Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pumpkin Lush is a delightful no-bake dessert that combines layers of creamy pumpkin filling, a crunchy crust, and a fluffy whipped topping. With its rich pumpkin flavor, this dessert is a fall favorite and perfect for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering. It’s easy to make, requires no baking, and delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- graham cracker crumbs
- butter
- powdered sugar
- cream cheese
- pumpkin puree
- vanilla pudding mix
- milk
- whipped topping
- ground cinnamon
- ground nutmeg
- ground ginger
directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form a crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and half of the whipped topping until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
- In another bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, vanilla pudding mix, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Whisk until smooth and pour over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with the remaining whipped topping and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the top for garnish.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 12-16 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours or overnight
Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes (or overnight)
Variations
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch on top.
- Use ginger snaps or shortbread cookies for the crust instead of graham crackers for a different flavor.
- For an extra layer of flavor, add a layer of caramel sauce between the pumpkin and whipped topping layers.
- Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping to make this dessert dairy-free.
storage/reheating
Store Pumpkin Lush in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This dessert is best enjoyed chilled and doesn’t require reheating.
FAQs
Can I make Pumpkin Lush ahead of time?
Yes, this dessert is ideal for making ahead. It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but make sure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dessert.
Can I substitute the vanilla pudding mix?
Yes, you can use butterscotch pudding mix for a different flavor profile.
Do I have to bake the crust?
Yes, the crust needs to be baked to ensure it holds together properly, but the rest of the dessert is no-bake.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Lush is the perfect dessert for fall gatherings. It’s creamy, sweet, and full of comforting pumpkin flavor. With its easy preparation and no-bake nature, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple at your holiday celebrations. Try this recipe, and you’ll have a delicious dessert that everyone will love!
PrintPumpkin Lush
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pumpkin Lush is a creamy, layered dessert that combines the flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and whipped cream on a buttery crust. It’s perfect for fall or any occasion that calls for a sweet, rich treat.
Ingredients
- 1 box of yellow cake mix
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (16 oz) container of whipped topping
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the cake mix and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 15 minutes, then let it cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread this mixture over the cooled crust.
- In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, instant pudding mix, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Add the milk and whisk until it thickens. Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with a layer of whipped topping, spreading it evenly to cover the pumpkin layer.
- If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans over the whipped topping.
- Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the layers to set.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cake mix.
- Make sure to use instant pudding mix, not the cook-and-serve variety.
- Can be made a day ahead for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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