Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-Bake Convenience: Ideal for warm days or when you want a quick dessert without using the oven.
- Layered Delight: Combines a crunchy cookie base, smooth cheesecake filling, and fruity cherry topping for a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its appealing presentation and delicious taste make it a hit at parties and family dinners.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different fruit toppings or crust variations to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Golden Oreo cookies
- Unsalted butter, melted
- Cream cheese, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Frozen whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
- Cheesecake-flavored instant pudding mix
- Whole milk
- Cherry pie filling
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for topping)
Directions
-
Prepare the Crust:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Crush the Golden Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor.
- Mix the crumbs with melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form an even layer.
- Place the crust in the freezer for about 10 minutes to set.
-
Cheesecake Layer:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add granulated sugar and continue to beat until well combined and creamy.
- Fold in 1 cup of the thawed whipped topping until smooth.
- Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Return the dish to the freezer for another 10 minutes to firm up.
-
Pudding Layer:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cheesecake-flavored instant pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Gently fold in ½ cup of the whipped topping until well incorporated.
- Spread this pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer evenly.
- Refrigerate the dish for about 30 minutes to allow the pudding layer to set.
-
Cherry Topping:
- Once the pudding layer is set, evenly spread the cherry pie filling over the top.
-
Final Layer:
- Spread the remaining whipped topping over the cherry layer, creating a smooth and even finish.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts if desired for added texture and flavor.
-
Chill and Serve:
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or until all layers are firm and set.
- Once chilled, slice into squares and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 12
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: At least 1-2 hours
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes (including active prep and chilling)
Variations
- Fruit Toppings: Substitute cherry pie filling with blueberry, strawberry, or apple pie filling for a different flavor profile.
- Crust Options: Use graham cracker crumbs, vanilla wafers, or chocolate sandwich cookies instead of Golden Oreos for a unique twist.
- Nut-Free Version: Omit the nuts on top or replace them with chocolate shavings or additional cookie crumbs.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Replace frozen whipped topping with freshly whipped cream for a homemade touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While not recommended due to potential texture changes, if necessary, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
What is a lush dessert?
A lush dessert typically consists of layered components, including a crust (often made from cookies or graham crackers), a creamy filling, a pudding layer, and a topping such as whipped cream and fruit. It’s known for its rich texture and layered flavors.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, Cherry Cheesecake Lush can be prepared a day in advance. In fact, allowing it to chill overnight can enhance the flavors and ensure the layers are well set.
Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Homemade cherry pie filling can provide a fresher taste and allow you to control the sweetness. Simply substitute an equal amount of your homemade filling for the canned version.
Is there a substitute for cheesecake-flavored pudding mix?
If cheesecake-flavored pudding mix is unavailable, you can use
PrintCherry Cheesecake Lush
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry Cheesecake Lush is a no-bake dessert featuring layers of creamy cheesecake filling, tangy cherry topping, and a buttery cookie crust. Perfect for gatherings, this easy-to-make treat is a crowd favorite with its delightful blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
- Crust:
- 1 package (approx. 14 oz) Golden Oreo cookies, crushed
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed
- Pudding Layer:
- 2 packages (3.4 oz each) cheesecake-flavored instant pudding mix
- 3 cups cold whole milk
- ½ cup frozen whipped topping, thawed
- Topping:
- 2 cans (21 oz each) cherry pie filling
- Remaining whipped topping from an 8 oz container
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Crust:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Crush Golden Oreos into fine crumbs.
- Mix with melted butter and press into the dish.
- Freeze for 10 minutes to set.
-
Cheesecake Layer:
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Fold in 1 cup whipped topping.
- Spread over the crust and freeze for 10 minutes.
-
Pudding Layer:
- Whisk pudding mix with cold milk until thickened.
- Fold in ½ cup whipped topping.
- Spread over the cheesecake layer and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
-
Cherry Topping & Final Layer:
- Spread cherry pie filling over the pudding layer.
- Top with remaining whipped topping.
- Sprinkle with nuts if using.
-
Chill & Serve:
- Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving.
- Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute cheesecake pudding mix with vanilla pudding + extra 2 oz cream cheese.
- Use graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or chocolate cookies for a crust variation.
- Replace frozen whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze individual portions for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1-2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American