This Pumpkin Spice Layered Lush recipe is a seasonal spin off of a popular layered dessert that’s been circulating through Southern kitchens for a very long time. Made in a variety of flavors it usually comes with a whimsical name, 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 whipped cream, of course.
The Dessert with One Thousand Names
I often refer to this dessert as the dessert with a thousand names. Each one spells delicious. I’ve heard it called Chocolate Mud Slide, Lemon Lush among other names depending on the flavor, but, the concept is all the same. My best friends Mom used to make this with a chocolate layer and is the first layered lush I ever tasted. The original layered dessert starts with a pecan shortbread crust, then a sweet cream cheese layer. You can then add a layer of pudding in any flavor you like. I’ve had chocolate, lemon, butterscotch, coconut and even pistachio.
Pumpkin Spice Layered Lush Dessert
This dessert is flexible, so you can prepare it using whatever flavor pudding you enjoy, they’re all delicious! 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.
Other Pumpkin Treats to Enjoy
We all associate pumpkin with the fall and holiday season. ue to this my theory is, you should enjoy it any way you can. Here in the MSSK recipe index you’ll find a scrumptious Pumpkin Cream Pie with Bourbon Whipped Cream and Pumpkin Cheesecake Parfaits, Another fabulous treat is this Pumpkin Pie Crunch from Spend with Pennies and Pumpkin Sweet Cream Chocolate Trifle from The Slow Roasted Italian.
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Helpful Kitchen Items:
Pumpkin Spice Layered Lush Dessert
Servings: 12 servings
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
- 2 3.4 oz boxes pumpkin spice instant pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 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 9 x 13 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 and 1 cup of powdered sugar. 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.
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Scott says
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.
Melissa says
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.
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
Look at those yummy layers!
Lori @ RecipeGirl says
This is such a great dessert for a party. Everyone loves it!
Toni | Boulder Locavore says
This is making me drool! So yummy!
Jennifer Farley says
Each layer is fantastic!
Joanna Cismaru says
This looks incredible, love it for this time of year!
Joanne says
This is such a great fall dessert!
carrie says
Love this recipe
Aysegul says
Thanks for the recipe looks yummy for this season
LORRAINE J KOSCHOCK says
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
Melissa says
Hi Lorraine, thank you for visiting and such a sweet note, it made my day. Thanks so much for stopping by, visit often!
amy says
could you substitute the toffee with something else? I don’t like toffee.
Melissa says
You could leave it out if you don’t care for it, no problem.
Harland says
For the alternate pumpkin layer, do you mean the pie filling or just the canned pumpkin?
Melissa says
That layer is pumpkin spice pudding. So, neither of those things.
Melissa says
Thanks my friend, as always I’m delighted to hear from you. ♥ Melissa
Didi Dalaba says
I absolutely love the addition of toffee bits in this Melissa! Delicious and elegant as usual my friend! ♥
Connie Taylor says
I like this recipe
Melissa says
Hi Betty! It’s a nice way to change things up for the Holiday dessert table. Enjoy!
Betty@SouthernGrace says
This looks great, Melissa. I’ve never heard of this one. I’ll add it to the list 🙂