Pumpkin Lush always feels right when the Thanksgiving table already holds enough warm, heavy dishes. This creamy layered dessert brings a buttery graham cracker crust, sweet cream cheese filling, spiced pumpkin pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. People also call it pumpkin delight or pumpkin lasagna. Better yet, you can make it ahead instead of baking another pumpkin pie.
Table of Contents
What Is Pumpkin Lush?
Pumpkin Lush is an American style layered dessert with four soft, creamy parts. First comes a buttery graham cracker crust. Then a sweet cheesecake layer adds richness, while pumpkin pudding brings warm spice and classic fall flavor.
Finally, whipped topping and chopped pecans finish every slice. In fact, the texture tastes much like creamy pumpkin pie, but each spoonful feels lighter and fluffier.
Why This Layered Pumpkin Dessert Is Perfect for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving already keeps the oven busy. Therefore, Pumpkin Lush works well because you only bake the crust for 5 to 7 minutes.
Also, you can assemble the dessert a day ahead. As a result, dessert waits in the refrigerator while you focus on turkey, sides, and family.
Pumpkin Lush Ingredients
This recipe makes 12 servings. You need about 20 minutes of prep, 5 minutes of baking, and plenty of chill time.
Graham Cracker Crust
Combine 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 8 tablespoons melted unsalted butter.
The butter gives the crust a rich flavor. Meanwhile, the sugar adds just enough sweetness.
Cream Cheese Layer
Use 16 ounces softened cream cheese, 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, and 1 cup whipped topping such as Cool Whip.
Because soft cream cheese blends more easily, bring it to room temperature before mixing.
Pumpkin Pudding Layer
You need one 15 ounce can pumpkin puree, 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice, 4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix, 1 1/4 cups half and half, and 1/2 cup Cool Whip.
Together, these ingredients create the creamy pumpkin pie flavor that gives Pumpkin Lush its cozy character.
Whipped Topping and Pecans
Finish with 8 ounces Cool Whip and chopped pecans to taste.
Also, the pecans add a little crunch against the soft layers.
How to Make Pumpkin Lush
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Graham Cracker Crust
First, heat your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9 x 13 inch pan with cooking spray.
Next, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the pan, then bake it for 5 to 7 minutes.
Afterward, let the crust cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
Beat the softened cream cheese with the confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
Then gently fold in 1 cup whipped topping. Spread the mixture over the cool crust, and refrigerate the pan while you make the next layer.
Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Pudding Layer
First, whisk the half and half with the instant vanilla pudding until the mixture thickens.
Then stir in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice. Next, fold in 1/2 cup whipped topping and spread the pumpkin mixture over the cream cheese.
Step 4: Add the Whipped Topping and Pecans
Spread 8 ounces whipped topping over the pumpkin layer.
Finally, scatter chopped pecans across the top. You can add as many or as few as you like.
Step 5: Chill Until the Layers Are Set
The listed chill time runs about 2 hours. However, Pumpkin Lush slices much better after at least 4 hours in the refrigerator.
For the cleanest layers, chill it overnight. Then cut it with a sharp knife just before serving.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Lush
Use Pumpkin Puree, Not Pumpkin Pie Filling
Always choose plain pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices, so it can throw off the flavor and sweetness.
Let the Crust Cool Completely Before Layering
A warm crust can soften the cream cheese mixture. Therefore, give the crust enough time to cool before you add anything.
Make Sure the Pudding Mixture Thickens
Whisk the pudding and half and half until they turn noticeably thick.
If you use a 3.4 ounce pudding mix, reduce the half and half to about 1 to 1 1/8 cups. Then check the texture before layering.
Chill for at Least 4 Hours for Cleaner Slices
Pumpkin Lush should stay creamy and soft rather than stiff.
However, longer chilling helps each layer hold its shape. So, four hours works well, while overnight chilling works even better.
Use a Sharp Knife for Easy Serving
Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade between cuts.
As a result, you get cleaner edges and prettier layers on each plate.
Pumpkin Lush Variations and Topping Ideas
Pecan or Shortbread Crust Alternatives
Graham crackers give this dessert a familiar pie flavor. However, you can make a pecan crust for extra nuttiness or a shortbread crust for a buttery bite.
Toffee Bits, Chocolate Chips, Pecans, and Seasonal Sprinkles
Try toffee bits when you want caramel flavor. Also, miniature chocolate chips add a fun contrast to the pumpkin.
For a festive Thanksgiving table, add extra pecans or seasonal sprinkles just before serving.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
How Far Ahead Can You Make Pumpkin Lush?
