Description
Pumpkin Lush is a quick and easy no-bake layered dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and creamy pumpkin spice layer, and fluffy whipped topping. This comforting treat is perfect for midweek cravings and comes together with minimal effort, delivering delicious fall flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 12 oz graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Pumpkin Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 15 oz pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Additional whipped topping for garnish (optional)
- Ground cinnamon for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well mixed. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form an even crust layer.
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy without any lumps.
- Add pumpkin and spices: To the cream cheese mixture, add pumpkin puree, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble the pumpkin layer: Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even layer.
- Add whipped topping layer: Gently fold 1 cup of the whipped topping into the remaining pumpkin mixture until fluffy and well incorporated. Spread this fluffy layer evenly over the pumpkin layer in the baking dish.
- Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the dessert to set properly and the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with additional whipped topping and a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon for extra visual appeal and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the mixture.
- For best results, chill the dessert overnight to enhance firmness and flavor melding.
- You can substitute canned pumpkin puree with homemade pumpkin puree if available.
- This dessert is best served chilled and should be kept refrigerated until serving.
- Optional garnishes such as chopped nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce can complement the flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pumpkin dessert, no-bake dessert, pumpkin lush, fall recipes, easy pumpkin recipe, layered dessert, creamy pumpkin dessert
