together the cold whole milk, canned pumpkin puree, and both packets of vanilla pudding mix. Continue whisking until the mixture starts to thicken, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the cinnamon, ground ginger, and nutmeg. Finally, gently fold in 4 ounces of Cool Whip until the pumpkin mixture is smooth and uniform in color. This rich pumpkin lush recipe layer adds incredible seasonal flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Carefully spread the pumpkin pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish. Take your time to spread it gently to avoid disturbing the layer beneath. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon for smooth application. This pumpkin lush recipe comes together quickly.

Step 5: Add the Final Topping
Spread the remaining 8-ounce tub of Cool Whip evenly over the top of the pumpkin layer. For a beautiful finish, garnish your pumpkin lush recipe with optional chopped pecans, a sprinkle of extra graham cracker crumbs, or a decadent drizzle of caramel sauce.

Step 6: Chill and Serve
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the pumpkin lush for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow all the layers to set properly and the flavors to meld. This chilling time is crucial for easy slicing. Once thoroughly chilled, slice into squares and serve cold.

Pro Tips for the Best Pumpkin Lush

Always ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing; this prevents lumps and yields a perfectly smooth layer. When folding in the whipped topping, be gentle and avoid overmixing, which can deflate the airy texture. Chill each layer for 15-20 minutes before adding the next; this helps create clean, stable layers that hold their shape. Use an offset spatula for spreading to achieve smooth, even layers. Finally, use fresh spices for the pumpkin layer to ensure the most vibrant and authentic fall flavor.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

Serving Suggestions:
Serve this delightful dessert chilled, garnished with a light dusting of ground cinnamon or a generous sprinkle of chopped candied pecans. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of extra whipped cream can elevate its presentation and taste. It pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or a spiced chai tea.

Storage Instructions:
Cover any leftover pumpkin lush recipe tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices or the entire dessert for up to one month. Thaw frozen slices overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Freezing can slightly alter the texture of the whipped topping, but the flavor remains delicious.

Recipe Variations:

• Crust: Experiment with a gingersnap cookie crust for an extra spicy kick, or use shortbread cookies for a buttery base.
• Toppings: Beyond pecans and caramel, consider adding toffee bits, mini chocolate chips, or finely chopped candied ginger.
• Spice: For a richer spice profile in your pumpkin lush recipe, add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the pumpkin layer.

Nutrition Information

This pumpkin lush recipe offers a satisfying dessert experience. Below is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving based on 12 servings, excluding optional garnishes. Please note these are approximate values and can vary based on specific brands and exact measurements.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Conclusion

This pumpkin lush recipe truly is the ultimate no-bake dessert, combining ease of preparation with incredibly rich, comforting flavors. Its delightful layers and festive appearance make it a showstopper for any fall occasion or holiday gathering. Simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for seasoned hosts, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try this amazing pumpkin lush recipe today and savor the decadent taste of autumn in every spoonful!

For more delicious and easy recipes to complement your fall dessert, try our savory Easy Cowboy Butter Chicken, cozy up with a bowl of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, or enjoy a fresh twist with Hummus with Carrots and Olives.

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Pumpkin Lush Recipe

This ultimate no-bake fall dessert combines a crunchy graham cracker crust with layers of creamy cheesecake and spiced pumpkin, all topped with cool whip. It’s a perfect make-ahead treat for any gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Global & Comfort Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 12 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• 9″x13″ baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Whisk
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

Crust

• 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling

• 16 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 4 ounces cool whip

Pumpkin Layer

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 can pumpkin puree 15 ounce
• 2 packets vanilla pudding mix 4 ounce
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 4 ounces cool whip

Topping & Garnish

• 1 tub cool whip 8 ounce
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans optional
• 2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs optional
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce optional

Instructions

 

Crust

• Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until they resemble wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9″x13″ dish, then cover and refrigerate.

Cheesecake Layer

• Beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Gently fold in 4 ounces of cool whip and then spread this creamy layer evenly over the chilled crust.

Pumpkin Layer

• Whisk together milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla pudding mixes, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until well combined. Fold in another 4 ounces of cool whip until the mixture is smooth, then spread it evenly over the cheesecake layer.

Chill & Serve

• Add the remaining 8-ounce tub of cool whip on top of the pumpkin layer. Garnish with optional chopped pecans, caramel sauce, or extra graham cracker crumbs. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the dessert to set completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

This no-bake dessert requires ample chilling time to set properly; plan accordingly. For a festive touch, sprinkle with a dash of extra cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice before serving.

Keyword Easy pumpkin lush dessert, Fall pumpkin dessert, No bake pumpkin lush, Pumpkin lush with cream cheese, Pumpkin pudding dessert