Description
Pumpkin Lush is a deliciously creamy layered dessert perfect for the fall season. It features a graham cracker crust baked to golden perfection, topped with a smooth cream cheese layer, a luscious pumpkin pudding filling, and finished with fluffy whipped topping. This easy-to-make recipe requires no complex cooking methods and is ideal for Thanksgiving or any autumnal gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), divided
Pumpkin Layer
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant pumpkin spice or butterscotch pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Garnish (Optional)
- Additional whipped topping
- Crushed graham crackers or chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well mixed. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until set and fragrant. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of the whipped topping to lighten the mixture. Spread this cream cheese layer evenly over the cooled crust using a spatula.
- Prepare the pumpkin filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, instant vanilla pudding mix, instant pumpkin spice or butterscotch pudding mix, cold milk, and pumpkin pie spice until the mixture thickens and is well combined. Spread this pumpkin filling over the cream cheese layer, smoothing it out evenly.
- Add the whipped topping: Top the pumpkin layer with the remaining whipped topping and spread it out smoothly to cover the entire surface.
- Chill and serve: Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set properly. Before serving, garnish with additional whipped topping, crushed graham crackers, chopped pecans, or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Notes
- This dessert improves in flavor and texture the longer it chills, making it an excellent make-ahead choice for holidays.
- For added crunch and flavor variation, consider using a pecan shortbread crust instead of the traditional graham cracker crust.
