Description
Cherry Lush is a no-bake layered dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake-like layer, sweet cherry pie filling, and fluffy whipped topping. This chilled treat is perfect for warm weather gatherings and is garnished with crunchy nuts for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Crust
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing)
- 12 graham crackers
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 16 ounces whipped topping, thawed (divided)
Topping
- 2 cans cherry pie filling (21-ounce cans)
- ¼ cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl by heating in 30-second intervals until fully melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with butter or shortening to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Crust: Add the graham crackers and brown sugar to a food processor and pulse until the crackers become fine crumbs. While the processor is running on low, slowly pour in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Form Crust Base: Pour the crumb mixture into the greased baking dish. Use the flat bottom of a glass or measuring cup to press the crumbs firmly and evenly into the base. Place the crust in the freezer for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up.
- Make Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add Whipped Topping: Fold half of the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture and beat on low speed until completely combined and smooth.
- Assemble Layers: Spoon the cheesecake mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust and spread smoothly. Then, evenly pour both cans of cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer and spread gently. Top off with the remaining whipped topping, smoothing carefully to keep the cherry layer separate.
- Chill Dessert: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.
- Add Nuts and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a crunchy finish. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to ensure a smooth cheesecake layer.
- Use thawed whipped topping; avoid using frozen as it will not blend as well.
- This dessert requires at least 6 hours of chilling—overnight chilling improves texture and flavor.
- Optional nuts can be substituted with your favorite nuts or omitted for nut allergies.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
