Introduction

Pumpkin Lush is a creamy, layered dessert perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave a sweet treat. This easy-to-make dish combines a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich cream cheese layer, and smooth pumpkin filling for a decadent experience.

A rectangular glass dish holds a dessert with three visible layers: the bottom layer is crumbly and brown like a graham cracker crust, the middle layer is a smooth orange pumpkin filling, and the top layer is white whipped cream thickly spread and sprinkled with chopped nuts. A square portion is missing from the center, showing the dish’s base. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a white and yellow striped cloth nearby and two small decorative pumpkins, one yellow and one orange. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
16 oz cream cheese, softened

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Step 2: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust.
Step 3: Bake the crust for about 8-10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. This will be the first creamy layer over the crust.
Step 5: Spread the cream cheese evenly over the cooled crust.
Step 6: (Optional) Continue layering with pumpkin filling, whipped topping, and any additional ingredients as desired for your version of Pumpkin Lush.
Step 7: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.

Tips & Variations

Use spiced graham cracker crumbs or add a pinch of cinnamon to the crust for extra flavor.
Swap regular sugar for brown sugar in the crust for a richer taste.
Add a layer of chopped nuts or chocolate chips between layers for texture.
For a lighter version, substitute part of the cream cheese with whipped topping.

Storage

Store Pumpkin Lush covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture and flavor, avoid freezing as it may alter the creamy layers. When serving, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly.

How to Serve

The dish is a layered dessert in a clear glass rectangular dish placed on a white marbled texture. It has three visible layers: the bottom layer is a golden brown crumb crust, the middle layer is a smooth orange pumpkin filling, and the top layer is a thick white whipped cream spread evenly across the surface. The whipped cream is sprinkled with chopped pecans covering the entire top. A rectangular portion has been cut out from the center, showing the layers clearly, with crumbs scattered inside the empty space. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Pumpkin Lush ahead of time?

Yes, making it the day before allows the flavors to blend and the dessert to fully set, resulting in a better taste and texture.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can substitute part of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese for a different flavor and slightly lighter texture.

Creamy Pumpkin Lush Dessert Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 294 reviews

Pumpkin Lush Dessert is a rich, creamy layered treat combining a crunchy graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese layer, velvety pumpkin pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. This no-bake dessert is perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations, highlighting classic pumpkin flavors with a sweet and tangy cream cheese base.

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 tbsp granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz whipped topping (or whipped cream), divided

Pumpkin Layer

1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Instructions

Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form an even crust layer.
Mix the cream cheese layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until well combined and creamy. Fold in half of the whipped topping gently until incorporated.
Assemble the cream cheese layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust layer with a spatula.
Prepare the pumpkin pudding layer: In another bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice until the mixture thickens, approximately 2 minutes.
Add pumpkin layer: Pour the pumpkin pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer and spread gently to cover.
Top with whipped topping: Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the pumpkin layer to create a fluffy finishing touch.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the layers set and flavors meld. Slice into squares and serve cold.