Easy No-Bake Pumpkin Lush Recipe

This easy no-bake pumpkin lush recipe is the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert that's guaranteed to impress. Layers of buttery graham cracker crust, rich cheesecake, and spiced pumpkin come together in one irresistible bite. Topped with a cloud of fluffy whipped topping, it tastes like your favorite pumpkin pie... only creamier and dreamier. This four-layer beauty is destined to become your new Thanksgiving tradition!

😍Why This Pumpkin Lush Recipe Is a Fall Favorite

Once you try this pumpkin lush recipe, it's likely to earn a permanent spot in your fall dessert rotation. Unlike a traditional baked pie, there's zero oven time involved, which frees up valuable space when you're juggling a full holiday menu. As with our creamy Pumpkin Dip, it also holds up beautifully in the fridge, making it one of the easiest desserts to prep ahead of a busy day.

🎃Layers That Make This Pumpkin Lush Dessert Stand Out

What sets this pumpkin lush dessert apart -- a spin-off or our Oreo Lush -- is the balance of textures in every forkful. The cream cheese layer brings a tangy richness, while the pumpkin layer (which includes vanilla pudding, evaporated milk, and plenty of warm spices) delivers all the cozy flavors of the season. A cloud of Cool Whip tops things off, and since it's folded into nearly every layer, this pumpkin lush pie recipe stays soft, light, and never dense.

🦃A Go-To Dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Beyond

This layered pumpkin dessert isn't just for Thanksgiving; it earns its keep all season long, from casual fall get-togethers to Christmas dinners. Just like our Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars, It's easy to slice into neat squares, so serving a crowd at holiday parties takes zero extra effort.

🥘Just Simple Ingredients Needed

• Crust: Graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and butter combine to create a simple, no-bake crust with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. Pressing it firmly into the pan helps it hold together once sliced.
• Cream Cheese Layer: Cream cheese, sugar, whipped topping, and vanilla extract whip together into a light, tangy layer that tastes like classic cheesecake. This layer adds richness and helps balance the sweetness of the pumpkin layer above it.
• Pumpkin Layer: Pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, evaporated milk, vanilla instant pudding mix, and more whipped topping come together for a creamy, spiced layer that sets without any baking. The instant pudding mix is the key ingredient here-- it helps the layer thicken and hold its shape once chilled.
• Top Layer: A final layer of whipped topping finishes the dessert with a light, fluffy crown that ties all three layers together. It also makes for a beautiful presentation, especially with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, mini chocolate chips, or toasted pecans on top.

See recipe card for quantities.

🔪How To Make This Pumpkin Lush Recipe

Step 1: Make the graham cracker crust and press firmly into bottom of baking dish.

Step 2: Spread the cheesecake layer on top.

Step 3: Carefully spread the pumpkin layer on top of the cream cheese layer.

Step 4: Top with whip; chill to set.

For step-by-step instructions, see the printable recipe card below.

Hint: Spread each layer gently and evenly, working from the center outward, so the layers stay distinct instead of blending together. Using an offset spatula and applying light pressure will help you avoid dragging the pumpkin layer into the cream cheese layer below.

🌿Healthy Ingredient Substitutions

• Greek Yogurt for Whipped Topping: Swapping some of the whipped topping for plain Greek yogurt (as found in our no bake Strawberry Fluff) adds protein and a tangy flavor. It also cuts back on added sugar and fat.
• Light or Neufchâtel Cream Cheese: Using light cream cheese or Neufchâtel in place of full-fat cream cheese keeps the tangy, creamy texture with fewer calories and less saturated fat.
• Coconut Milk for Evaporated Milk: Full-fat canned coconut milk can replace evaporated milk for a dairy-free option that still delivers a rich, creamy consistency to the pumpkin layer.

📖Easy Pumpkin Lush Recipe Variations

• Mini Individual Cups: Instead of one large pan, layer the crust, cream cheese mixture, and pumpkin mixture into small cups or mason jars for a cute, single-serving dessert that's perfect for parties (just like our Halloween Dirt Cups!).
• Chocolate Crust Swap: Trade the graham cracker crust for crushed chocolate cookies or chocolate graham crackers. This adds a rich, chocolatey base that pairs beautifully with the spiced pumpkin layer.
• Pecan Crunch Topping: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or a light pecan praline crumble over the whipped topping for extra crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the warm spices.

See Easter Chocolate Lasagna for an easy, no bake springtime treat!

