Welcome to my kitchen where every spill is a story, every burnt edge a lesson, and every dish is a love letter to flavor. I’m Emma, a small-town cook with a big heart and a lifelong passion for turning simple ingredients into moments of connection. Inspired by my grandmother’s tales told over bubbling pots, I’ve made it my mission to blend tradition and creativity, serving up recipes that are comforting, fresh, and joy-filled. Whether you’re just starting out or know your way around a whisk, I want you to feel at home here—curious, confident, and ready to make something delicious from scratch.
Pumpkin Lush is a cozy dessert that’s like a warm hug on a busy weeknight. Each bite is a creamy blend of cream cheese and pumpkin, spiced just right with a hint of pumpkin pie spice. The graham cracker crust adds a satisfying crunch that complements the smooth filling beautifully. Plus, it’s so quick and easy to make that you can whip it up any day when you need a little comfort without spending hours in the kitchen. This dessert balances comfort, nutrition, and ease—all the goodness wrapped up in one delightful recipe!
Serving Versatility
Pumpkin Lush is delicious on its own, but you can also get creative with how you serve it. Try it as a topping for fluffy pancakes, mixed into yogurt for a quick breakfast treat, or even tucked into a whole grain wrap for a unique snack. The versatility of this dish makes it a perfect fit for your family’s tastes!
Full Recipe Section
Ingredients:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1 package (instant) vanilla pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 cups milk
- Additional whipped topping for serving
- Cinnamon for garnish
Directions:
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish to form the crust.
- In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until well combined. Spread this mixture over the graham cracker crust.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vanilla pudding mix, pumpkin pie spice, and milk until smooth and thickened. Spread this mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with remaining whipped topping and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Before serving, sprinkle with cinnamon and additional whipped topping as desired.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12
Calories: Approximately 220 per serving
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation for busy days
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Big, cozy flavor that feels like home
- Nutritional value from pumpkin
- Customizable for your taste
Cultural Note
This delightful dessert draws inspiration from traditional pumpkin pie, which has been cherished in many households during fall. The combination of cream cheese and pumpkin makes for a fresh twist that I believe my grandmother would have loved!
Serving Suggestions
- Top a warm slice of Pumpkin Lush with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Serve it in little cups for a fun, individual dessert at gatherings.
- Pair it with a cup of warm chai or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Crumble some on top of oatmeal for a delightful breakfast surprise.
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Let your Pumpkin Lush chill for at least 4 hours; this really helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Don’t skimp on the cinnamon garnish; it adds a lovely warm flavor that’s essential.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it. However, if you prefer it warm, a quick few seconds in the microwave will do the trick!
I can’t wait for you to try this Pumpkin Lush and make it your own! Feel free to add nuts, a drizzle of caramel, or even some chocolate shavings to take it to the next level. Your kitchen is your canvas, and I hope this recipe inspires you to get creative.
If you loved this recipe, please share your thoughts in the comments, rate it, or share it with your friends. Let the world know about your delicious Pumpkin Lush!
Final Thoughts
Thank you for spending time with me in my kitchen today! Cooking is a journey full of love and joy, and I’m so glad we get to share it together.
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Pumpkin Lush
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened Make sure it's at room temperature to avoid lumps.
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping Plus additional for serving.
- 15 oz pumpkin puree
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 cups milk
- Cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch dish to form the crust.
- In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until well combined. Spread this mixture over the graham cracker crust.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vanilla pudding mix, pumpkin pie spice, and milk until smooth and thickened. Spread this mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with remaining whipped topping and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Before serving, sprinkle with cinnamon and additional whipped topping as desired.