Introduction
If there’s a dessert that captures comfort, elegance, and nostalgia all in one bite, it’s the Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush. Creamy layers of smooth cheesecake filling, crunchy pecans, and a sweet cherry topping make this a show-stopper at any gathering. Whether it’s for holidays, birthdays, or Sunday family dinners, this no-bake dessert will steal the spotlight — and hearts.
A Little History
The term “lush dessert” first became popular in the mid-20th century when homemakers began layering puddings, whipped cream, and crusts for easy, no-bake desserts. Over time, many variations emerged — lemon lush, chocolate lush, and strawberry lush. This Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush takes inspiration from those classic Southern recipes but adds a nutty pecan crust and tangy cheesecake base for modern richness and flavor.
Ingredients
For the Pecan Crust:
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- ½ cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons sugar
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (to balance sweetness)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
For the Cherry Layer:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Optional Topping:
- Extra whipped topping
- Chopped pecans for garnish
- Fresh cherries for decoration
Instructions
see continuation on next page
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