Silky Pumpkin Lush Recipe

Dreamy Pumpkin Lush Recipe: Fall’s Coziest Sweet Treat

Dessert lovers constantly seek that perfect creamy indulgence, and this silky pumpkin lush recipe delivers pure autumn magic.

Layers of velvety goodness stack up like a delectable dream waiting to be devoured.

Each spoonful promises a rich blend of smooth pumpkin and decadent cream cheese.

The dessert whispers hints of warm spices that dance across your palate with delightful sophistication.

Buttery graham cracker crust provides a satisfying crunch beneath the luscious filling.

Chilled to perfection, this treat transforms simple ingredients into an elegant dessert that steals the spotlight at any gathering.

One bite, and you’ll understand why this recipe becomes an instant seasonal favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 246 kcal

Servings: 13

Pumpkin Lush Ingredients

For Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a crispy, sweet foundation that adds delightful texture and warmth to the dessert.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust together and creates a rich, golden base with a wonderful melt-in-your-mouth quality.
  • Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps the crust hold its shape when chilled.
For Creamy Layers:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers a tangy, smooth base that adds luxurious richness and creates a velvety texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer and helps achieve a silky, spreadable consistency.
  • Whipped Topping: Adds lightness and creates a cloud-like, airy texture that makes each bite incredibly soft.
For Pumpkin Filling:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Brings authentic autumn flavor and gorgeous orange color with loads of seasonal warmth.
  • Vanilla Pudding Mix: Creates a stable, creamy structure and adds subtle sweetness to the pumpkin layer.
  • Instant Pudding Mix: Helps thicken the filling and ensures a smooth, consistent texture.
  • Milk: Provides moisture and helps blend the pudding mix seamlessly.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Infuses classic fall flavors with a blend of warm, aromatic spices.
For Garnish:
  • Pecans: Offers a delightful crunch and nutty depth that complements the creamy layers.
  • Cinnamon: Adds a final sprinkle of warm, sweet spice that enhances the dessert's seasonal charm.

Tools For Making Pumpkin Lush

  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for layering and chilling the dessert.
  • Medium mixing bowl: Essential for combining graham cracker crust ingredients.
  • Large mixing bowl: Used for preparing the pumpkin layer mixture.
  • Electric mixer: Helps beat cream cheese and create smooth layers.
  • Whisk: Great for blending pumpkin layer ingredients until creamy.
  • Spatula: Helps spread layers evenly and scrape bowls clean.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.

Instructions For Pumpkin Lush Dessert

  • Craft the Base

Press graham cracker mixture firmly into a baking dish, creating a solid foundation for your delightful dessert. Chill the base while preparing subsequent layers.

  • Whip Up Cream Cheese Sensation

Blend cream cheese with powdered sugar until silky smooth. Gently fold in whipped topping and spread evenly across the chilled crust.

  • Layer Pumpkin Magic

Mix pumpkin puree with pudding mixes and milk, whisking until the mixture transforms into a luscious, creamy texture. Carefully spread this vibrant layer over the cream cheese foundation.

  • Crown with Fluffy Perfection

Top the pumpkin layer with remaining whipped topping. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and a light dusting of warming spices for an elegant finish.

  • Chill and Savor

Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set. Serve chilled and enjoy the decadent layers of autumn-inspired deliciousness.

Tips To Upgrade Pumpkin Lush

  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert a day in advance to let flavors meld and develop a rich, creamy texture that'll wow your guests.
  • Gluten-Free Swap: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies to make this recipe celiac-friendly.
  • Nut-Free Option: Skip the pecans or substitute with toasted pumpkin seeds for a crunchy topping that's safe for nut-allergic friends.
  • Lighter Version: Use low-fat cream cheese, sugar-free pudding mix, and light whipped topping to create a lighter, less caloric dessert without sacrificing flavor.
  • Flavor Boost: Experiment with different spice blends like cardamom or add a drizzle of caramel sauce to elevate the classic pumpkin flavor profile.

Serving Style For Pumpkin Lush

  • Fall Feast Finale: Perfect for ending a cozy family dinner with a festive dessert touch.
  • Holiday Potluck Star: Bring this crowd-pleasing dessert to thanksgiving or friendsgiving gatherings where everyone craves something sweet and seasonal.
  • Breakfast Brunch Companion: Slice a piece alongside morning coffee or tea for a delightful weekend treat that feels indulgent yet comforting.
  • Dessert Portion Trick: Cut into small squares for easier serving at parties, making it simple for guests to enjoy without messy slicing.

Refrigerate & Keep Pumpkin Lush Fresh

  • Fridge-Friendly Storage: Keep the dessert tightly covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness. Stays delicious for up to 5 days when refrigerated properly.
  • Freezing Magic: Slice the lush into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Frozen dessert remains tasty for 2-3 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
  • Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare the entire dessert up to 2 days before serving. This approach allows flavors to blend and develop a richer taste profile. Keep chilled until ready to serve.
  • Serving Smart: Remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Use a clean, sharp knife for neat slices. Wipe the blade between cuts for picture-perfect presentation.
Print
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Silky Pumpkin Lush Recipe

Silky Pumpkin Lush Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Creamy pumpkin lush dessert brings autumn’s warmth to classic layered pudding perfection. Rich cream cheese and spiced pumpkin layers promise sweet comfort with each delightful spoonful you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 (8 oz / 226 g) block cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (8 oz / 226 g) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 1 (3.4 oz / 96 g) box instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 (3.4 oz / 96 g) box instant pumpkin spice pudding mix (or use another box of vanilla if unavailable)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsps granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 (8 oz / 226 g) tub whipped topping
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans
  • Sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice

Instructions

  1. Crust Crafting: Meld graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar, pressing the mixture compactly into a rectangular baking dish. Chill the crust to stabilize its structure while preparing subsequent layers.
  2. Creamy Foundation: Whisk cream cheese and powdered sugar until achieving a silky consistency, tenderly folding in whipped topping. Spread this luscious layer uniformly across the chilled graham cracker base.
  3. Pumpkin Infusion: Combine pumpkin puree with instant pudding mixes, milk, and warming pumpkin pie spice, whisking until the mixture develops a thick, velvety texture. Gently cascade this aromatic layer over the cream cheese foundation, ensuring seamless coverage.
  4. Crowning Glory: Adorn the dessert with remaining whipped topping, elegantly scattering chopped pecans and a whisper of cinnamon or additional pumpkin pie spice across the surface.
  5. Flavor Maturation: Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of four hours, ideally overnight, allowing the flavors to harmonize and the texture to reach sublime perfection.

Notes

  • Chill Crust Completely: Ensure the graham cracker base is thoroughly chilled before adding layers to prevent mixing and maintain distinct texture layers.
  • Smooth Cream Cheese Layer: Use room temperature cream cheese and beat until completely smooth to avoid lumps and create a silky, even spreading consistency.
  • Precise Pudding Mixing: Whisk pumpkin pudding mixture vigorously and immediately to prevent clumping and achieve a perfectly integrated, creamy texture.
  • Overnight Resting Magic: Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, ideally overnight, allowing flavors to meld and layers to set firmly for the most decadent dessert experience.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 246
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 27 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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