Cherry Cheesecake Lush is a dessert that effortlessly combines the rich, creamy flavor of cheesecake with the sweet and tart burst of cherry pie filling, all atop a crunchy cookie crust. This no-bake dessert is perfect for warm days when you want something delicious without turning on the oven. I first encountered this delightful dish at a family gathering, where my aunt served it as a surprise dessert. The layers of flavor and texture were a hit with everyone, and it quickly became a requested treat for all our get-togethers. This dessert is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a centerpiece at any event.
Ingredients
1-14 ounce package of golden Oreos, crushed in a processor
⅓ cup salted butter, melted
1 tbsp butter for preparing the pan
8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
¾ cup white sugar
16 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed (divided use)
2 small boxes of cheesecake flavored instant pudding mix
3 cups whole milk
2 large cans of cherry pie filling
1 cup chopped pecans or chopped walnuts
Instructions
Preparing the Crust
Prepare the Baking Dish:
Butter the inside of a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will ensure that the dessert doesn’t stick to the pan and makes serving easier.
Crush the Cookies:
In a food processor, crush the golden Oreos until they form small crumbs. This will be the base layer of your lush dessert.
Combine Crumbs and Butter:
Add the melted butter to the cookie crumbs in the food processor and pulse until well combined. The mixture should have the consistency of wet sand.
Form the Crust:
Press the cookie mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to press down firmly, ensuring the crust is even and compact.
Place the crust in the freezer for 10 minutes to set while you prepare the filling.
Making the Cream Cheese Layer
Mix Cream Cheese Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, ¾ cup of white sugar, and 1 cup of the thawed whipped topping. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Spread Over Crust:
Remove the crust from the freezer. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cookie crust. Smooth it out with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
Place the dish back in the freezer for another 10 minutes to firm up the cream cheese layer.
Preparing the Pudding Layer
Mix Pudding:
In another bowl, combine the 2 packages of cheesecake flavored instant pudding mix with 3 cups of whole milk and ½ cup of the thawed whipped topping. Using a whisk, mix until the pudding begins to thicken. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Layer the Pudding:
Spread the pudding mixture over the chilled cream cheese layer, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
Chill the entire dish in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until the pudding is set.
Adding the Cherry Pie Filling
Add Cherry Filling:
After the pudding has set, carefully pour the cherry pie filling over the pudding layer. Be gentle to avoid mixing the layers. Use a spoon to spread the filling evenly across the top.
Finishing the Dessert
Top with Whipped Topping:
Spread the remaining thawed whipped topping over the cherry pie filling, creating a smooth and even top layer.
Add Nuts:
Sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts evenly over the whipped topping for a crunchy texture and added flavor.
Chill the Dessert:
Chill the completed dessert in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours before serving. This allows all the layers to set properly and the flavors to meld together.
Serving
Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, slice the Cherry Cheesecake Lush into squares and serve. The layers should be distinct and visually appealing, with the vibrant red cherries creating a beautiful contrast against the creamy white layers and golden crust.
Variations and Substitutions
Cookie Crust Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use graham crackers, chocolate cookies, or any other favorite cookie in place of the golden Oreos.
Fruit Filling Options: Substitute the cherry pie filling with blueberry, strawberry, or apple pie filling for a different flavor profile.
Nut-Free Option: If you need a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts or replace them with a nut-free granola for crunch.
Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese, milk, and whipped topping to make this dessert suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Conclusion
Cherry Cheesecake Lush is an incredibly appealing dessert for many reasons. Its layered structure combines multiple textures and flavors, making every bite a delightful experience. The combination of creamy cheesecake filling, rich pudding, sweet cherry pie filling, and a crunchy cookie crust creates a balanced dessert that is both rich and refreshing.
This recipe is also highly adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or dietary needs. The no-bake aspect makes it a convenient choice for hot days when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a holiday meal, or just a special treat for yourself, Cherry Cheesecake Lush is sure to impress and satisfy.
Creating this dessert is a joy, as it involves simple steps and yields a visually stunning and delicious final product. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy making and eating this luscious, delightful Cherry Cheesecake Lush.
