If you’re looking for a dessert that’s utterly simple yet irresistibly delicious, you’ve got to try this No Bake Pumpkin Lush Recipe. Trust me, it’s the kind of treat that feels fancy but takes hardly any effort — perfect for those busy days when you want a cozy fall dessert without heating up the oven. Plus, the layers of pumpkin, spice, cream cheese, and crunchy gingersnap crust come together in such a dreamy way, you’re going to want to make it again and again.

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Why This Recipe Works

Easy No-Bake Layers: No oven needed, which means no fuss and less heat in the kitchen — perfect any time of year.
Balanced Flavors: The pumpkin spice pudding pairs beautifully with the creamy pumpkin cream cheese layer, giving just the right mix of sweet and spiced without being overwhelming.
Crunchy-Gingersnap Crust: The crispy, buttery gingersnap base adds a satisfying texture contrast to the soft, creamy layers.
Flexible Ingredients: Easy to tweak based on what you have, like using butterscotch pudding if pumpkin spice isn’t available.

No Bake Pumpkin Lush, Pumpkin Lush dessert, No Bake fall desserts, Pumpkin layered dessert, Pumpkin cream cheese dessert - The image shows a square slice of dessert on a white plate resting on a white marbled surface. The dessert has four visible layers: the bottom layer is crumbly and brown like a cookie or crust; above it is a thicker light brown creamy layer, followed by a thinner smooth caramel-colored layer; the top layer is white and fluffy, likely whipped cream, sprinkled with chunks of broken cookies and pecans. Some pecan pieces and crumbs are scattered around the plate. In the background, a patterned cloth with earthy colors is softly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this No Bake Pumpkin Lush Recipe plays a special role in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Knowing a little about each one helps you shop smart and maybe even improvise when needed.

No Bake Pumpkin Lush, Pumpkin Lush dessert, No Bake fall desserts, Pumpkin layered dessert, Pumpkin cream cheese dessert - Flat lay of vibrant orange pumpkin puree dolloped next to smooth, creamy white cream cheese, golden crushed gingersnap cookie crumbs scattered around with rich brown chopped pecans, a small pile of warm brown pumpkin spice powder nestled beside a bright white mound of fluffy Cool Whip, all arranged naturally with soft shadows highlighting the different textures and colors, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Gingersnap cookie crumbs: These give the crust its signature spicy crunch; make sure to crush them finely for an even base.
Unsalted butter: Butter binds the crumbs into a sturdy crust without overpowering the pumpkin flavors.
Pumpkin spice pudding mix: The star of the pudding layer, this provides that rich pumpkin flavor with autumn spices all in one.
Milk: Needed to whisk the pudding into a smooth consistency; whole milk or 2% works best for creaminess.
Cream cheese: Adds tang and richness to the pumpkin cream cheese layer; letting it soften before mixing helps avoid lumps.
Confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer while keeping it smooth and light.
Pure pumpkin puree: Use plain canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best texture and flavor control.
Vanilla extract: Just a touch lifts the entire dessert, adding sweetness depth and aroma.
Pumpkin spice: To punch up those warm fall spices beyond what’s in the pudding mix.
Cool Whip: Incorporates airiness to the cream cheese and pudding layers, making this dessert feel light and fluffy.
Chopped pecans & extra gingersnap crumbs: Optional toppings that add crunch and a pretty finish — don’t skip if you like a little texture contrast on top.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how this No Bake Pumpkin Lush Recipe is so versatile. Once you get comfortable with the basic layers, you can easily tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs — which I find makes it even more fun to make!

Use Butterscotch Pudding: If you can’t find pumpkin spice pudding, swapping in butterscotch pudding gives a mellow sweetness that complements pumpkin cream cheese layer beautifully — I’ve done this plenty of times with great results.
Dairy-Free Version: Try using dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping alternatives to make this dessert vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Spice it Up: Add extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of cloves to the cream cheese layer if you like your pumpkin desserts with a punch of warmth.
Add a Drizzle: I sometimes top mine with a little caramel sauce before serving for that extra indulgence—totally optional but highly recommended.

Step-by-Step: How I Make No Bake Pumpkin Lush Recipe

Step 1: Crafting the Perfect Gingersnap Crust

First things first — I line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper to make cleanup and serving a breeze. Then, I melt my butter and mix it right into the crushed gingersnap crumbs. The key here is to get the crumbs nice and evenly coated with butter, so when you press it into the pan, it holds together firmly. I press the mixture down firmly with the back of a spoon to create an even layer, then pop it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to get nice and solid — this little chill time means your crust won’t crumble when you layer the pudding and cream cheese on top.

