Description
Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush is a no-fuss, layered dessert featuring a buttery vanilla wafer-pecan crust, creamy cheesecake, fluffy pudding, sweet cherry pie topping, and a sprinkle of pecans. Perfect for parties or make-ahead treats.
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 1½ cups vanilla wafer crumbs
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- ½ cup (1 stick) melted unsalted butter
- For the cheesecake layer:
- 8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1½ cups whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
- For the pudding layer:
- 2 (3.4 oz) boxes cheesecake-flavored instant pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 cup whipped topping
- For the topping:
- 1 (21–22 oz) can cherry pie filling
- ½–1 cup remaining whipped topping
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Combine vanilla wafer crumbs, pecans, and melted butter. Press into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 10–15 minutes. Let cool completely.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and mix until well combined. Fold in 1½ cups whipped topping. Spread over cooled crust.
- In another bowl, whisk together pudding mixes and cold milk until thickened. Fold in 1 cup whipped topping. Spread over cheesecake layer.
- Top with cherry pie filling. Spread remaining whipped topping on top (if using). Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Slice into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- Use graham cracker crumbs or crushed shortbread cookies for the crust instead of vanilla wafers.
- Substitute cherry pie filling with blueberry, raspberry, or strawberry for variation.
- Omit pecans for a nut-free version or substitute with walnuts/almonds.
- Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the top for extra decadence.
- Assemble in mason jars for individual servings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (with baked crust)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
