Cherry Cheesecake Lush is a no-bake dessert that combines layers of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures to create a truly indulgent treat. This chilled dessert is perfect for gatherings, holidays, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort. The rich cream cheese layer blends perfectly with the sweet cherry topping, while the graham cracker crust and whipped layers offer a light, airy balance. Unlike traditional cheesecake, this recipe is much simpler and quicker to prepare, with all the flavor and satisfaction of the classic dessert. This dish stands out for its vibrant color, crowd-pleasing taste, and melt-in-your-mouth feel. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or just craving something sweet, Cherry Cheesecake Lush is the dessert that never disappoints.
Ingredients
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
• 1 (3.4 oz) package instant cheesecake pudding mix
• 1½ cups cold milk
• 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
• Extra whipped topping or graham cracker crumbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the mixture is evenly coated and resembles wet sand. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, using the back of a spoon or your hands to form a firm, even crust. Place the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the other layers.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in half of the whipped topping until fully incorporated. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to smooth it out and return the dish to the refrigerator.
- Prepare the pudding layer: In another bowl, whisk the instant cheesecake pudding mix with the cold milk. Continue whisking for 2 to 3 minutes until the pudding thickens. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then spread it evenly over the cream cheese layer. This layer adds a smooth and tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the other components.
- Add whipped topping: Spread the remaining half of the whipped topping over the pudding layer. Smooth it out gently without disturbing the layers below. This gives the dessert a light, airy finish and balances the richness of the cream cheese and pudding.
- Top with cherry filling: Carefully spoon the cherry pie filling over the whipped topping layer. Spread it gently with a spoon or offset spatula to cover the top completely. The bright red cherries give the dessert its signature look and add a sweet, fruity punch.
- Chill the dessert: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This helps all the layers set and enhances the flavor.
- Serve and garnish: Before serving, optionally garnish with additional whipped topping, a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, or even white chocolate shavings for extra flair. Cut into squares and serve chilled.