Step 2: Whisking Up That Pumpkin Spice Pudding Layer

While the crust chills, I whisk together the pumpkin spice pudding mix and milk in a bowl. It’s important to mix it well so there aren’t any lumps, then pop it in the fridge for about 10 minutes to firm up. This pudding is what makes the whole dessert sing — I find if you’re patient and let it chill well, it holds its shape beautifully between layers.

Step 3: Mixing the Creamy Pumpkin Cheese Layer

Next up is the luscious pumpkin cream cheese layer. I always make sure my cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps. After beating it smooth, I add the powdered sugar, pumpkin puree, vanilla, and pumpkin spice. This is where magic happens — the spices really make that pumpkin pop. Then I gently fold in a cup of Cool Whip to keep things light and fluffy. Pro tip: folding instead of mixing vigorously helps keep the texture airy.

Step 4: Assembling Your No Bake Pumpkin Lush

Once your crust is ready, I dollop the pumpkin cream cheese mixture evenly on top and spread it out gently to cover the entire surface. Then I carefully spread the chilled pudding layer over this, followed by covering everything with the remaining Cool Whip. This layering is so satisfying — you want those distinct layers visible when you slice in. Finally, I sprinkle chopped pecans and more crushed gingersnaps on top for that beautiful finish. The whole pan goes into the fridge for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better if you can wait!

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Pro Tips for Making No Bake Pumpkin Lush Recipe

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Soft cream cheese blends more smoothly, giving your pumpkin layer that perfect silky texture.
Chill Your Pudding Well: Letting pudding firm up fully makes it easier to layer and prevents mixing or soggy textures.
Use Parchment Paper Lining: This saves so much hassle when cutting and serving because the bars come out cleanly with no sticking.
Don’t Skip the Freezer Time: Freezing the crust first ensures a sturdy base to support those creamy layers without crumbling.

How to Serve No Bake Pumpkin Lush Recipe

No Bake Pumpkin Lush, Pumpkin Lush dessert, No Bake fall desserts, Pumpkin layered dessert, Pumpkin cream cheese dessert - The image shows a square dessert on a white plate with three visible layers: a crumbly brown crust at the bottom, a thick light brown creamy middle layer, and a white whipped topping layer on top. The dessert is sprinkled with broken pecan pieces and chunks of a golden cookie. There are a few pecan pieces and cookie crumbs on the plate around the dessert, along with a whole light brown cookie on the side. The background is a white marbled surface with a colorful cloth featuring floral patterns in soft yellow, blue, and red tones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

When I serve this dessert, I love a sprinkle of toasted chopped pecans on top—adds a nutty crunch that contrasts so nicely with the creamy layers. If I’m feeling fancy, I might add a few whole pecans for presentation or even a light dusting of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to enhance those fall flavors.

Side Dishes

This pumpkin lush pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a spiced chai latte for a cozy treat. It’s also great alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a dollop of freshly whipped cream if you want to keep things extra indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving this dessert in clear parfait glasses to show off those gorgeous layers. You can also cut it into smaller squares and serve on a platter with mini spoons for easy sharing. During the holidays, I sometimes top with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a cinnamon stick to make it feel extra festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always keep leftovers in an airtight container or cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days — honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house! The flavors even seem to deepen after a day or two, which is a nice bonus.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to make it ahead in bigger batches. I usually freeze the whole pan after it’s fully assembled, wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap. When ready to serve, I thaw it overnight in the fridge. Just note that the crust might soften a bit, but the flavors remain wonderful.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled dessert, you don’t really want to heat it up, but letting frozen portions thaw slowly in the fridge helps preserve texture and flavor. If you’re short on time, 30 minutes at room temperature works too, just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too soft.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree works beautifully and gives you full control over flavor and texture. Just make sure it’s well strained so the layer isn’t too watery.
What can I substitute if I can’t find pumpkin spice pudding mix?

If pumpkin spice pudding mix isn’t available, butterscotch pudding is a great substitute — it pairs nicely with the pumpkin cream cheese layer. You can also mix vanilla pudding with extra pumpkin spice for a similar effect.
How long should I let this dessert chill before serving?

For best results, refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, but overnight chilling is ideal. This allows all the layers to set and the flavors to meld wonderfully.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for holiday gatherings?

Yes! This No Bake Pumpkin Lush Recipe is perfect for making a day or two ahead. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator and add the toppings right before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.

Final Thoughts

This No Bake Pumpkin Lush Recipe has been my go-to for autumn gatherings and easy dessert cravings. Its creamy texture layered with just the right spices feels like a warm hug on a plate, and yet it’s so simple to make. I love sharing this recipe because it always impresses guests and brings out that cozy, festive vibe in any season. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for it every pumpkin season, just like I do.