Pumpkin Lush: A Creamy, Delicious Fall Dessert

Fall just wouldn’t be the same without pumpkin, right? That’s why I’m so excited to share this Pumpkin Lush dessert with you! It’s creamy, sweet, and the perfect treat for those cozy, cool evenings.

The layers of pumpkin, whipped cream, and a buttery crust come together so beautifully. It’s like a dream dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to eat. Trust me, every bite will have you saying, “I need more!”

This Pumpkin Lush will quickly become your go-to fall dessert. It’s perfect for family dinners or a treat to enjoy on your own. Let’s dive in and whip up this delicious fall favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Fall: Pumpkin Lush is the quintessential fall dessert, with all the cozy flavors you love—pumpkin, cinnamon, and a buttery, creamy texture.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dessert is rich and indulgent, yet light enough for everyone to enjoy. It’s a big hit at family gatherings, parties, or any fall celebration.
• No-Bake Delight: No oven required! Simply layer and chill, making it perfect for when you want a dessert without the hassle of baking.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can easily prepare this dessert the day before and refrigerate it, saving you time and stress.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Chill Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours or overnight
• Total Time: ~4 hours 20 minutes

Servings:
This recipe yields approximately 12 servings. If you’re hosting a large gathering, you can double the recipe and use a larger dish.

Difficulty:
Easy enough for beginners! This dessert is simple to assemble, and it requires no baking.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to bring this dish together:

• 9×13-inch baking dish (for the layers)
• Mixing bowls (for preparing the layers)
• Hand mixer or whisk (for whipping the cream cheese and pudding)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or spoon (for spreading layers)

Ingredients for Pumpkin Lush

This layered dessert is made with a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s everything you’ll need to make it:

For the Crust:

• 1 and 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup (55g) butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar

For the Pumpkin Layer:

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240g) pumpkin puree
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pudding Layer:

• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups (480ml) cold milk

For the Topping:

• 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (Cool Whip), divided
• Cinnamon, for dusting

Variations for Pumpkin Lush

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts over the top for an added crunch.
• Change the Spice: If you love gingerbread, you can swap out the cinnamon and nutmeg for a teaspoon of ginger spice.
• Use Different Pudding: While vanilla pudding works wonderfully, you can also try using butterscotch or cheesecake-flavored pudding for a twist.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap out the graham crackers for gluten-free crumbs or even crushed gluten-free cookies.

How to Make Pumpkin Lush: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the mixture is well-combined and resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer.

2. Make the Pumpkin Layer

In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth. Add in 1/2 of the thawed whipped topping and the vanilla extract. Mix until completely combined and fluffy.

3. Make the Pudding Layer

In another bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with the cold milk. Whisk for 2 minutes or until the pudding has thickened. Carefully spread the pudding mixture over the pumpkin layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.

4. Add the Whipped Topping

Spread the remaining half of the whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer. This will create a fluffy, light topping that complements the richness of the pumpkin layer.

5. Chill

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling time helps the layers set and lets the flavors meld together for a perfectly balanced dessert.

How to Serve Pumpkin Lush

Pumpkin Lush is a perfect dessert for fall gatherings, family dinners, or just when you’re craving a sweet treat with a seasonal twist. Here’s how to serve it:

• Serve Cold: Pumpkin Lush is best served chilled, as it allows the layers to hold together and gives it that creamy texture you’ll love.
• Top with Cinnamon: Just before serving, lightly dust the top with cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive touch.
• Pair with Coffee or Hot Cider: It’s the perfect dessert to enjoy alongside a cup of hot coffee or warm apple cider, enhancing the fall flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This dessert is perfect for any occasion, especially:

• Thanksgiving: Add a festive flair to your holiday dessert spread.
• Fall Parties: It’s a great make-ahead option for parties, so you don’t have to worry about last-minute prep.
• Potlucks: Impress your guests with this easy-to-share, crowd-pleasing dessert.

Storing Pumpkin Lush

In the Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container or keep it covered with plastic wrap in the fridge. It will last for up to 3 days.

• Make-Ahead: Since this dessert benefits from sitting overnight, it’s ideal for making ahead of time. You can also freeze it, but it’s best to leave the whipped topping off if you plan to freeze it. Once frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Chill Time is Key: Don’t skip the chill time. It helps the layers set and gives the dessert a firm, creamy texture.
• Mix the Pudding Carefully: When making the pudding, whisk it for the full 2 minutes to ensure it thickens properly. A well-set pudding layer will hold up nicely when serving.
• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the pumpkin layer.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with a little bit of ginger or allspice in the pumpkin layer for an extra depth of flavor.

Pumpkin Lush: A Creamy, Delicious Fall Dessert (Part 3)

Nutrition Information

Here’s the approximate nutrition information per serving (based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	280 kcal
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	10g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	120mg
Carbohydrates	29g
Fiber	1g
Sugars	18g
Protein	3g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands and serving sizes.

Pumpkin Lush FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! Pumpkin Lush is great for making ahead. In fact, it gets better after chilling for several hours or overnight.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
You can! Just be sure to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin before using it in the recipe. Make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the layers.

Can I substitute the whipped topping?
If you prefer, you can make your own whipped cream by whipping heavy cream and powdered sugar to stiff peaks. However, Cool Whip gives the dessert its signature creamy texture and ease.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Lush is the perfect dessert to bring the flavors of fall to any table. With its rich, creamy layers and hints of pumpkin spice, this no-bake treat is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, a fall gathering, or just for a sweet treat, it’s simple to make, delicious to eat, and a true crowd-pleaser.

Let this dessert be the star of your next fall celebration!