Dreamy Pumpkin Lush Recipe: Fall’s Most Comforting Dessert

Creamy layers of autumn delight dance through this irresistible pumpkin lush recipe, promising a dessert that’s both nostalgic and decadent.

Warm spices mingle with smooth cream cheese and velvety pumpkin, creating a heavenly treat that melts in your mouth.

Each bite tells a story of comfort and indulgence, layered with graham cracker crust and silky pudding.

The dessert whispers of cozy gatherings and sweet memories waiting to be savored.

Perfectly balanced between rich and light, this pumpkin lush transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular finale.

You’ll find yourself returning for seconds, unable to resist its charm.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Lush Magic

• Flour: A base ingredient that provides structure for the crust.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the crust ingredients together.
• Pecans: Provides a nutty crunch and enhances the flavor of the crust.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the dessert.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the cream cheese mixture.

• Pumpkin Puree: Delivers classic fall flavor and creamy texture.
• Pudding Mix: Helps thicken and add sweetness to the pumpkin layer.
• Milk: Ensures proper consistency of the pudding mixture.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds warm, traditional pumpkin dessert flavors.

• Whipped Topping: Provides a light, creamy finish to the dessert.
• Pecans: Optional garnish that adds extra crunch and visual appeal.

Directions to Build Your Pumpkin Lush

Step 1: Create Crunchy Pecan Crust

Warm your oven to 350°F.

Blend flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans into a crumbly mixture.

Press the mixture firmly into a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer.

Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.

Remove and allow the crust to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Cheese Layer

Using an electric mixer, combine cream cheese and powdered sugar.

Beat until the mixture becomes silky smooth and free of lumps.

Carefully spread this luscious cream cheese blend evenly across the cooled crust, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 3: Mix Pumpkin Spice Filling

• Pumpkin puree
• Instant pudding mix
• Whole milk
• Pumpkin pie spice

Blend until the mixture is completely uniform and free of any dry spots.

Gently pour and spread this fragrant pumpkin layer over the cream cheese base.

Step 4: Add Fluffy Topping

Cover the pumpkin layer with a generous spread of whipped topping.

Ensure the topping creates an even, smooth surface across the entire dessert.

Step 5: Chill and Garnish

Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours, allowing all layers to set and flavors to meld.

Before serving, sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top for extra crunch.

Keep chilled until ready to serve.

Advice for a Perfect Pumpkin Lush Texture

• Press the flour, butter, and pecan mixture gently but firmly into the baking dish to create an even, compact base that won't crumble when serving.
• Allow the dessert to refrigerate for at least 2 hours, which helps layers set and flavors meld together for a more delicious taste experience.
• Adjust pumpkin pie spice to your preference – add extra for a bolder flavor or reduce for a milder taste that suits different palates.
• Soften cream cheese at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free layer that spreads easily across the crust.
• Replace regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, making this dessert accessible to more dietary needs.

Fun Variations for Your Pumpkin Lush Dish

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Lush: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Pumpkin Delight: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream, use coconut whipped topping, and swap butter for coconut oil.
• Low-Carb Pumpkin Treat: Use almond flour for crust, replace sugar with stevia, and incorporate sugar-free pudding mix for a keto-friendly dessert.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Omit pecans and use toasted oats or sunflower seeds for crunch, maintaining the recipe's creamy pumpkin essence.

Serving Pumpkin Lush at Parties

• Fall Flavor Feast: Serve this pumpkin lush as a showstopping dessert at autumn gatherings or holiday parties.
• Cozy Coffee Companion: Pair each slice with a warm mug of spiced chai or pumpkin spice latte for an indulgent treat.
• Thanksgiving Centerpiece: Present the dessert on a rustic wooden board with extra pecans and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a stunning presentation.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dessert a day before your event, allowing flavors to meld and saving precious time during busy celebrations.

Saving Pumpkin Lush for Later Enjoyment

• Store covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid adding whipped topping before freezing.
• Transfer frozen dessert to the refrigerator overnight. Allow 4-6 hours for gradual thawing to maintain texture and prevent soggy crust.
• Let chilled or thawed pumpkin lush sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh whipped cream and pecans to restore its appealing presentation.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the base of this dessert?

The crust is made with flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans, creating a rich and nutty foundation that provides a delicious crunch underneath the creamy layers.

• Is this recipe suitable for fall gatherings?

Absolutely! The pumpkin pudding layer and pumpkin pie spice make this dessert perfect for autumn events, holiday parties, and family gatherings, bringing classic fall flavors to a crowd-pleasing treat.

• Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this lush can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, which actually allows the flavors to meld together and makes it even more delicious for serving.

Experience the Layers in Pumpkin Lush Dessert

• Delight in Layered Luxury: Each bite offers a perfect blend of textures from crumbly pecan crust to silky cream cheese and pumpkin layers, creating a dessert that feels like a special treat.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations where you want to impress guests with a delicious make-ahead dessert that serves multiple people.
• Quick Assembly Magic: Requires minimal baking skills and simple ingredients, allowing even novice bakers to create a professional-looking dessert with straightforward mixing and layering steps.
• Seasonal Comfort Goodness: Captures the warm, cozy flavors of autumn with pumpkin pie spice and pecans, making it a perfect indulgence during cooler months and festive seasons.

Pumpkin Lush Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Pumpkin Lush dessert celebrates autumn’s rich flavors with creamy layers of graham cracker crust, smooth pumpkin filling, and billowy whipped cream. Cool seasonal comfort awaits you in each delightful spoonful of this easy-to-make crowd-pleasing treat.

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Ingredients

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Crust Layer:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup whipped topping

Pumpkin Pudding and Topping Layer:

• 15 ounces (425 grams) pumpkin puree
• 5.1 ounces (145 grams) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 5.1 ounces (145 grams) instant butterscotch pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 cups whipped topping
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• Ground cinnamon for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the base by combining flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans into a cohesive mixture. Press firmly into a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer.
2. Bake the crust at 350°F for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely at room temperature.
3. Whip cream cheese and powdered sugar until velvety smooth, ensuring no lumps remain. Carefully spread this layer across the cooled crust using a spatula.
4. Create the pumpkin filling by whisking pumpkin puree, instant pudding mix, milk, and pumpkin pie spice until thoroughly blended and creamy.
5. Gently pour the pumpkin mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading evenly to cover the entire surface.
6. Cover the pumpkin layer with a generous spread of whipped topping, creating a light and airy final layer.
7. Refrigerate the dessert for minimum 2 hours to allow layers to set and flavors to meld together.
8. Before serving, optionally garnish with additional whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped pecans for extra texture and visual appeal.
9. Slice and serve chilled for maximum flavor and structural integrity.

Notes

• Toast pecans lightly before adding to the crust for enhanced nutty flavor and crunch.
• Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure smooth, lump-free spreading across the base layer.
• Substitute gluten-free flour and graham cracker crumbs for a celiac-friendly version of this dessert.
• Reduce sugar content by using sugar-free pudding mix and low-fat cream cheese for a lighter dessert option.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg