Dessert

Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush Recipe

ByHarry Bern November 3, 2025November 3, 2025

Introduction

Cherry Pecan Cheesecake Lush is a delightful no-bake dessert that combines creamy cheesecake filling, sweet cherry topping, and crunchy pecans all layered over a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s perfect for gatherings or a special treat any time you want something rich yet easy to make.

This image shows a square dessert with three clear layers placed on a wooden surface. The bottom layer is a crumbly, brown crust with a rough texture. The middle layer is thick, creamy, and white, smooth in texture. The top layer is a bright red, glossy jelly or fruit topping, sprinkled with small pieces of chopped nuts in light brown and creamy white colors. On top of this, there are three shiny, fresh cherries with green stems standing upright. In the background, there is a white bowl with more cherries and a blurred white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
¾ cup toasted pecans
½ cup melted butter
2 tbsp sugar
8 oz cream cheese
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 ½ cups whipped topping
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
2 cups whipped topping (for top layer)
¼ cup chopped pecans
3–4 fresh cherries (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the crushed graham crackers, toasted pecans, melted butter, and sugar. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan to form the crust. Chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of whipped topping until fully combined. Spread this cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled crust.
Step 3: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer. Then spread the remaining 2 cups of whipped topping on top, smoothing it to create a clean finish.
Step 4: Sprinkle the top with chopped toasted pecans and garnish with fresh cherries if desired. Refrigerate the entire dessert for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to set properly before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a deeper nutty flavor, toast pecans lightly before adding to the crust and as a garnish.
Substitute fresh strawberries or blueberries for the cherry pie filling for a different seasonal twist.
Use low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping for a lighter version of this dessert.

Storage

Store the cheesecake lush covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as the whipped topping may separate. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes for best texture.

How to Serve

A square dessert bar with three clear layers is shown close up. The bottom layer is crumbly and light brown, looking like a nutty or graham cracker crust. The middle layer is thick, smooth, and creamy white, acting as a soft filling. The top layer is a shiny, deep red fruit glaze with a slightly chunky texture, covered with small pieces of chopped nuts. On top, there are three bright red cherries with green stems standing upright. The dessert sits on a wooden surface with a blurred white marbled texture background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this cheesecake lush actually benefits from chilling overnight as it allows the flavors to meld and the filling to set properly.

Is it possible to use a different crust?

Absolutely. You can use chocolate cookie crumbs or crushed nuts if you prefer a different base. Just be sure to combine with melted butter to hold the crust together.