You can make Pumpkin Lush one day before serving. In fact, the overnight rest helps the layers settle and makes serving easier.
How to Store Leftover Pumpkin Lush
Cover the pan tightly and keep leftovers in the refrigerator.
Then serve them cold. The creamy filling tastes best when it stays well chilled.
Can You Freeze Pumpkin Lush?
I do not recommend freezing this dessert. Freezing and thawing can change the creamy texture and make the layers watery.
For 12 servings, each serving contains about 431 calories, 45 g carbohydrates, 5 g protein, 27 g fat, 16 g saturated fat, 75 mg cholesterol, 248 mg sodium, 223 mg potassium, 2 g fiber, and 31 g sugar. It also contains about 1 g polyunsaturated fat, 7 g monounsaturated fat, 1 g trans fat, 6,757 IU vitamin A, 2 mg vitamin C, 117 mg calcium, and 1 mg iron.
For more seasonal recipe ideas, you can also follow Kai Recipes on Pinterest or visit Kai Recipes on Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Lush
What is a pumpkin lush?
Pumpkin Lush combines a graham cracker crust, sweet cream cheese layer, spiced pumpkin pudding, and whipped topping. People also call it pumpkin delight or pumpkin lasagna.
How to use Lush pumpkin Scrubee?
Lush Pumpkin Scrubee refers to a bath or body product rather than this dessert. Follow the package directions from Lush Cosmetics, and never use a body care product as a recipe ingredient.
How do you make pumpkin pudding?
For this recipe, whisk instant vanilla pudding with half and half until thick. Then mix in pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice, and gently fold in whipped topping.
What are some Lush fall scents available?
Lush Cosmetics changes seasonal products from year to year. Because current availability can vary by location and season, check the brand’s current fall collection for the latest scent lineup.
More Such Recipes
- creamy pumpkin cheesecake with a graham cracker crust
- easy pumpkin cheesecake bars for fall
- classic pumpkin pie bars with warm fall spices
- layered pumpkin chocolate mousse cake
- soft pumpkin roll with cream cheese filling
- easy no-bake cherry delight with cream cheese and graham cracker crust
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Lush gives Thanksgiving dessert a cool, creamy twist without adding much oven time. Also, the fluffy pumpkin layer, tangy cream cheese, buttery crust, and crunchy pecans give every bite something different.
Make it the night before, keep it cold, and slice it when everyone starts asking about dessert. Then enjoy how easily this simple layered treat fits beside the traditional holiday favorites.
Pumpkin Lush: Amazing Easy Thanksgiving Dessert
Description
Pumpkin Lush is a creamy layered Thanksgiving dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust, sweet cream cheese filling, spiced pumpkin pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and chopped pecans. Also known as pumpkin delight or pumpkin lasagna, this make-ahead dessert offers a soft, fluffy texture and creamy pumpkin pie flavor.
Ingredients
- Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping, such as Cool Whip
- Pumpkin Layer:
- 15-ounce can pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice
- 4 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1/2 cup Cool Whip
- 1 1/4 cups half-and-half
- Final Layer:
- 8 ounces Cool Whip
- Chopped pecans, as desired
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9 x 13-inch pan with cooking spray. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan and bake for 5 to 7 minutes. Let the crust cool completely.
- Beat the softened cream cheese with the confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Gently fold in 1 cup whipped topping. Spread the mixture evenly over the cooled crust, then refrigerate while you prepare the pumpkin layer.
- Whisk the half-and-half with the instant vanilla pudding mix until thickened. Mix in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice. Then gently fold in 1/2 cup whipped topping. Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Spread 8 ounces whipped topping over the pumpkin layer. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top as desired.
- Refrigerate until chilled and set. For cleaner slices, chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. Slice with a sharp knife before serving.
Notes
Use plain pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling.
Allow the graham cracker crust to cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer.
Pumpkin Lush should have a soft, creamy texture rather than a firm texture.
Although the listed chill time is 2 hours, chilling for at least 4 hours or overnight helps the layers set better and creates cleaner slices.
You can prepare this dessert one day ahead.
Freezing is not recommended because thawing can affect the creamy texture.
If you use a 3.4-ounce instant pudding mix instead of 4 ounces, reduce the half-and-half to about 1 to 1 1/8 cups. Make sure the pudding mixture thickens before adding the pumpkin.
You can replace the graham cracker crust with a pecan crust or shortbread crust.
Optional toppings include toffee bits, extra chopped pecans, miniature chocolate chips, or seasonal sprinkles.