Pumpkin Delight

Our No-Bake Pumpkin Delight (also known as Pumpkin Lush) is a perfect, easy to make fall dessert for when you’re craving all the flavors of the season without wanting to spend hours in the kitchen.

It’s a simple, layered dessert that combines a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cheesecake filling, and a spiced pumpkin pudding, all topped with a light, whipped topping and crunchy pecans.

Essentially our Pumpkin Delight is an easy dessert that’s sure to impress, whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just indulging at home. The combination of pumpkin and spices mixed with a creamy texture will leave everyone coming back for seconds. And depending on the size of your family’s sweet tooth, you might have to make two batches.

Ingredient Notes

Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.

GRAHAM CRACKER CRUMBS – These form the base of the dessert, adding a slightly sweet and buttery crunch. You can also use vanilla wafers or gingersnap cookies for an extra fall flavor.

BUTTER – Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and gives the crust a rich taste.

CINNAMON AND SALT – Add warmth and balance to the crust, making sure it’s not too sweet.

CREAM CHEESE – This gives the dessert its creamy, tangy cheesecake layer. Softened cream cheese is important for a smooth consistency.

POWDERED SUGAR – Sweetens the cream cheese layer without adding any grittiness.

WHIPPED TOPPING – Makes the cream cheese layer light and fluffy. You can use homemade whipped cream if you prefer.

VANILLA INSTANT PUDDING – Thickens the pumpkin layer and adds a sweet, smooth texture.

HALF AND HALF – Used to prepare the pudding, making it creamier than using milk alone.

PUMPKIN PUREE – Brings all the fall flavors, with a rich, earthy sweetness. Be sure to use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.

PUMPKIN PIE SPICE – A blend of warm spices that complements the pumpkin. You can adjust the amount based on your preference or make your own mix with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.

PECANS – Adds a nice crunchy texture on top, balancing the creamy layers. Feel free to swap in walnuts or leave them out if you prefer.

How To Make A Pumpkin Delight

Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.

1. Mix graham cracker crumbs, butter, cinnamon, and salt, then press into the bottom of a baking dish.
2. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth, fold in whipped topping, and spread over the crust.
3. Whisk together pudding mix and half and half, then stir in pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice.
4. Spread over the cream cheese layer.Chill for 2 hours, then top with whipped topping and pecans before serving.

More Easy and Delicious Pumpkin Recipes

Pumpkin Cheesecake Brownies

Pumpkin Tiramisu

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Pecan Pie Dump Cake

Pumpkin Bars

Serving Suggestions

CINNAMON WHIPPED CREAM – Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon to the whipped topping for an extra boost of fall flavor. This ties in perfectly with the spiced pumpkin layer and enhances the overall warmth of the dessert.

CARAMEL DRIZZLE – Drizzle caramel sauce over each slice just before serving. It adds a rich, buttery sweetness and complements the graham cracker crust. You can even sprinkle a little sea salt on top for a sweet-and-salty contrast.

CANDIED PECANS – Instead of regular chopped pecans, use candied pecans for an extra layer of crunch and sweetness. You can buy them ready-made or easily make your own by toasting pecans with a bit of sugar and butter on the stovetop.

VANILLA ICE CREAM – A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side will turn this dessert into a decadent treat. The creamy, cold texture contrasts beautifully with the pumpkin layers and adds a nice balance.

GINGERSNAP COOKIES – Serve gingersnap cookies alongside or crumbled on top of the dessert for added spice and texture. The warm ginger flavor will complement the pumpkin perfectly, adding a slight crunch.

Recipe Success Tips

SOFTEN THE CREAM CHEESE – Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to get a smooth, lump-free filling. Cold cream cheese can make it harder to blend evenly and may leave you with an uneven texture.

USE ROOM TEMPERATURE WHIPPED TOPPING – For the best results, use room temperature whipped topping when mixing it with the cream cheese layer. This allows it to incorporate smoothly without causing the mixture to become too stiff or hard to spread.

PRESS THE CRUST FIRMLY – Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to firmly press the graham cracker crust into an even layer. A well-packed crust ensures it stays intact when you cut the dessert, preventing it from crumbling apart.

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Pumpkin Delight

Author: Maike Corbett

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Chill Time 2 hours hours

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Serving Size 12

This Pumpkin Delight is the perfect Fall dessert. A graham cracker crust is topped with a cheesecake layer, pumpkin pie layer, and a creamy, whipped topping and pecans.

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Ingredients

Crust

• ▢ 2 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ▢ ½ cup butter unsalted, melted
• ▢ ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ▢ ½ teaspoon salt

Cream cheese layer

• ▢ 16 ounces cream cheese softened
• ▢ 1 cup powdered sugar
• ▢ 8 ounces whipped topping

Pumpkin Layer

• ▢ 2 3.4-ounce packages vanilla instant pudding
• ▢ 2 ½ cups half and half
• ▢ 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
• ▢ ½ tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

Topping

• ▢ 8 ounces whipped topping
• ▢ pecans chopped

Instructions

• Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl.
• Press the graham cracker crumbs into the bottom of a 9×13” (or similar) baking dish.
• Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar in a large bowl with a hand or stand mixer on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add 8 ounces whipped topping to the cream cheese mixture and mix on low, just until incorporated.
• Use a spatula to gently spread the cream cheese mixture into an even layer over the graham cracker layer.
• Beat the pudding and half and half in a large bowl with a hand or stand mixer on high speed until the mixture thickens. About 1-2 minutes. Add the canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice to the pudding mixture and beat on high until incorporated.
• Gently spread the pumpkin mixture using a spatula into an even layer over the cream cheese layer.
• Cover and chill the prepared layers in the fridge for at least two hours or until the layers are set and firm.
• When ready to serve, remove the dessert from the fridge and add the final layer of whipped topping (8 ounces) with a spatula in an even layer over the pudding layer. Sprinkle crushed pecans over the top, cut into squares, and serve chilled.

Equipment

9×13 Casserole Dish

Notes

Chill time can vary and is not included in the total time. 

Nutritional Information

Calories: 466

Carbs: 37g

Fat: 33g

Protein: 6g

Nutritional Disclaimer

Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.

Maike Corbett

Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.