Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush
A no-bake, crowd-pleasing layered dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, cool pudding filling, and glossy cherry topping, all finished with a satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. An impressive dessert that requires no oven and can be made ahead of time.
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 380kcal
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (for the crust)
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), plus extra for garnish if desired
- 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant cheesecake pudding mix
- 2 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (for the topping)
Instructions
- Make the crust. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, the 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans, and the melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Prepare the cheesecake layer. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until fully incorporated. Spread this mixture over the crust.
- Prepare the pudding layer. In another large bowl, prepare the instant cheesecake pudding mix according to the package instructions, using 2 1/2 cups of cold milk. Once cooked and cooled slightly, gently fold in the remaining 1/2 cup of whipped topping. Spread this over the cheesecake layer.
- Add the cherry pie filling. Spread the cherry pie filling over the pudding layer, followed by the 1/2 cup chopped pecans for added texture.
- Chill the dessert for at least 2 hours before serving. Serve chilled, optionally garnished with additional whipped topping and extra pecans.
Notes
This dessert can be prepared the day before serving to save time.
Ensure the cream cheese is softened properly for an even texture in the cheesecake layer.
Use fresh or store-bought cherry pie filling without added alcohol if necessary.
For a halal version, ensure the gelatin used in the whipped topping and pudding mix is halal-certified.
Ensure the cream cheese is softened properly for an even texture in the cheesecake layer.
Use fresh or store-bought cherry pie filling without added alcohol if necessary.
For a halal version, ensure the gelatin used in the whipped topping and pudding mix is halal-certified.