Pumpkin Spice Layered Lush

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!

Easy Pumpkin Spice Layered Lush 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 of pudding that 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. In this recipe, we’re focused on fall and Thanksgiving flavors.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make easy Pumpkin Spice Lush: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Graham Cracker Crust – Graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, sugar and melted butter for the base of the lush.
• Cream Cheese Layer – Plain softened cream cheese, powdered sugar for sweetness, thawed whipped topping and vanilla extract.
• Pumpkin Spice Pudding Layer – Two boxes instant pumpkin spice pudding plus milk to prepare. I’ve also included how to make the pumpkin layer using vanilla pudding mix or butterscotch pudding mix with pumpkin puree. See the cook’s notes in the printable recipe card for more information.
• Whipped Topping – The top is frosted with more Cool Whip then garnished with chopped pecans and English toffee bits for crunch.

How to Make the Best Pumpkin Spice Layered Lush Dessert Recipe

For my pumpkin version, I replaced the shortbread crust with a nutty cinnamon spiced 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.

• Heat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish – Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray the bottom only of a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
• Make the Crust – Stir together the graham cracker crumbs, pecans, melted butter, sugar and cinnamon. Press firmly onto the bottom of the baking dish, then bake per the recipe until golden brown and set.
• Cream Cheese Layer – Cream together cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then fold in thawed whipped topping. Spread over the crust.
• Pumpkin Spice Pudding Recipe – 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.
• Topping – Frost the top with the remaining whipped topping. Sprinkle with a reserved pecans and toffee bits.
• Refrigerate – Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight, then slice and serve.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Pumpkin Spice Lush Recipe

• One 13×9-inch baking dish or cake pan.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Large bowl, medium bowl.
• Sharp knife and chopping board, food processor or nut chopper.
• Stand mixer or a hand mixer to make the filling.
• Offset spatula or spoon for spreading the layers.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Crust – You could use gingersnap cookie crumbs, vanilla wafer crumbs or Biscoff cookies for the crust.
• Alternate Pumpkin Layer – Don’t panic if you’re unable to find pumpkin spice pudding mix for this recipe. You can adapt using two boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix or butterscotch pudding mix, adding 1-2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice (taste and adjust the amount to your taste), 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.
• Nuts – You could use walnuts in place of pecans for the crust and for garnishing. Toffee bits are optional.
• Whipped Cream – You could use homemade whipped cream, if that’s your preference. It’s not quite as stable as Cool whip and would need to be added to the top on the day you’re planning on serving this dessert. To make homemade whipped cream: Whip 2 cups heavy cream with 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. You’ll need 4 cups total sweetened whipped cream.

Storage and Leftovers

• Make-Ahead Tip – This Pumpkin Spice Layered Lush can be made one to two days in advance, covered with plastic wrap and stored chilled in the refrigerator. It’s important to allow it ample time to set-up so the layers are thoroughly chilled.
• Leftovers – You can store leftover pumpkin in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap chilled in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and enjoy.

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 Cream Pie with Bourbon Whipped Cream is to die for.
• See how easy it is to make your own Homemade Pumpkin Puree.
• The perfect snack with your morning coffee is a freshly baked batch of Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel Topping.
• Start your day with  stack of Pumpkin French Toast.
• Mini Pumpkin Pies are individual servings ideal for the holidays and tea parties.
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Parfaits have a crunchy pecan layer that takes it to another level.
•  You may also enjoy this  Pumpkin Sweet Cream Chocolate Trifle from The Slow Roasted Italian. 

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• 13×9-inch Dish
• Mixer
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Set