This Cherry Cheesecake Lush is a delightful no-bake dessert featuring layers of creamy cheesecake, cherry pie filling, and vanilla pudding on a vanilla wafer crust, topped with whipped cream and pecans. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and impossible to resist!
Ingredients:
- 1 and 1/3 cups cherry pie filling
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 and 1/3 cups chopped pecans
- 3 and 1/3 cups vanilla wafer cookie crumbs (about 76 cookies)
- 4 cups cool whip, divided
- 2 packages (8oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
- 2 cups milk
- 2 packages (3.4oz each) vanilla instant pudding mix
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
- Make the Crust:
- Crush vanilla wafers into fine crumbs until you have 3 and 1/3 cups.
- Mix the crumbs with the melted butter until coated.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes and allow to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
- In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Fold in 2 cups of the cool whip until fully incorporated. Set aside.
- Prepare the Pudding Layer:
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk and vanilla pudding mixes for 2 minutes until thickened.
- Let stand for 5 minutes to fully thicken, then fold in the remaining 2 cups cool whip.
- Assemble the Layers:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled vanilla wafer crust.
- Top with the cherry pie filling, spreading it evenly.
- Carefully spread the vanilla pudding mixture over the cherry pie filling layer.
- Top with the remaining 1 and 1/3 cups cool whip and sprinkle the pecans evenly over the top.
- Chill & Serve:
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes + 2 hours chilling
- Chill Time: At least 2 hours
- Kcal per serving: Approx. 400
- Servings: 12
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: Simple steps that anyone can follow.
- Delicious Layers: A perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and crunchy.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Great for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Popular Questions and Answers:
Q: Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling? A: Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you’ll need to cook them down with some sugar to create a similar consistency to pie filling.
Q: Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust? A: Yes, graham crackers or digestive biscuits can be used as an alternative to vanilla wafers.
How to Store It:
Store the Cherry Cheesecake Lush in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. For best results, keep it chilled until ready to serve