Cherry Cheesecake Lush
Cherry Cheesecake Lush is a no-bake, layered dessert with creamy cheesecake filling, crunchy cookie crust, and sweet cherry topping—perfect for any occasion!
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 14.3 oz vanilla sandwich cookies approximately 36 cookies, 2 ½ cups when crushed
- 1/3 cup salted butter melted and cooled, plus more for greasing dish
- 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 16 oz frozen whipped topping Cool Whip, defrosted and divided
- 2 packages cheesecake flavored instant pudding mix 3.4 oz each
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cans cherry pie filling 21 oz each
- 1 cup pecans chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Cookie Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9x13 inch baking dish with a bit of butter. In a food processor, crush the vanilla sandwich cookies until they resemble fine crumbs (about 2 ½ cups). In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed cookies with the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Create the Base Layer
- Press the cookie mixture firmly into the bottom of the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly and compactly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool completely.
Make the Cream Cheese Layer
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Gently fold in half of the thawed whipped topping (8 oz) until well incorporated. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled cookie crust.
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- In another bowl, whisk together the cheesecake flavored instant pudding mix and whole milk. Stir until the mixture thickens, about 2 minutes. Fold in the remaining whipped topping until smooth. Pour this cheesecake layer over the cream cheese layer and spread evenly.
Add the Cherry Topping
- Open the cans of cherry pie filling and spoon it over the cheesecake layer, spreading evenly. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the cherry topping if desired.
Chill and Serve
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld. Slice into squares and serve chilled.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Food processor or zip-top bag
Notes
- Use gluten-free cookies and dairy-free substitutes for allergy-friendly versions.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cream cheese layer.
- Chill the dessert thoroughly for best texture and flavor melding.
- Be gentle when folding in whipped topping to maintain light texture.
- Freeze the cheesecake layers before adding cherry topping for longer storage.