Pumpkin Lush is a layered pumpkin spice dessert. This no-bake pumpkin dessert lasagna is a layer of sweetness! Graham cracker, cheesecake, pumpkin spice, topped with whipped cream, nuts, and caramel. There are four layers of heaven in this pumpkin dessert: pumpkin pie filling, instant pudding, buttery graham cracker crust, and a whipped cream topping. This fall dessert is one that all pumpkin lovers will love.Â
Do you love pumpkin? I sure do. Here are a few recipes to consider: Instant Pot Pumpkin Spice Creamer, pumpkin cheesecake cake, or pumpkin carrot muffins! These also make it perfect for a Thanksgiving dessert wth the ultimate pumpkin mixture in each layer. Make one of these delicious dessert ideas this fall season.Â
This no-bake pumpkin dessert was a home run. My son and I loved the delicious pumpkin flavor in this luscious pumpkin recipe. Make this lush cake and let me know what you think.Â
What Are The Layers Of This Pumpkin Lush
Golden Graham Crackers | I reached for graham cracker crumbs as my base. You could swap both ginger snaps for a tasty spice-filled crust.Â
No-Bake Cheesecake Layer:Â This cheesecake layer is crazy simple. Use room-temperature cream cheese for the perfect velvety smooth texture.Â
Pumpkin Spice Layer: Pumpkin purée and pudding come together for one insane layer. The half-and-half helps the layer hold up nicely!Â
Topping Layer: Whipped cream, chopped pecans, and a drizzle of caramel sauce. These toppings are phenomenal for this pumpkin-lush recipe.Â
These pumpkin-lush dessert bars are layers upon layers of deliciousness!Â
Tips For Making This Pumpkin Layered Dessert
I share all the steps and ingredients for this pumpkin cool whip dessert, but here are some tips to help set you up for success.Â
- Pack down the crust. Otherwise, it will fall apart. I used the bottom of a cup.
- Line the bottom and sides of the pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will make removing the food from the pan easy. This is great if you want to serve it on a platter.
- It is important to use half and half instead of milk. This will help keep the pumpkin layer stable so that when you slice it, it holds its shape.Â
- Plan to make it in advance, as this pumpkin layer dessert needs time to set up in the fridge.
Topping Ideas for Pumpkin Dessert
- Drizzle of caramel sauce
- Chopped pecans
- Toffee bits sprinkled on top
- Chocolate chips
- Serve with no toppings
- Butterscotch chips or sauce drizzled on top
- Shavings of white chocolate
The list could go on and on. Feel free to dress up your no bake pumpkin dessert however you want.
Want More Fall Inspired Recipes
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Cake: This pumpkin cake has a cheesecake layer in the stack of two cakes—it’s the ultimate layered cake recipe.
- Air Fryer Baked Stuffed Apples | Cored and stuffed with an oatmeal filling.
- Easy Pumpkin Mousse in Chocolate Cups: Whip up a creamy pumpkin mousse and pipe it into homemade chocolate cups.
- Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake Dip: This is an easy dip recipe you can pair with graham crackers, cookies, and more.Â
Can I Double This Lush Dessert
Want to make extra of this lush dessert? Double this recipe and then use a larger pan or make in two different pans.
This is a wonderful no-bake potluck recipe, weeknight dessert, holiday dessert, and more. Feel free to double this luscious dessert and have extra to serve or save for snacking on later.
It’s an easy no no-bake pumpkin lush dessert that is minimal work.
Is Pumpkin Pie Mix The Same As Pumpkin Purée
Pumpkin purée is simply puréed pumpkin. Pumpkin pie mix is a mixture of ingredients that you use as a base to making a homemade pie.
You can not swap the two ingredients out in this recipe. It has to be a pumpkin purée.
Can I Use Ginger Snaps Instead Of A Graham Cracker Crust
Go ahead and swap graham cracker crust in replace d with ginger snap cookies, or even Golden Oreos.
Just grind up the cookies and mix with the butter. You can skip the sugar if you want. Then just press tightly onto the pan like the graham cracker crust.
Pumpkin Lush
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter melted
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pumpkin Layer
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 1 box Instant vanilla pudding 4 oz
- 1/2 cup cool whip
- 1 1/4 cup half and half
Topping
- 2 cups cool whip
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- Caramel sauce for drizzle
Instructions
- In a bowl, you will add your graham cracker crumbs, butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until crumbly like sand. Then press the crust into an aluminum foil-lined 8×8 pan. Press down with a cup or something firm to pack it in.
- Now in a new bowl add your cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip it up until nice and creamy. Then spread on top of the graham cracker crust.
- Next in a new bowl add your half and half and vanilla pudding. Whip until it begins to thicken. Then add in your pumpkin spice, pumpkin puree, and mix. Then once well-mixed fold in 1/2 cup cool whip. Then top the cheesecake layer.
- Now add on your 2 cups cool whip. Cover and then place in the fridge covered for at least 4 hours.
- Then before you serve up this pumpkin lush, top with chopped nuts and drizzle on the caramel sauce.
Nutrition
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Comments & Reviews
Kat says
Can you use heavy whipping cream instead of half and half? (if it’s what I have in hand)
Kelsey says
I would assume that would be an okay swap. I can’t fully say as I haven’t tried it, but I don’t think it would change too much.
Kat says
Made this for Thanksgiving yesterday…oh my gosh! It was so yummy!
Kelsey says
Yay! I am so glad you enjoyed it!! It is a favorite of mine!
Diana Baskin Erickson says
I’m not Cool whip fan.
It’s full of chemicals.
How can I change it out for real whipped cream.
Kelsey says
Just make real whipped cream and place on top. It will work just the same.
Cheryl says
I made this for a potluck at work. It was a great hit!!
Kelsey says
Wonderful to hear!
Mary says
Is that INSTANT vanilla pudding? Or the kind you have to cook? Can I cook the pudding IN half and half?? I already have 2 boxes of the kind you have to cook that I bought by mistake the last time I had to buy pudding. Just trying to find a way to get rid of them.. 🙂
Kelsey says
It is instant pudding, I am not sure that you can use the cooked kind as I have not tried that, I am sorry.
Jenn says
Hi. Can I make these in individual Ramekins for a school fundraiser?
Kelsey says
Absolutely!