Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush

 

Creamy. Crunchy. Sweet. Tart. Absolute perfection in a pan.

This Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush is one of those desserts that disappears faster than you can slice it.
The combination of a buttery pecan-graham crust, silky cheesecake layer, fluffy whipped topping, and glossy cherry pie filling creates the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert.

Let’s get into the full recipe — long, detailed, and ready for posting!

Ingredients

For the Pecan Graham Crust

• 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers
• 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans, lightly toasted
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Layer

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream or 1 container Cool Whip (8 oz)

For the Pudding Layer (optional but recommended)

• 1 box instant vanilla pudding (3.4 oz)
• 1 1/2 cups cold milk

For the Topping

• 1 can cherry pie filling (21 oz)
• Additional chopped pecans for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Crust (the base that holds everything together)

1. In a medium bowl, combine:
   – crushed graham crackers
   – toasted pecans
   – melted butter
   – granulated sugar
2. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish.
4. Chill in the fridge 10–15 minutes to set.

2. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer (smooth & creamy)

1. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free.
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; beat again until creamy.
3. If using whipped cream:
   • Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold gently into the cream cheese mixture.
     If using Cool Whip:
   • Fold it directly into the cream cheese mixture.
4. Spread this layer evenly over the chilled crust.
5. Refrigerate while preparing the next layer.

3. Make the Pudding Layer (optional but adds amazing thickness)

1. Whisk instant pudding mix with cold milk for about 2 minutes until thick.
2. Spread the pudding on top of the cheesecake layer.
3. Chill again for 10 minutes.

4. Add the Cherry Topping

Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top.
Make sure every corner has cherries — that’s where the flavor pops!

5. Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better).
This helps all the layers firm up and gives the flavors time to blend beautifully.

Chef Tips for a Perfect Cheesecake Lush

Toast the pecans lightly — it makes a HUGE difference in flavor
Make sure the cream cheese is softened so the mixture comes out smooth
Chill between layers so they don’t mix together
Use real whipped cream for the fluffiest texture
Let it set overnight for clean, beautiful slices

How to Serve It

• Cold from the fridge
• Topped with extra toasted pecans
• With a scoop of vanilla ice cream (yes, extra indulgence!)
• At potlucks, holidays, birthdays, or anytime you want to impress

Engagement Caption (if you want it for posting):

“If this Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush doesn’t get interaction, I might stop posting
This is one of the BEST layered desserts I’ve ever made — buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, silky pudding, and sweet cherries. Who wants a slice?”