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Cherry Cheesecake Lush Dessert
Caroline

Cherry Cheesecake Lush Dessert

This cherry cheesecake lush dessert is a cool, creamy layered treat made with a buttery vanilla wafer crust, smooth cheesecake filling, vanilla pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and sweet cherry pie filling. It’s an easy, no-fuss dessert perfect for gatherings and make-ahead occasions.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 squares
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/3 cups cherry pie filling
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 1/3 cups pecans, chopped
  • 3 1/3 cups vanilla wafer cookie crumbs (about 76 cookies)
  • 4 cups Cool Whip, divided
  • 2 packages cream cheese (8 oz each), softened
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 packages vanilla instant pudding mix (3.4 oz each)

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • mixing bowls
  • electric mixer or whisk
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Mix the vanilla wafer cookie crumbs with the melted butter and press firmly into the prepared baking dish.
  3. Bake the crust for 15 minutes, then allow it to cool completely.
  4. Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth, then gently fold in 2 cups of the Cool Whip.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and pudding mix until thickened, then fold in the remaining Cool Whip.
  6. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
  7. Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  8. Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the cherries.
  9. Top with the remaining Cool Whip and sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top.
  10. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.

Notes

For the cleanest layers, chill between steps if your kitchen is warm. This dessert is best served cold and is ideal for parties, holidays, and make-ahead entertaining.