Introduction
Cherry Cheesecake Lush is a delightful dessert that combines the best elements of a cheesecake with a lush, creamy texture. It’s a no-bake.
easy-to-make treat that will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth while being perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to summer picnics.
The layers of rich cream cheese filling, buttery crust, and sweet cherry topping create an irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
1 package (14 ounces) of golden Oreos, crushed.
1/3 cup melted salted butter.
1 tablespoon butter for greasing the pan.
8 ounces cream cheese, softened.
3/4 cup granulated sugar.
16 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed.
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 walnuts.
Instructions
Start by preparing the crust. In a medium-sized bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are well coated.
Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form a compact, even crust. Place the dish in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
Next, prepare the cream cheese filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract
continuing to mix until fully combined and smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping, ensuring that the mixture is light and airy.
Once the cream cheese filling is ready, spread it evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula.
to smooth the filling into an even layer. Be sure the filling reaches the edges for a consistent texture in every bite.
Now, add the final topping layer. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cheesecake mixture, spreading it evenly across.
the surface. The vibrant red cherries add a pop of color and flavor, balancing the richness of the cream cheese layer.
After assembling the layers, cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight. This helps the dessert set and allows the flavors to meld together.
Once chilled, slice and serve the Cherry Cheesecake Lush. You can garnish each slice with extra whipped topping or fresh cherries for an added touch.
This dessert is perfect for making ahead of time, as the longer it sits in the fridge, the better the flavors combine.
It’s a great option when you need a dessert that requires little prep time but still looks and tastes amazing.
How to Make
Making Cherry Cheesecake Lush is simple and requires just a few steps. Start with creating the crust by combining graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
Press the mixture into a baking dish to form an even base, then chill the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
Next, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gently fold in the whipped topping to add a light, airy texture. Once the filling is prepared, spread it evenly on top of the crust, smoothing it out with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
Top the cheesecake filling with a generous amount of cherry pie filling, spreading it out evenly across the top.
Cover the dish and refrigerate it for several hours to let the dessert set properly.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity—there’s no baking involved, and it requires minimal ingredients.
Just follow the layering process and let the dessert do the rest while it chills and firms up in the fridge.
When ready to serve, simply cut into squares and enjoy the rich, creamy, and fruity dessert that’s bound to be a hit with everyone. It’s a no-fuss, impressive treat that you can prepare in advance for any event.
Tips
For a healthier twist, you can use a low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping. This can reduce the calorie count while still maintaining the delicious creaminess of the dessert.
If you prefer a different topping, you can substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruits such as blueberries
strawberries, or mixed berries. The fruit provides a sweet and tangy contrast to the creamy cheesecake layers.
To make the crust extra flavorful, you can add a pinch of cinnamon to the graham cracker crumbs, giving it a warm, spiced undertone that pairs well with the rich filling.
If you don’t have graham crackers on hand, you can use other cookies like Oreos or shortbread cookies to make a different.
variation of the crust. Just crush the cookies finely and follow the same method for the crust.
For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a little bit of lemon zest or fresh lemon juice to the cream cheese filling.
It will give the dessert a light, citrusy flavor that complements the richness of the cheesecake.
If you want to make the dessert look more festive, try garnishing each serving with extra whipped topping and a fresh cherry or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture and visual appeal.
Lastly, remember that this dessert needs time to set in the fridge. Don’t skip the chilling step, as it helps the flavors blend and ensures a smooth, cohesive texture when serving.
Conclusion
Cherry Cheesecake Lush is an easy, no-bake dessert that brings together creamy cheesecake, buttery crust, and a sweet cherry topping for a deliciously indulgent treat.
Its simplicity and versatility make it perfect for various occasions, and it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a show-stopping dessert that’s both satisfying and refreshing. It’s the kind of dessert that will leave everyone coming back for more!