This Pumpkin Pie Lush Dessert is marvelous! Layers of pecan shortbread cookies, fluffy pumpkin spice pudding, creamy whipped topping and chopped pecans make for a delectable, easy, no-bake dessert!
If you know me, you know I love my lush desserts!
There’s something so fabulously easy and tasty about lushes. Or lush? Is it like ‘fish’ where the singular is also the plural? Lushies? That sounds terrible. I’ll stop.
It starts with a no-bake cookie crust that’s pressed into the pan and makes for a killer first layer. Then you mix up your favorite flavor of pudding (in this recipe, we use the seasonal pumpkin pudding mix!) and spread that goodness on top. Then finish it off with whipped cream (or Cool Whip if you’re fancy like me) and additional sprinklage – in this case, chopped pecans for some crunch, but to also tie in with the pecan shortbread cookie crust.
And y’all. This lush tastes just like a pumpkin pie but better, because cookie crusts rule all the land.
With holidays coming up quick, you’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your dessert spread! This would be a fabulous no-bake alternative to pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, or any other day this fall that you are craving something fluffy, creamy, light, and ultra pumpkin-y.
Make it!!
***NOTE: Some people are having trouble finding the pumpkin instant pudding. It is seasonal, so that could be a problem. HOWEVER, you can use the following substitution: Substitute the pumpkin instant pudding for a box (3.4-3.9 oz) INSTANT vanilla pudding. Prepare with the milk and whisk in 1/2 cup – 3/4 cup pumpkin puree, depending on how pumpkin-y you want it. Also whisk in 1-2 tsp pumpkin pie spice to add more pumpkin flavor. Fold in the Cool Whip and follow the rest of the instructions.***
- 1 pkg (11.3 oz) pecan sandie (shortbread) cookies, coarsely crushed
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, melted
- 1 box instant pumpkin spice pudding mix
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 (16 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- Grease a square 8x8" pan with cooking spray and set aside. In a large bowl, toss together the coarse crumbs and melted butter until moistened. Press into the prepared pan. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, milk and pumpkin pie spice until thick, about 1 minute. Fold in 2 cups (8 oz) of the Cool Whip until combined. Spread the mixture into the prepared pan on top of the crust layer.
- Top the pumpkin layer with the remaining Cool Whip and sprinkle with the chopped pecans. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or until set.
Creamy, smooth and topped with toasty pecans, this is an excellent fall-inspired dessert!
Have a super sweet day!
xo, Hayley
Lovin’ this kind of lush life.
I think I need to make this for Thanksgiving! Sounds delish!
Thanks Miranda! It’s SO good!
Any suggestions on where to find the pumpkin spice pudding mix? I haven’t seen it in local supermarkets.
Hi Joanie, I found mine at Walmart!
Hello! I can’t wait to make this with my 10 year old for Thanksgiving…she loves to help and this will be a great recipe for her to help make! I know the recipe says to chill for 6 hours, but do you think it would be ok to make the day before and chill for 20 + hours? I didn’t know if the crust would get soggy or if anyone has tried doing this?
Thank you and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Hi Jackie, you can absolutely make it that long in advance. The crust is so thick that it does not get soggy. Enjoy!
I can’t find the pudding. Have been to Walmart and several other stores. Not sure how to modify.
Hi Elaine – I’ll add this to the recipe post, but simply use vanilla instant pudding and fold in 1/2 cup – 3/4 cup pumpkin puree, depending on how pumpkin-y you want it, as well as 1-2 tsp pumpkin pie spice.
Thanks! I bought vanilla just in case you came back with that suggestion! ; )
Hi Haley, I just talked to your Grandmother and she told me about your book. I am thrilled to be looking at your recipes, they look wonderful! She didn’t know that I collect cook books like most people do books. I do think you look like her too! Can’t wait to get the book and will be trying some of these recipes until then. An old Family Friend.
Hi Carrie! So nice to “meet” you! 🙂 I’m glad she passed on the word and you found your way here! Please feel free to email me if you have any questions, and have fun looking around!
I found the pumpkin pudding at the Christmas tree shops (Massachusetts) and I found cinnamon bun oreos so I’m going to crush those up and use them as my bottom cookie layer! Doesn’t get more exciting than that folks!
Ooh, I LOVE the idea of using the cinnamon bun Oreos!
2 cups is 16 oz. Not 8. Per your recipe, I didn’t have enough cool whip.
Hi Jackie, the Cool Whip is so fluffy and aerated that yes, one (8 oz) package of Cool Whip equals 2 cups. So you will have had enough Cool Whip. Hope this helps!
Hey everyone! Wal-Mart carries the pumpkin spice pudding! That’s where I found it. Hope that helps. Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving, Alicia!
Loved this!!!