Cherry Cheesecake Lush

My cherry cheesecake lush is rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. With simple layers of graham cracker crust, cheesecake filling, juicy cherries, and whipped topping, it’s the perfect no-bake dessert for any occasion.

Creamy, Dreamy, and So Easy

• No Oven Needed: Let the fridge do the work! This easy no-bake dessert is perfect for warm days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: It gets even better as it chills, so it’s great for holidays, parties, or anytime you want dessert ready to go.
• Always a Hit: Creamy, sweet, and full of cherry cheesecake flavor, this is the kind of dessert everyone goes back for seconds!

Helpful Tips and Variations

• Switch the Crust: Graham crackers are classic, but vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies also work. If you swap the crust, skip the added sugar and just mix the crumbs with butter.
• Pudding Mix: Instant vanilla pudding works too. For a homemade cheesecake layer, beat 16 ounces softened cream cheese, ¾ cup sugar, and 2 teaspoons vanilla until smooth. Chill for 30 minutes before layering.
• Adjust the Cherry Topping: Use 1 can for a thinner layer, 1 ⅔ cans like I did, or 2 full cans for extra cherry flavor. More filling may make the slices softer.
• Use Homemade Whipped Cream: Beat 2 ½ cups cold heavy cream with ½ cup powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, then spread it over the cherry layer.
• Add Crunch: Top with crushed graham crackers or sliced almonds, walnuts, or pecans for extra texture.

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Lush

1. Make the Crust: In a large bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter until the mixture looks like damp sand. Press the crumbs firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, then chill for at least 30 minutes.
2. Mix the Pudding Layer: In a separate mixing bowl, combine cheesecake pudding mix and milk with a hand mixer until smooth and thick, about 2 minutes. Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
3. Add the Cherries: Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer, then spread it evenly.
4. Add the Whipped Topping: Gently spread the whipped topping over the cherry pie filling until smooth.
5. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. Add a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs or slivered almonds on top of the cherry cheesecake lush, if desired.

Must Have Tools For This Recipe

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Allows you to see all the beautiful layers, and the lid makes it easy to cover and chill the dessert before serving.
• Hand Mixer: It helps prevent lumps in the pudding mixture and allows it to thicken quickly.