Pumpkin Lush – Fun Thanksgiving Dessert

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of pumpkin spice filling your kitchen during the holidays. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s decadent, layered, and a crowd-pleaser, Pumpkin Lush is the ultimate treat. This recipe combines buttery crust, creamy pumpkin layers, and fluffy whipped cream in a way that is both indulgent and approachable. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering, Pumpkin Lush is designed to impress without stress.

Ingredients

• Crust:
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• Pumpkin Layer:
  • 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• Whipped Cream Layer:
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional Topping:
  • Cinnamon for dusting
  • Crushed graham crackers

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar in a medium bowl. Mix until evenly combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a solid crust. Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
4. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
5. Add pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until creamy and fully incorporated.
6. Spread the pumpkin layer evenly over the cooled crust.
7. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
8. Spread whipped cream over the pumpkin layer gently, covering the dessert completely.
9. Optional: Sprinkle with cinnamon or crushed graham crackers for extra texture and flavor.
10. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight before serving for the best layered effect.

Tips & Variations

• Make Ahead: Pumpkin Lush tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.
• Alternative Crust: Swap graham cracker crust with ginger snap crumbs for a spicier variation.
• Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts between layers for crunch.
• Mini Versions: Make individual servings in mason jars for a cute presentation at parties.

Pumpkin Lush

A fun and decadent layered pumpkin dessert with a graham cracker crust, creamy pumpkin layer, and fluffy whipped cream – perfect for Thanksgiving.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 3 minutes mins

Servings: 12 squares

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar

Pumpkin Layer

• 15 oz pumpkin puree 1 can
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

Whipped Cream Layer

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 0.25 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until evenly combined.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden. Cool completely.
4. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice, and mix until creamy.
5. Spread pumpkin layer evenly over cooled crust.
6. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
7. Spread whipped cream over pumpkin layer. Optionally sprinkle with cinnamon or crushed graham crackers.
8. Refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight before serving.

Notes

Pumpkin Lush is best when chilled overnight for layered effect. Optional toppings add texture and flavor.