Dreamy Pumpkin Lush Recipe: Fall’s Coziest Sweet Treat

Smooth, creamy pumpkin lush dessert promises an autumn-inspired treat that melts in your mouth.

Layers of silky goodness blend perfectly with graham cracker crust and whipped cream.

Sweet spices dance through each delectable bite, creating a symphony of seasonal flavors.

Cozy kitchen vibes emerge as you assemble this simple yet stunning dessert.

Cool whip and cream cheese merge into a dreamy texture that feels like pure comfort.

Delightful hints of cinnamon and nutmeg weave magic into every single spoonful.

Comfort calls when you need a dessert that celebrates fall’s delicious spirit.

Decadent Pumpkin Lush Dessert You Can’t Miss

• Craft a Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: This pumpkin lush brings together irresistible layers that guarantee smiles from everyone at the gathering, making it perfect for potlucks and family celebrations.
• Minimal Baking Skills Required: With simple mixing and layering techniques, even novice bakers can create a stunning dessert that looks and tastes like a professional made it.
• Prep-Ahead Party Pleaser: Prepare this dessert in advance and store in the refrigerator, which means less stress and more enjoyment during entertaining season.
• Seasonal Comfort in Every Bite: Packed with classic fall flavors like pumpkin and pecans, this recipe captures the cozy essence of autumn in a delightful, creamy dessert.

Ingredients for Making Pumpkin Lush

• Flour: A key component that provides structure to the crust.
• Butter (Melted): Helps bind the crust ingredients together and adds rich flavor.
• Pecans (Chopped): Creates a nutty texture and enhances the crust's taste.

• Cream Cheese (Softened): Adds a tangy and creamy base for the layer.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth texture.
• Whipped Topping: Brings lightness and a fluffy consistency to the layer.

• Pumpkin Puree: Delivers the signature pumpkin flavor and seasonal essence.
• Milk (Cold): Helps create the right consistency for the pudding mixture.
• Vanilla Pudding Mix: Provides structure and additional sweetness to the layer.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds warmth and traditional pumpkin pie flavor.

• Whipped Topping: Creates a light and creamy final layer.
• Pecans (Chopped): Adds a crunchy texture and decorative finish to the dessert.

How to Assemble Your Pumpkin Lush Dessert

Step 1: Build the Crispy Pecan Crust

Warm your oven to 350F.

Grab your flour, melted butter, and pecans.

Blend these ingredients into a crumbly mixture.

Press the mixture firmly into a baking dish, creating an even base.

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 15 minutes until the edges turn slightly golden.

Remove and let the crust cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Layer

Take softened cream cheese and powdered sugar.

Beat them together until they transform into a silky smooth mixture.

Gently fold in whipped topping, creating a light and airy texture.

Carefully spread this dreamy layer over the cooled crust, ensuring an even coverage.

Step 3: Develop the Spiced Pumpkin Layer

• Pumpkin puree
• Cold milk
• Vanilla pudding mix
• Pumpkin pie spice

Blend these ingredients until they become a harmonious, velvety mixture.

Pour and spread the pumpkin layer evenly over the cream cheese base.

Step 4: Finish and Chill the Dessert

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

Sprinkle chopped pecans across the surface for a delightful crunch.

Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and set.

Serve chilled and enjoy the layers of autumn-inspired deliciousness.

Pro Tips for Creamy and Dreamy Pumpkin Lush

• Use almonds or walnuts if pecans aren't available, maintaining the same toasting and chopping technique for a crunchy texture.
• Let each layer cool completely before adding the next to prevent mixing and maintain distinct, clean layer separation.
• Increase pumpkin pie spice or add extra ground cinnamon for a more intense autumn flavor without overwhelming the dessert.
• Substitute low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free pudding mix to create a healthier version without sacrificing taste.
• Refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance, which allows flavors to meld and makes the dessert even more delicious for serving.

Creative Variations of Pumpkin Lush to Try

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Lush: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version. Use certified gluten-free ingredients to ensure safety.
• Vegan Pumpkin Delight: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream, use coconut whipped topping, and substitute butter with coconut oil. Replace milk with almond milk and use vegan pudding mix.
• Low-Carb Pumpkin Treat: Use almond flour for crust, replace sugar with erythritol, and use sugar-free pudding mix. Swap regular milk with unsweetened almond milk for fewer carbohydrates.

Serving Recommendations for Pumpkin Lush

• Festive Fall Feast: Serve this pumpkin lush alongside a warm mug of spiced apple cider for a cozy autumn experience.
• Dessert Dinner Party Delight: Present individual portions in clear glass dessert cups to showcase beautiful layered textures and create an elegant presentation.
• Nutty Garnish Upgrade: Toast extra pecans before sprinkling on top to enhance their rich, buttery flavor and add a delightful crunch to each bite.
• Holiday Brunch Companion: Pair with freshly brewed coffee or a light mimosa for a decadent morning treat that celebrates seasonal flavors.

Best Ways to Store Pumpkin Lush Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure a tight seal to prevent absorbing other food odors and maintain freshness.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Never leave this dessert at room temperature for more than 2 hours due to dairy ingredients that can spoil quickly.
• Best enjoyed cold directly from the refrigerator. If desired, let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the crust unique?

The crust combines flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans, creating a nutty, rich base that adds crunch and flavor to the dessert.

• Is this recipe good for special occasions?

Yes, this pumpkin lush is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, and potlucks, offering a crowd-pleasing dessert that looks impressive but is easy to make.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dessert up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated, which actually helps the flavors meld together and makes serving easier.

• How do I know when the cream cheese layer is ready?

Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy, with no lumps, then gently fold in the whipped topping for a light, fluffy texture.

Pumpkin Lush Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy pumpkin lush dessert blends layers of seasonal spices with a graham cracker crust. Cool whipped topping and cream cheese create a dreamy autumn treat you’ll savor with each delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Crust Layer:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (113 grams)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (30 grams)

Cream Cheese Layer:

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

Pumpkin Layer:

• 1 15-ounce (425 grams) can pumpkin puree
• 1 3.4-ounce (96 grams) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Topping:

• 1 cup whipped topping
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (30 grams)

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Instructions

1. Craft a golden, nutty foundation by combining flour, melted butter, and finely chopped pecans. Press the mixture evenly into a baking dish, creating a compact base.
2. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Allow the crust to cool completely, ensuring a crisp texture.
3. Whip softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until velvety smooth, incorporating whipped topping to create a light, airy mixture.
4. Carefully spread the cream cheese blend over the cooled crust, creating an even, luxurious layer.
5. Blend pumpkin puree with cold milk, vanilla pudding mix, and warming pumpkin pie spice until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
6. Gently pour the pumpkin mixture over the cream cheese layer, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Crown the dessert with a generous layer of whipped topping, creating a cloud-like surface.
8. Scatter chopped pecans across the top for a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
9. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the dessert to set firmly.
10. Serve chilled, revealing the elegant layers of this decadent autumn-inspired treat.

Notes

• Choose high-quality pecans for a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the crust’s texture and complements the creamy pumpkin layers.
• Ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature to achieve a smooth, lump-free layer that spreads easily.
• Experiment with gluten-free flour or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version of the crust, maintaining the same delicious crunch.
• Swap regular whipped topping with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative that keeps the dessert light and indulgent.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 302
• Sugar: 0.1 g
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 4.3 g
• Cholesterol: 11 mg