1. Introduction
Welcome to the delightful world of desserts where the Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Lush reigns supreme! This dessert is not just a treat for your taste buds, but an experience for your senses. Imagine a layer of crunchy vanilla wafer and pecan crust, topped with a velvety cream cheese layer, followed by smooth cheesecake pudding, all crowned with succulent cherry pie filling and a sprinkle of chopped pecans. This recipe is perfect for those special family gatherings or just a night in where you want to indulge in something extraordinarily delicious.
2. Ingredients
- 1 cup vanilla wafer crumbs
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1 stick butter (½ cup), melted
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 16 oz. whipped topping, divided
- 2 small boxes cheesecake flavored pudding
- 3 cups milk
- 1 can Lucky Leaf Cherry Pie Filling
- ½ cup chopped pecans for topping
3. Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine vanilla wafer crumbs, 1 cup finely chopped pecans, and melted butter. Press this mixture into a 9×13 inch baking pan and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
4. How to Prepare
While the crust is cooling, in a separate bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 ½ cups of the whipped topping until smooth. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust. In another bowl, whisk together the cheesecake pudding mix, milk, and 1 cup of whipped topping until smooth. Spread this over the cream cheese layer in the pan.
5. Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Additional time for cooling and setting: about 2 hours
6. Servings
This recipe makes enough to serve approximately 12 people.
7. FAQs
Q: Can I make this dessert ahead of time? A: Absolutely! It’s best when chilled for a few hours.
Q: Can I use a different type of pie filling? A: Yes, feel free to experiment with other pie fillings like blueberry or strawberry.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option? A: Yes, use gluten-free vanilla wafers for the crust.
Q: Can I substitute the whipped topping? A: You can use homemade whipped cream as an alternative.
Q: How long can I store this dessert? A: It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
8. Conclusion
The Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Lush is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together to create a truly memorable experience. It’s a dessert that brings joy and comfort, perfect for any occasion or no occasion at all. Every bite of this lush dessert offers the creamy richness of cheesecake, the tartness of cherry pie filling, and the crunch of pecans, making it an irresistible treat. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make a dessert that will leave your guests asking for more!