Pumpkin Delight (A Creamy Layered Dessert!)

Are you looking for the ultimate easy, no-bake dessert to bring to your next fall gathering or Thanksgiving feast? A light, creamy, and completely irresistible treat that is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and takes just minutes to assemble? This incredible, “no-bake” Pumpkin Delight is that perfect recipe! We’re talking four luscious layers of pure fall bliss: a buttery graham cracker crust, a tangy cream cheese fluff, a smooth and spiced pumpkin pudding, and a final, airy cloud of whipped topping.

This isn’t just another pumpkin recipe; it’s your new secret weapon for a show-stopping dessert that requires almost no effort. Also known as “Pumpkin Lush” or “Pumpkin Lasagna,” this is a classic, beloved dessert for a reason. It’s a satisfying, soulful, and deeply comforting treat that is perfect for any occasion when you need a simple and impressive dessert.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Recipe Overview: The Ultimate Easy No-Bake Fall Dessert

What makes this Pumpkin Delight so spectacularly delicious is its incredible combination of textures and its wonderfully simple, no-bake (mostly!) preparation. This recipe is a masterpiece of easy baking. The dessert features four distinct, delicious layers. The foundation is a classic, buttery, and crunchy from-scratch graham cracker crust, which is the only part that sees the oven for just a few minutes. This is topped with a light, fluffy, and tangy no-bake cheesecake layer, made extra easy with cream cheese and Cool Whip. The star of the show is the third layer: a smooth, rich, and perfectly spiced pumpkin spice instant pudding. The entire dessert is crowned with a final, airy layer of whipped topping and a crunchy sprinkle of toasted pecans.

Metric	Time / Level
Total Time	9 hours (includes chilling)
Active Prep Time	20 minutes
Difficulty Level	Easy
Servings	12-15 servings

The Layers of Lush: The Essential Ingredients

This iconic dish uses a handful of smart shortcuts and high-quality pantry staples to create its signature comforting and festive flavor.

• The Graham Cracker Crust: A classic and perfect combination of graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Baking the crust for just a few minutes is the key to a firm, crunchy base that won’t get soggy.
• The No-Bake Layers (The Shortcut Superstars!):
  • The Cream Cheese Fluff: The secret to a light, airy, and stable no-bake cheesecake layer is the combination of softened cream cheese and thawed Cool Whip.
  • The Pumpkin Pudding: The ultimate shortcut to a perfect, foolproof pumpkin layer is using two boxes of pumpkin spice instant pudding mix. If you can’t find the pumpkin spice flavor, you can use vanilla instant pudding and add in 1 cup of pumpkin puree and 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice.
• The Toppings: A final, classic layer of Cool Whip and a beautiful, crunchy garnish of toasted pecans and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

The No-Bake Masterclass: The Secret to Perfect Layers

The number one, non-negotiable secret to a successful layered dessert like this one is the long chilling time.

1. Cool the Crust Completely: You must let your baked graham cracker crust cool completely before adding the first creamy layer. A hot crust will melt the cream cheese.
2. Chill Thoroughly (8+ Hours!): Once assembled, the dessert needs to chill for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight. This crucial resting period is the key that allows the instant pudding and the cream cheese layers to fully set and firm up. This is the magic that will allow you to get those beautiful, clean, distinct layers when you slice into it. Do not skip this step!

Step-by-Step to the Easiest Pumpkin Delight

This delicious, one-dish dessert is incredibly simple to prepare.

Step 1: Make and Bake the Graham Cracker Crust

Step 1: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, stir together the 1½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, the 6 tablespoons of melted salted butter, and the ⅓ cup of granulated sugar.

Step 3: Press this graham cracker crumble mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Bake for 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Part 2: Create the Creamy Layers

For the No-Bake Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, beat the 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy. Add the ⅔ cup of powdered sugar and the ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract and continue beating until they are combined. Gently fold in 8 ounces of the thawed Cool Whip. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of your completely cooled graham cracker layer.

For the Pumpkin Pudding Layer: In a large mixing bowl, combine your two 3.4-ounce boxes of pumpkin spice instant pudding and the 3 cups of whole milk. Follow the pudding box instructions, whisking for about 2 minutes until the pudding has thickened. Carefully spread this pudding mixture evenly over the top of the cream cheese mixture using an offset spatula.

Part 3: Add the Topping and Chill to Perfection

Step 1: Spread the remaining 16 ounces of Cool Whip evenly over the top of the pumpkin pudding mixture. Step 2: Sprinkle the ¼ cup of chopped, toasted pecans over the top and give it a final, beautiful dusting of the 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Step 3 (The Most Important Step!): Cover the Pumpkin Delight and let it chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 8 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set up properly before you serve it.

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Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This is the ultimate make-ahead dessert!

• Make-Ahead: This dessert must be made ahead, as it requires at least 8 hours to chill and set. It is the perfect dessert to prepare the day before a party or a holiday gathering.
• Storage: Store any leftover Pumpkin Delight, well-covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)