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, of course.
Easy Pumpkin Spice Layered Lush Dessert Recipe
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 among other names depending on the flavor, but the concept is all the same. My best friends Mom used to make this dessert with a chocolate layer and it's the first layered lush I ever tasted. 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. I've had chocolate, lemon, butterscotch, coconut and even pistachio.
How to Make the Best Pumpkin Spice Layered Lush Dessert Recipe
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.
- 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 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 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.
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.
Thanks for visiting come back soon!
Disclosure ~ If a purchase is made using one of the affiliate links on this website we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Helpful Kitchen Items:
Pumpkin Spice Layered Lush Dessert
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 506kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¾ cup chopped pecans divided
- ½ cup butter melted
- 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 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
- ½ 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, ½ 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 ¼ 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
Tried this recipe?Mention @melissassk or tag #melissassk!
My name is Melissa and I'm the Creator of Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen. Cooking, baking, developing recipes and kitchen tips is my passion. I love sharing my dishes and connecting with people through the food that I create.
>
Scott
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
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
Look at those yummy layers!
Lori @ RecipeGirl
This is such a great dessert for a party. Everyone loves it!
Toni | Boulder Locavore
This is making me drool! So yummy!
Jennifer Farley
Each layer is fantastic!
Joanna Cismaru
This looks incredible, love it for this time of year!
Joanne
This is such a great fall dessert!
carrie
Love this recipe
Aysegul
Thanks for the recipe looks yummy for this season
LORRAINE J KOSCHOCK
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
Hi Lorraine, thank you for visiting and such a sweet note, it made my day. Thanks so much for stopping by, visit often!
amy
could you substitute the toffee with something else? I don't like toffee.
Melissa
You could leave it out if you don't care for it, no problem.
Harland
For the alternate pumpkin layer, do you mean the pie filling or just the canned pumpkin?
Melissa
That layer is pumpkin spice pudding. So, neither of those things.
Melissa
Thanks my friend, as always I'm delighted to hear from you. ♥ Melissa
Didi Dalaba
I absolutely love the addition of toffee bits in this Melissa! Delicious and elegant as usual my friend! ♥
Connie Taylor
I like this recipe
Melissa
Hi Betty! It's a nice way to change things up for the Holiday dessert table. Enjoy!
Betty@SouthernGrace
This looks great, Melissa. I've never heard of this one. I'll add it to the list 🙂