Pumpkin Lush Recipe
Pumpkin Lush is a festive no-bake layered dessert perfect for fall and holiday gatherings. It features a crunchy graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese cheesecake layer, a creamy pumpkin pudding filling seasoned with warm spices, topped with fluffy whipped cream and optional caramel, pecans, and extra graham cracker crumbs for added texture and flavor.
- Author: Ella
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: No Bake
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
For the Crust
- 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 ounces Cool Whip
For the Pumpkin Filling
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 2 (4 ounce) packets vanilla pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 ounces Cool Whip
For the Topping
- 1 (8 ounce) tub Cool Whip
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs (optional)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (optional)
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish to form an even crust layer. Cover and refrigerate to set while preparing the next layers.
- Make the cheesecake layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the 4 ounces of Cool Whip until fully incorporated. Spread this cheesecake mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust.
- Prepare the pumpkin filling: Whisk together the milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla pudding mixes, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl until well combined and smooth. Fold in 4 ounces of Cool Whip until the mixture is creamy and light. Spread this pumpkin layer evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Add the topping: Spread the remaining 8-ounce tub of Cool Whip evenly over the pumpkin layer. Optionally, garnish with chopped pecans, additional graham cracker crumbs, and drizzle with caramel sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow layers to fully set and flavors to meld before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smoothest cheesecake layer without lumps.
- The vanilla pudding mix can be instant, so no cooking is needed, making this a true no-bake dessert.
- Optional toppings like pecans, caramel, and graham cracker crumbs add delicious texture and enhance presentation.
- Chill thoroughly before serving to allow layers to firm up for clean slices.
- Use whole milk for best pudding texture; skim or lower fat milk may result in a thinner filling.
Keywords: pumpkin lush, pumpkin dessert, no bake pumpkin dessert, pumpkin pudding, layered pumpkin dessert, thanksgiving dessert, fall dessert, cream cheese dessert