Layers of pecan crumb crust, cream cheese, pumpkin, spices, and whipped topping combine into a delightful fall dessert: Layered Pumpkin Lush.
At a recent gathering where everyone agreed to bring pumpkin desserts, I knew I wanted to make this indulgent Layered Pumpkin Lush. Like its cousins, Chocolate Lush and Lemon Lush, this dessert begins with a buttery pecan crust and builds into creamy, spiced layers that are perfect for fall and the holidays.
The dessert starts with a crisp pecan-and-butter crust, followed by a rich cream cheese layer, then a thick spiced pumpkin pudding layer, and finally a generous topping of whipped cream and chopped pecans. The contrast of crunchy crust, silky cream cheese, and velvety pumpkin filling makes each bite a delicious mix of textures and flavors.
How To Make Pumpkin Lush
This is a layered dessert, so it requires a bit of time and patience, but it’s straightforward to prepare. Work through the layers step by step for best results.
To make the crust: combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup softened butter, and 3/4 cup chopped pecans in a large bowl. Mixing with a stand mixer or hand mixer speeds things up and gives a uniform crumb.
Tip #1: Use a mixer — it comes together quickly and evenly.
Tip #2: Keep a pound of butter softened on the counter the night before busy baking days so it’s ready to use.
Tip #3: Chop extra pecans or walnuts in advance and store them in zip-top bags for easy use during the season.
How To Make the Crumb Crust
First Layer — Crust
Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of a sprayed 9 x 13-inch baking dish. To make spreading easier, break the dough into small chunks and press them gently with your fingertips until the surface is even.
Baking the Crust
Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes. Remove and allow it to cool completely before adding the next layer.
Cream Cheese Layer
In a medium bowl, beat one 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of thawed Cool Whip until evenly combined. Spread this mixture gently over the cooled crust, taking care not to disturb the crumbly base.
Pumpkin Layer
For the pumpkin layer, whisk together 2 1/2 cups milk, three small packages of white chocolate instant pudding mix, one 15-ounce can of pumpkin, and 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Stir in 1 cup of thawed Cool Whip and mix until smooth. Spread this pumpkin pudding layer evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Finishing Touches
Top the pumpkin layer with another cup (or more, if you prefer) of Cool Whip. Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans over the top for crunch and visual appeal.
Chill the assembled dessert for at least 3 hours, or overnight. The flavors meld and the layers set better after chilling — this dessert is delicious on day two and holds up nicely for several days in the refrigerator.
Recipe Wrap-up!
To serve, cut into squares and slide a spatula underneath to lift each piece, making sure to include the full pecan crust. The finished dessert showcases a flaky, buttery crust dotted with pecans, a silky cream cheese layer, a spiced pumpkin pudding layer, and a cloud of Cool Whip with a nutty finish.
This Layered Pumpkin Lush is a lovely dessert for holiday gatherings: easy to prepare in stages, visually appealing, and crowd-pleasing in flavor. It’s a sweet way to celebrate with friends and family.
I hope you’ll try this recipe — it’s simple to follow and makes a generous 9 x 13-inch pan that serves about 12. Prepare the layers step-by-step, allow adequate chilling time, and enjoy a dessert that tastes like the warmth of the season.
Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving filled with good food, loved ones, and peaceful moments around the table. Cooking and sharing a dessert like this is a simple, delicious way to say “I love you.”
Great Fall Dessert Recipes
- Cranberry Apple Pie
- Cranberry Orange Cake with Butter Orange Sauce
- Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Dutch Apple Pie
- Pumpkin Chiffon Pie
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
- Pumpkin Walnut Cake with Orange Glaze
- Caramel Pecan Cheesecake Pie
Thank you for reading. Take time to relax and enjoy the season — and don’t forget to chill this dessert before serving!
Printable Recipe
Layered Pumpkin Lush
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups flour
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup pecans, chopped
Cream Cheese layer
- 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup Cool Whip, thawed
Pumpkin layer
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 3 small packages white chocolate instant pudding
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin
- 1 cup Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Whipped cream topping
- 1 cup Cool Whip
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine flour, butter, and 3/4 cup chopped pecans. Press into the bottom of a sprayed 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Bake 15 minutes. Cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 cup Cool Whip and spread over cooled crust.
- In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mixes until smooth. Add pumpkin, 1 cup Cool Whip, and pumpkin pie spice; mix until homogeneous. Spread over cream cheese layer.
- Spread remaining 1 cup Cool Whip on top and sprinkle with remaining chopped pecans.
- Chill at least 3 hours, or overnight, until set. Cut into squares to serve.
Notes
Additional time listed is for chilling.