Pumpkin Lush Cake is the ultimate fall dessert. With its cool whipped topping, spiced pumpkin filling, and buttery crust, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly. Make it ahead for holiday dinners or cozy weekends when you want something indulgent but easy.
In my house we love fall desserts. Here are a few of our family favorites: Pumpkin Pie Bars and my Baked Pumpkin Donuts.
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Why this Pumpkin Lush Cake Recipe is a Keeper
This luscious pudding dessert is great because it’s so quick and easy to make. Not to mention, everyone loved it last time I made it.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake is at its best when it’s had time to chill, making it an ideal dessert for holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or potlucks. You can make it a day in advance, which frees up time on the big day.
- Irresistible Layers: The combination of a buttery pecan crust, a smooth cream cheese layer, a spiced pumpkin pudding, and a light whipped topping creates a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite.
- Simple & Straightforward: Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe uses simple ingredients and no-fuss steps. It doesn’t require any advanced baking skills.
- Versatility: The delicious recipe can be easily adapted to different dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Will My Crust Get Soggy?
Your crust shouldn’t get too soggy if it’s been baked and had time to cool. As long as it’s kept in the fridge until it’s ready to serve, it should stay stiff.
What Reader’s Are Saying…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This was a hit at our get-together. Everyone went back for seconds, and I’ll definitely be making it again!”
~ Ana
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Ingredient Notes for this No-Bake Dessert
All of the required ingredients are easy to find at the store, but some of the ingredients may be around the kitchen already.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Vanilla Pudding Mix: You will need 2 boxes of instant pudding powder.
- Pumpkin: Use pumpkin puree in this super easy recipe.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: I keep my homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice in stock throughout the holiday season.
Variations and Substitutions for this Lush Dessert Recipe
This lush recipe is so easy to change up. Try experimenting with different ingredients to make different varieties.
- Crust: Substitute the walnuts with an equal amount of graham cracker crumbs to make a graham cracker crust. You could also try crushed gingersnap cookies, crushed Oreos or shortbread cookies.
- Lighten Up: Use Neufchâtel cheese and a light whipped topping.
- Pumpkin Layer: Add a pinch of black pepper or a dash of cayenne to the pumpkin layer for a subtle kick that enhances the other spices.
- Topping: For a richer, tangier topping, mix sour cream with a little vanilla and powdered sugar until smooth with an electric mixer.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with toasted pecans, cinnamon, or a drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate syrup.
- Different Flavors: Make pineapple lush with crushed pineapple and vanilla pudding, or chocolate lush with chocolate pudding. You can also try lemon lush cake or angel lush with angel food cake.
How to Make Layered Pumpkin Dessert
This 4 step pumpkin delight recipes is one of the most delicious and easy recipes to make. This dessert is perfect for a party or get-together.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Make the Crust: Mix together the melted butter, flour and some of the chopped walnuts. Press into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish and bake in a preheated oven until lightly golden brown.
- Make the Pumpkin Layer: In a large bowl, mix together the instant pudding mix and milk. Stir in the pumpkin puree and spread evenly over the crust.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: Beat together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until fluffy. Fold in the cool whip and spread cream cheese mixture over the pumpkin layer.
- Top and Chill: Top with fresh whipped cream, remaining walnuts and a sprinkle of Pumpkin Pie Spice, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for Pumpkin Lasagna Dessert
Preparing steps in a recipe ahead of time can be the best way to go to be able to make it and enjoy it whenever you’re ready.
- Chopped Nuts: Make chopped walnuts or chopped pecans ahead of time using a food processor.
- Crust: The crust can be baked and cooled up to a day in advance. Store it, covered, at room temperature.
- Layers: The cake is best when fully assembled and chilled for at least 6 hours, or even better, overnight.
How to Store, Freeze and Use Leftovers
- Store: Store the cake, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the assembled cake for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. The texture may be slightly softer after thawing.
- Leftovers: Leftovers are best eaten within a day or two. If the layers start to get watery, it’s a sign it’s past its prime.
Common Questions and Reader Interactions
No, pumpkin puree is 100% pumpkin, and pie filling already has added ingredients. For this recipe, it’s best to have plain pumpkin.
Sure! Another good pudding is pumpkin pudding but you could even try chocolate pudding instead for this decadent dessert.
Tips for Making Pumpkin Layered Dessert
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before you start. This prevents lumps and makes for a smooth, creamy layer.
- Spoon, Don’t Pour: When adding the pumpkin layer, don’t pour it all at once onto the cream cheese. Use a large spoon to dollop it around the surface and then gently spread it. This prevents the layers from mixing.
- Even Layers: Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently and evenly spread each layer. Take your time to get a clean finish.
- No Over-Mixing: Over-mixing the whipped topping can cause it to become grainy. Mix just until soft peaks form.
- Clean Slices: For perfectly clean slices, run your knife under hot water between each cut and wipe it dry.
- Chill, Chill, Chill: I cannot stress this enough. The long chill time is crucial for the cake to set properly and for the flavors to meld together.
- Serve With: Serve with Apple Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce, Butterfinger Pie (No Bake) or Pumpkin Rice Krispie Treats.
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Pumpkin Lush Cake
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Ingredients
- ½ cup Butter, melted
- 1 cup Flour
- 1 ¼ cup Chopped walnuts, divided
- 6.8 ounces Instant vanilla pudding, 2, 3.4 ounce boxes
- 2 cups Milk
- 1 cup Pumpkin puree
- 1 cup Powered sugar
- 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups Whipped topping, divide
- 1 ½ teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325℉.
- In a bowl, mix together butter, flour and 1 cup of chopped walnuts.
- Press mixture into the bottom of a 13×9 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
- Let crust cool completely.
- Meanwhile, mix together pudding with milk until thick.
- Stir in pumpkin puree; spread over cooled crust.
- Beat powdered sugar and cream cheese together until fluffy.
- Fold in whipped topping.
- Spread evenly over pumpkin mixture.
- Top with remaining whipped topping.
- Garnish with remaining chopped walnuts and sprinkle Pumpkin Pie Spice over the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Christina’s Notes
- Chill the Layers: Let each layer firm up a bit before adding the next for clean slices and better structure.
- Use Pumpkin Spice Pudding (if available): It deepens the autumn flavor and eliminates the need for extra spice.
- Try a Gingersnap Crust: For more warmth and crunch, swap graham crackers for crushed gingersnaps.
- Serve in Jars: Perfect for parties or personal servings, just layer everything in small mason jars.
- Don’t Skip the Chill Time: This dessert needs time to set. A minimum of 4 hours (or overnight) is best for structure and flavor.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.
Do you think I could make this recipe a day ahead?
Most lush cakes are best made 12-24 hours in advance. This allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld without becoming overly soft. You can make the components ahead of time and assemble when needed if it is longer than 24 hours.
This was a hit at our get-together. Everyone went back for seconds, and I’ll definitely be making it again!
Hi there! Thank you for this recipe I have never heard of this before. Definately want to try! I found this recipe from learn to blog search. I just wanted to let you know I will be including it in a round up this sunday 8/31. Thanks again!
Thanks so much! 🙂
I’ve never, ever heard of lush before, but I have to say that it sounds pretty good.