🍽Essential Equipment Needed

• 13x9 glass baking dish (so you can see the layers!)
• mixing bowls
• hand mixer
• silicone scraping and spreading spatulas
• offset spatula

🍶Storing Your Pumpkin Lush Dessert

This pumpkin lush pie recipe is the perfect make-ahead dessert. The rich layers actually taste better after chilling overnight!

Store for up to 5 days in the refrigerator (loosely covered with plastic wrap). Please note that the crust will start to get a little soggy after day 2.

You can also freeze this easy no bake dessert for up to 2 months. Freeze individual portions in freezer safe containers (not bags) and thaw on the counter before serving (the crust will be a little soggy).

❓Pumpkin Lush Recipe FAQ

🎃More Pumpkin Desserts

Looking for other cozy pumpkin dessert recipes like this pumpkin lush? Try these, or head over to our From-Scratch Desserts page:

🦃More Thanksgiving Recipes

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this pumpkin lush recipe at Thanksgiving:

📋Recipe With Step-By-Step Instructions

Pumpkin Lush Recipe

Kitchen Ready Betty

This easy, no-bake pumpkin lush features a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a rich cheesecake layer, creamy spiced pumpkin, and fluffy whipped topping. It's the perfect make-ahead alternative to traditional pumpkin pie that's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at all your Thanksgiving and fall gatherings!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Rest Time (minimum for dessert to set) 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Desserts, Easy Dessert, Holidays, No Bake Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 357 kcal

Equipment

• 13x9 glass baking dish (so you can see the layers!) Use a deep dish if you have one, but this can be made in a standard 13x9 as pictured.
• 3 mixing bowls (one for the crust, one for the cream cheese mixture, one for the pumpkin layer)
• hand mixer
• whisk
• scraping and spreading spatulas
• offset spatula (helpful for smoothing the layers)

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Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs about 30 graham crackers
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup (1 stick) butter melted
• 16 oz full fat cream cheese at room temperature; use bricks, not tubs
• ½ cup white granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 16 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip) (2) 8 oz tubs, thawed (One full tub goes into the top layer, while the second tub is divided between the other two layers -- you'll have a small amount left over.)
• 5.1 oz vanilla instant pudding family size box
• 12 oz evaporated milk
• 15 oz 100% canned pumpkin do not use pumpkin pie filling
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ginger
• mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, toasted pecans optional toppings to add just before serving

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

 

• In a medium mixing bowl, blend the graham cracker crumbs, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Pour in melted butter. Thoroughly mix to ensure that all crumbs have been saturated by the butter.
• Press mixture into the bottom of a 13x9 casserole dish. Use the back of a measuring cup or flat spatula to firmly pack and press the crust down. Refrigerate dish while you work on the next step.
• Use a hand mixer to combine the softened cream cheese, ½ cup sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in 2 cups whip. Spread this mixture gently over the crust, smoothing it as much as possible. Return the dish to the refrigerator.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk the pudding and evaporated milk until combined. Then add the pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger; stir with a mixing spoon to incorporate. Fold in ½ cup whip until blended, then gently spread this mixture over the cream cheese layer.
• Top the pumpkin layer with an entire 8 oz tub of defrosted whip, spreading to edges.
• Loosely cover dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours so layers will set (but best overnight).
• Optional to decorate top layer with mini chocolate chips, festive sprinkles, and/or toasted pecans just before serving.

Notes

For the best consistency, allow your whipped topping to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid using the microwave or leaving it on the counter, as rapid temperature changes can cause it to lose its fluffy texture.

Use softened cream cheese for best mixing. If you forgot to get it out ahead of time, place it in a bowl and heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds before using it in this recipe.

For perfect, clean slices when serving, see my Top Tip in the above post!

Store for up to 5 days in the refrigerator (covered with plastic wrap). Please note that the crust will start to get a little soggy after day 2. Can also be frozen; see above post.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 squareCalories: 357kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 11gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 554mgPotassium: 337mgFiber: 2gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 5906IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 274mgIron: 1mg

Keyword easy no bake dessert, easy Thanksgiving dessert, fall dessert recipes, layered pumpkin dessert, make ahead pumpkin dessert, no bake pumpkin lush, pumpkin cheesecake dessert, pumpkin lush dessert, pumpkin lush pie, pumpkin lush recipe

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_{Please note that nutritional information is provided by a third party service and is intended for guidance purposes only. KitchenReadyBetty.com makes no claims to its accuracy.}