Description

If you are a fan of both cherry pie and cheesecake, this Cherry Cheesecake Lush Dessert will quickly become a favorite. This no-bake, layered dessert offers a perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors, all packed into one irresistible treat. Its rich layers of cream cheese, cheesecake-flavored pudding, and cherry pie filling sit on a buttery vanilla wafer and pecan crust. Whether you're preparing a dessert for a family dinner, holiday celebration, or special occasion, this lush dessert is sure to impress everyone at the table. Best of all, it’s easy to make and doesn’t require much baking.

In this recipe, we’ll walk through each step to create this layered dessert that serves 12 people. Let’s dive into the ingredients and preparation process!

Ingredients

• For the crust:
• 1 cup vanilla wafer crumbs
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1 stick (½ cup) butter, melted
• For the cheesecake layers:
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 16 oz. whipped topping, divided
• 2 small boxes of cheesecake-flavored pudding mix
• 3 cups milk
• For the topping:
• 1 can Lucky Leaf Cherry Pie Filling
• ½ cup chopped pecans

Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium mixing bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, finely chopped pecans, and melted butter. Mix these ingredients well to ensure the crumbs are evenly coated with butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan to form the crust. Bake the crust for about 15 minutes, then remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

While the crust is cooling, start on the first creamy layer. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 ½ cups of the whipped topping. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. Once the crust has cooled, spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust. This forms the first layer of your dessert, adding a rich, creamy base.

Step 3: Prepare the Pudding Layer

Next, prepare the cheesecake-flavored pudding layer. In another bowl, combine the cheesecake pudding mix with 3 cups of cold milk and 1 cup of whipped topping. Stir the mixture until it becomes smooth and begins to thicken. Once the pudding mixture is ready, spread it evenly over the cream cheese layer in the pan. This pudding layer adds an additional creamy, cheesecake-like texture to the dessert.

Step 4: Add the Cherry Topping

Once the pudding layer is evenly spread, it’s time to add the cherry pie filling. Open the can of Lucky Leaf Cherry Pie Filling and spoon it evenly over the pudding layer. This will create the tangy and sweet cherry layer that perfectly complements the creamy layers below. The vibrant color and tart flavor of the cherries provide the dessert with an eye-catching and delicious finish.

Step 5: Final Touches

To finish the dessert, spread the remaining whipped topping over the cherry pie filling. This adds a light, fluffy layer that balances out the richness of the dessert. Finally, sprinkle the chopped pecans on top for an added crunch and a touch of nuttiness.

Step 6: Chill the Dessert

Before serving, refrigerate the Cherry Cheesecake Lush Dessert for at least 2 hours to allow all the layers to set and the flavors to meld together. This chilling time is essential for achieving the perfect texture in each bite.

Tips and Conclusion

Substituting the Crust: If you're not a fan of vanilla wafers, graham cracker crumbs can also work as a great base for this dessert.
Pecan-Free Option: If you have a nut allergy or prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the pecans from both the crust and topping, or replace them with crushed cookies.
Whipped Topping Alternative: If you prefer, you can use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping for a fresher taste. Simply whip 2 cups of heavy cream with a few tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Serving Suggestions: This dessert pairs beautifully with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce over the top, adding even more flavor to each serving.

Cherry Cheesecake Lush Dessert is a perfect blend of rich, creamy layers with a sweet and tangy cherry topping, making it a crowd-pleaser at any event. The crunchy vanilla wafer and pecan crust adds a delightful texture, while the cream cheese and pudding layers create a luxurious mouthfeel. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this easy-to-make dessert will surely satisfy your sweet tooth. Give it a try and experience the lusciousness for yourself!