Easy Pumpkin Layered Dessert Recipe

Name: Easy Pumpkin Layered Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 17 min
Ingredients: 2 cups graham crackers (finely crushed (about 15 whole graham crackers)); ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 stick unsalted butter (melted); 1 cup powdered sugar; 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 3 ounce tubs frozen whipped topping, thawed to room temperature; 15 oz can pumpkin puree; 3.4 oz box vanilla instant pudding; ½ cup cold milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; Chopped pecans for garnishing

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This Pumpkin Lush Dessert is layers of crunchy graham cracker crust, sweet cheesecake filling, and a creamy pumpkin layer. If you are a fan of pumpkin and delicious layered desserts then this is the recipe for you.

A slice of pumpkin layered dessert on a white serving plate.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The delicious pumpkin flavor from this creamy dessert also often called Pumpkin Lush will have the pumpkin lovers in your life craving this treat all year long.
It’s a great potluck or Thanksgiving dessert because you can make it a day ahead to save time on the big day.
This is a no-bake dessert. You will bake the graham crackers to set the crust and that’s the only step you will need the oven for.
Best of all, everyone will love the unique combination of flavors from the graham cracker crust, cheesecake filling, and creamy pumpkin topping.

Equipment Needed

You only need a few kitchen tools to help you make this lush dessert. Check the recipe card for an overview of the equipment.

Ingredients

This dessert uses some pre-made simple ingredients to help you make this pumpkin lasagna recipe. Gather these ingredients on your next trip to the grocery store. You will be so glad you did after the first bite.

crushed graham crackers – It takes seconds to crush your own. You can also use cinnamon graham crackers.
granulated sugar – To lower the sugar content, replace the sugar with Swerve brand or Allulose sugar alternatives.
unsalted butter
powdered sugar – Lower the carbs with a sugar-free powdered sugar like Swerve.
cream cheese – Adds cheesecake flavor and also acts as a whipped cream stabilizer.
frozen whipped topping – For ease, pre-made whipped topping is used in this recipe. However, fresh whipped cream can be used as well. You will need about 8-9 cups of whipped cream.
pumpkin puree
vanilla instant pudding or pumpkin spice pudding (if you can find it).
milk
vanilla extract
pumpkin pie spice
chopped pecans (optional)

A spatula picking up a slice of pumpkin layered dessert.

How to Make This Pumpkin Layered Dessert Recipe

Making this layered pumpkin dessert is so simple. Just follow these step-by-step instructions here, or in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. And, you will have a sweet no-bake pumpkin dessert to share with your family and friends.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2: Make the crust

In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until it has the consistency of wet sand.

Ingredients added to a large mixing bowl for graham cracker crust.

Graham cracker crumbs in a mixing bowl to make a crust.

Step 3: Bake the crust

Add the mixture to the bottom of a 9″ x 13″ baking dish. Press flat with your hands into the entire bottom of the dish. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 4: Cool the crust

When done, allow the dish to cool completely before moving on to the next steps.

Graham cracker crust on the bottom of a 9" x 13" baking pan.

Step 5: Make the cheesecake layer

In a large mixing bowl, blend powdered sugar and cream cheese together using an electric hand mixer. Blend for about 2-3 minutes or until most of the clumps are worked out. Fold in 1 8-ounce carton of whipped topping and blend again. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.

Whipped cream mix in a large mixing bowl.

Step 6: Make the pumpkin pie mix

In a separate (or clean) large mixing bowl, combine 1 tub of whipped topping, pumpkin puree, instant pudding, milk, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice. Use the electric hand mixer to blend the ingredients together until fully combined. Cover and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.

Pumpkin mix with spices and whipped cream in a mixing bowl.

Pumpkin mix for layered dessert in a mixing bowl.

Step 7: Spread the cream cheese layer on top of the crust

Use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl and remove the mixture onto the graham cracker crust. Very gently, use your spatula to spread the mixture over the crust evenly, creating a flat, even surface. Place in the refrigerator until needed.

Step 8: Add the pumpkin layer

After about 30 minutes, remove both the mixture and the dish from the refrigerator. Pour out the pumpkin mixture over the cream cheese mixture. Spread evenly with your spatula.

Pumpkin layered dessert with whipped cream and pumpkin cream.

Step 9: Finish the layers

Top the dish with the final tub of whipped topping. Spread evenly and garnish with chopped pecans.

Step 10: Chill the dessert

Cover the dish and place it inside the refrigerator for 6 hours or overnight to set. When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator and serve with a meta spatula or by cutting individual pieces carefully with a knife.

Top view of layered cake recipe topped with pecans.

What To Serve With This Dish

This creamy pumpkin dessert pairs well with so many different main courses however my favorite is this Smoked Turkey recipe and then I like to pair with it these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, they are perfectly creamy! You can’t go wrong with these staple recipes this holiday season.

Substitutions and Additions

If you want a little extra flavor in your crust, you can use cinnamon graham crackers to make the crust.
You can also make a gingersnap cookie crust by swapping out the graham crackers for gingersnaps.
If you want to change up the flavors of this easy dessert you can swap out the pudding mixes for a different flavor. Cheesecake pudding or pumpkin spice pudding would also work great I think.
To lower the sugar and carbs use a sugar-free pudding mix.
You can also make fresh homemade whipped cream in place of the purchased whipped topping.
For extra flavor on the top of this easy pumpkin dessert, feel free to dust the top with more pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon.
Chocolate chips, toffee bits, chopped walnuts instead of pecans, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce would taste great on top of this simple dessert.

How To Store

Store this Pumpkin Lush Dessert in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-4 days. If you don’t have a lid that will fit your baking dish I recommend that you cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

Sandra’s Pro Tips

Here are a few helpful tips that you can use to help you make this pumpkin delight recipe. With these tips, you will have a delicious dessert that your entire family will enjoy in no time at all.

For best results use a food processor to crush your graham cracker crumbs finely. They should have the consistency of sand. If you don’t have a food processor, break up the crackers in a Ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
You could also purchase the already crushed graham cracker crumbs if you want to save a little time in the kitchen.
If you are able to find pumpkin spice pudding mix, omit the pumpkin pie spice from the recipe.
Make sure that you use instant pudding and not cook to serve.
It’s important that your cream cheese is completely at room temperature before you start to make the cream cheese layer.

A forkful of pumpkin layered dessert over a white plate.

FAQs

Do you have questions about this Pumpkin Lush Dessert? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions for this recipe.

Why is it called a lush?

This dessert is called lush because of its luscious layers. The layer of graham cracker crumbs and the cream cheese mixture are like an ooey gooey filling that makes this recipe so unique.

Should a lush dessert be served cold or at room temperature?

Lush or delight recipes like this one should be served cold. So, keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve it.

How can I cut clean slices?

To get clean slices, use a sharp knife and warm up the blade under hot water for about 10-15 seconds before making each cut. This will help you achieve nice even slices.

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