Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush: The Ultimate Dessert You’ll Crave

Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen only to end up with desserts that don’t wow your guests? We’ve all been there putting in effort for lackluster results. That’s why I’m thrilled to share my Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush recipe with you a showstopping layered dessert that delivers incredible flavor with surprisingly little effort.

Hi, I’m Michael, the heart behind Foodydish! When I first created this Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush, it was for my mother’s birthday celebration. The look of pure joy on everyone’s faces as they took their first bite told me this recipe was something special. The perfect balance of creamy cheesecake, crunchy pecans, and sweet-tart cherries creates a dessert experience you’ll absolutely crave.

With over 15 years of developing no-bake desserts, I’ve refined this recipe to perfection. In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the best ingredients, layering techniques for maximum visual impact, and make-ahead tips for stress-free entertaining. Get ready to create your new favorite dessert!

Why This Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush Recipe Works

• Uses simple, affordable ingredients you can find at any grocery store
• No baking required just layer and chill for maximum convenience
• Versatile dessert that impresses at dinner parties, potlucks, or family gatherings
• Make-ahead friendly actually tastes better when prepared a day in advance
• Easily customizable with different fruit toppings or crust options

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush

Best Ingredients for Cheesecake Layer

The heart of this Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush is the creamy cheesecake layer. For the smoothest, most luxurious texture, choose full-fat cream cheese that’s properly softened to room temperature. Brick-style Philadelphia cream cheese produces the most reliable results, but any quality brand will work well.

Cherry Topping Selection

While you can use homemade cherry pie filling, a quality store-bought version saves time without sacrificing flavor. Look for cherry pie filling made with whole cherries rather than cherry-flavored gel with minimal fruit. For a premium version, seek out fillings with Montmorency tart cherries for the perfect sweet-tart balance.

Pecan Quality Matters

Freshness is crucial when it comes to the pecans in your Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush. Always check the expiration date and give them a quick sniff test they should smell nutty, never rancid. For enhanced flavor, consider lightly toasting your pecans before incorporating them into the crust.

Ingredients & Prep for Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush

Crust Components

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup finely chopped pecans
• ½ cup melted butter
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Cheesecake Layer

• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 16 oz whipped topping (divided)

Cherry Topping

• 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
• ½ cup chopped pecans for garnish
• Additional whipped topping for decoration

Step-by-Step Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep for Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush

1. Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for at least 1 hour.
2. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by lightly greasing with butter or cooking spray.
3. Crush graham crackers in a food processor or place in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin.
4. Chop pecans finely for the crust and set aside additional pecans for garnish.

Creating the Perfect Crust for Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush

1. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, melted butter, and granulated sugar.
2. Mix until ingredients are fully incorporated and mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, using the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even layer.
4. Refrigerate crust for 30 minutes to set while preparing the filling.

Assembling Your Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until completely incorporated.
3. Gently fold in 8 oz of whipped topping until mixture is light and uniform.
4. Spread cheesecake mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
5. Top with cherry pie filling, spreading to cover the entire surface.
6. Dollop remaining whipped topping over the cherry layer.
7. Sprinkle with reserved chopped pecans.
8. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Serving Your Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush

For clean, beautiful slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush

Avoiding Common Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush Mistakes

• Temperature matters: Ensure your cream cheese is truly room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling
• Gentle folding technique: When incorporating whipped topping, fold gently to maintain airiness
• Patience with chilling: Allow full chilling time for flavors to meld and texture to set properly
• Clean cutting: For presentation-worthy slices, clean your knife between each cut

Tool Recommendations for Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush

• 9×13 glass baking dish for elegant serving
• Offset spatula for smooth, even layers
• Stand mixer or high-quality hand mixer for perfect cream cheese filling
• Rubber spatula for folding in whipped topping without deflating

Storage & Make-Ahead Options for Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush

This Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush actually improves with time, making it perfect for make-ahead entertaining. It can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. For longer storage, cover tightly and freeze for up to 1 month, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Love this recipe? Find more delicious dessert ideas on my Pinterest page follow along for weekly inspiration that will make your mouth water!

Flavor Variations for Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush

Seasonal Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush Adaptations

• Summer Berry Bliss: Substitute fresh blueberry or strawberry pie filling
• Fall Harvest: Replace cherries with apple pie filling and add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the crust
• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake layer and drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving

Dietary Adaptations for Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust
• Lighter Version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping
• Dairy-Free Possibility: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped topping

Serving Suggestions for Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush

• Pair with coffee or hot tea for an afternoon treat
• Serve alongside a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert
• For special occasions, garnish with chocolate-covered cherries and gold edible sprinkles
• Create a dessert bar with this Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush as the centerpiece, flanked by cookies and brownies

FAQs About Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush

Can I make Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush without nuts?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pecans from both the crust and topping. Consider adding extra graham crackers to the crust to maintain the proper texture.

How far in advance can I make this dessert?
This dessert can be made up to 2 days in advance. In fact, many people find the flavors improve after sitting overnight in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush?
Yes! This dessert freezes beautifully for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

My cheesecake layer is lumpy. What happened?
The most common cause is cream cheese that wasn’t soft enough. Make sure it sits at room temperature until truly softened, about 1-2 hours depending on your kitchen temperature.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
While you can substitute freshly whipped cream stabilized with gelatin, store-bought whipped topping provides better structure and longer-lasting results.

Conclusion

Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush is more than just a dessert it’s a showstopping crowd-pleaser that combines convenience with incredible flavor. The contrast between creamy cheesecake, tart cherries, and crunchy pecans creates a dessert experience that’s truly special.

I hope you’ll give this Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush a try at your next gathering! It’s become my most-requested dessert for good reason. With just a bit of assembly and patience for chilling, you’ll create a dessert that has everyone asking for the recipe.

Join the thousands of home cooks who’ve made this their go-to dessert for special occasions and everyday treats alike. Don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing your experience or any creative variations you try!

Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush: The Ultimate Dessert You’ll Crave

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• Author: Michael
• Total Time: 4 hrs 35 mins (including chilling)
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

An indulgent layered dessert with a buttery pecan crust, creamy cheesecake layer, cherry pie topping, and fluffy whipped cream  a sweet, nutty delight that’s sure to impress.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, divided

1 (3.4 oz) package instant cheesecake pudding mix

1 1/2 cups cold milk

1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling

Extra chopped pecans for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).

2. Combine flour, chopped pecans, and melted butter in a bowl.

3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

4. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool completely.

5. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

6. Fold in half of the whipped topping and spread over the cooled crust.

7. In another bowl, whisk pudding mix with milk until thickened; spread over the cream cheese layer.

8. Top with cherry pie filling.

9. Spread remaining whipped topping over the top and sprinkle with chopped pecans.

10. Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.

Notes

You can substitute blueberry or strawberry pie filling for variety.

Toast the pecans lightly before using for a richer flavor.

This dessert can be made a day ahead — perfect for parties and holidays.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Layered / Chilled
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece
• Calories: 425
• Sugar: 27g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: cherry pecan cheesecake lush, layered dessert, no bake cheesecake, cherry dessert, holiday dessert