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Pumpkin Spice Layered Lush Dessert

This Pumpkin Spice Layered Lush Dessert recipe is a seasonal riff on popular layered lush desserts. Lush desserts can be made in a variety of flavors and they usually come with whimsical names, too. This seasonal variation starts with a graham cracker crust embellished with pecans. It’s topped with a sweetened whipped cream cheese layer, pumpkin spice pudding layer and finished with plenty of whipped cream!

Pumpkin Spice Layered Lush Dessert

Easy Pumpkin Spice Layered Lush Dessert Recipe

Layered lush sweets are one of those desserts with a thousand names and each one spells delicious. This dessert is flexible, so you can prepare it using whatever flavor pudding you enjoy, The names can be whimsical and vary depending on the flavor, but the concept is all the same. The original layered dessert starts with a pecan shortbread crust topped with a sweet cream cheese layer. You can then add a layer of pudding in any flavor you like. How to make easy Pumpkin Spice Lush:

  • Crust – The crust for this seasonal spinoff is made using graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, sugar and melted butter.
  • Cream Cheese Layer – This layer begins with plain softened cream cheese that’s whipped with powered sugar and vanilla extract. Once combined, fold in the whipped topping by hand.
  • Pudding Layer – This recipe uses instant pumpkin spice pudding for the pudding layer whipped with milk. It can be hard to come by so you can use vanilla pudding with pumpkin puree. See the cook’s notes in the printable recipe card for more information.
  • Topping – The top is frosted with more whipped cream then garnished with chopped pecans and English toffee bits.
Pumpkin Spice Layered Lush Dessert

How to Make the Best Pumpkin Spice Layered Lush Dessert Recipe

For my pumpkin version, I replaced the shortbread crust with a nutty cinnamon laced graham cracker crust, and I added a sprinkle of English toffee bits for a little surprise crunch in the middle. Give it time to chill thoroughly and serve it for a special fall treat, especially nice for your Thanksgiving dessert table.

  • Ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Pumpkin Spice Layered Lush: Crushed graham crackers, chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, instant pumpkin pudding (see the Cook’s note for an alternative) ground cinnamon, powdered sugar, milk, whipped topping i.e. Cool Whip or similar and English toffee bits (not chocolate coated) or bits-o-brickle.
  • Kitchen gadgets you’ll need: A 13 x 9 inch baking dish, measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, nut chopper, a stand mixer or a hand mixer and an offset spatula or spoon for spreading the layers.
  • If you’re unable to find instant pumpkin pudding mix no worries! You can adapt the pumpkin layer. Adapt using two boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix, adding 1-2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice (taste and adjust the amount) and one 15 ounce can of pumpkin puree. Whip together the pudding with the milk until thickened then fold in the pumpkin puree and proceed with the recipe.
  • This Pumpkin Spice Layered Lush can be made one to two days in advance and stored chilled in the refrigerator. It’s important to allow it ample time to set-up so the layers are thoroughly chilled.
  • Store leftover Pumpkin Lush dessert chilled in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Pumpkin Spice Layered Lush

More Pumpkin Dessert Recipes to Make

We all associate pumpkin with the fall and holiday season. Because of this, I think you should make an effort to enjoy it any way you can. More pumpkin desserts and treats you may also like to make:

Pumpkin Spice Layered Lush Dessert

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Pumpkin Spice Layered Lush Dessert

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Chill4 hours
Total Time4 hours 45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: pumpkin-spice-layered-lush
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 506kcal
Author: Melissa Sperka

Ingredients

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans divided
  • 1/2 cup butter melted
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 8 oz softened cream cheese
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 3.4 oz boxes pumpkin spice instant pudding mix (See Cook's note)
  • 2 cups cold milk or half and half
  • 16 oz frozen whipped topping thawed
  • 1/2 cup English toffee bits divided

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray the bottom of a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  • First layer: Combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup pecans, melted butter, sugar and cinnamon. Mix well. Press firmly onto the bottom of the baking dish. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until golden and set. set aside to cool completely.
  • Second layer: Cream together 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Fold in one third of the thawed whipped topping by hand. Spread over the crust and sprinkle with 1/4 cup of toffee bits.
  • Third layer: Whip together both boxes of pumpkin spice pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Spread over the cream cheese layer.
  • Fourth layer: Frost the top with the remaining whipped topping. Sprinkle with a reserved pecans and toffee bits.
  • Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. Cut into squares for serving.

Notes

If you’re unable to find instant pumpkin pudding mix you can adapt the pumpkin layer. Adapt using two boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix, adding 1-2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice (taste and adjust the amount) and one 15 ounce can of pumpkin puree. Whip together the pudding with the milk until thickened then fold in the pumpkin puree until fully combined and proceed with the recipe.  

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 506kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 508mg | Potassium: 153mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 448IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 1mg
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23 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Any idea the best place to find the pumpkin spice pudding mix. I make the chocolate version of this all the time and it is a refreshing hit. One more question . Could you add some pumpkin pie spice to the whipped topping before you add it on too to give more pumpkin flavor? Or is that over kill in the pumpkin flavor. Thanks I am enjoying your recipes.

    1. Hi Scott, I find pumpkin spice pudding at places like Kroger and Walmart. I’m not certain about Target. Amazon also carries it. I think that’s a great idea, if you like spice,go for it.

  2. Melissa, I just love your website and your wonderful recipes. Thank you so much for sharing them. i am checking out your book and think it just has to go in my collection. Keep up the excellent work. Layout of site is beautiful, easy to navigate and easy to understand recipes. You’ve got it all going. Congrats ! Lorraine

    1. Hi Lorraine, thank you for visiting and such a sweet note, it made my day. Thanks so much for stopping by, visit often!

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