Hello, dessert enthusiasts! I am so excited to share a recipe with you today. The Cherry Cheesecake Lush. If you enjoy creamy desserts, with a mix of sweet and tangy flavors then you absolutely must give this treat a try.
Picture this creation, a delicious blend of buttery graham cracker and pecan crust layered with velvety cheesecake and delightful cherry goodness. Each bite offers a combination of textures and flavors from the crunch of the crust to the smoothness of the cream cheese all enhanced by the burst of tangy cherries. This dessert is guaranteed to leave you satisfied and wanting more.
Before we get into the recipe let me answer some burning questions that may be, on your mind:
What makes this Cherry Cheesecake Lush so special?
Besides its taste this dessert is sure to please any crowd.
Whether you’re throwing a dinner soirée or just having a night, in with your loved ones the timeless pairing of cheesecake and cherries is guaranteed to captivate and please anyone lucky enough to savor it.
Is this recipe hard to make?
Not at all, my friend! Despite its decadent appearance this Cherry Cheesecake Lush is surprisingly simple to whip up. With a handful of ingredients and a bit of baking know how you can craft a dessert that rivals those from a professional bakery.
Can I use canned cherries?
Absolutely! While fresh cherries are lovely when they’re in season frozen or canned cherries work well in this recipe. Just remember to adjust the sugar and liquid quantities accordingly since fresh cherries are typically sweeter and juicier.
How long will this dessert keep?
This Cherry Cheesecake Lush is best savored fresh and chilled when its textures and flavors are, at their finest. However if you happen to have leftovers they can be refrigerated for 3 4 days. Simply cover the dish tightly with wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
What makes this dessert so special?
The Cherry Cheesecake Lush stands out due, to its blend of flavors and textures. The velvety cheesecake layer offers a foundation, complemented by the zesty cherry topping that delivers a burst of freshness. The crust, made with buttery graham crackers and pecans brings all the elements together in a symphony of taste.
Now lets dive into the part – the recipe that will make your taste buds dance with delight!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Prep Time: 4 hours and 35 minutes (including time)
Ingredients:
- Crust:
- 1 cup of vanilla wafer crumbs ( 100 grams)
- 1 cup of finely chopped pecans (about 112 grams)
- 1 stick of unsalted butter melted (113 grams)
- Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 ounces of softened cream cheese (about 227 grams)
- 1 cup of powdered sugar (about 120 grams)
- Half the whipped topping, about 8 ounces (227 grams)
- Pudding Layer:
- Two boxes of cheesecake flavored instant pudding mix each weighing about 3.4 ounces or approximately96 grams
- 3 cups of milk (720 milliliters)
- Cherry Topping:
- One can of cherry pie filling, weighing around21 ounces or approximately595 grams
- Half a cup of chopped pecans about56grams
Instructions:
- Crust Preparation:
- Heat your oven to350°F(177°C). In a mixing bowl combine the vanilla wafer crumbs, chopped pecans and melted butter until they form a crumbly mixture.
- Press this mixture into a9x13 inch(23×33 cm) baking pan evenly to create a crust.
- Bake the crust for15 minutes then let it cool completely after removing it from the oven.
- Lets start by making the cheesecake layer:
- Using a mixer beat the cream cheese until it turns smooth and creamy.
- Slowly incorporate the sugar into the mixture ensuring there are no lumps left.
- Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups (340 g) of whipped topping until it blends in completely.
- Evenly spread the cheesecake mixture, over the crust using a spatula to smoothen out the top.
- Moving on to preparing the pudding layer:
- Whisk together the cheesecake flavored pudding mixes and milk in another bowl until you get an thickened consistency.
- Carefully fold in 1 cup (227 g) of whipped topping until everything is well mixed.
- Spread the pudding mixture over the cheesecake layer evenly to create a layer.
- Now lets add the cherry topping:
- Gently spread out the cherry pie filling over the pudding layer making sure that cherries are evenly distributed.
- Top off with whipped topping over the cherry layer spreading it out smoothly for a finish.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans over the whipped topping, for a crunch and nutty scent.
- Chill your creation before serving! Enjoy!Wrap the Cherry Cheesecake Lush with either plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in the refrigerator, for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to blend the flavors and allow the dessert to set properly. When you’re ready to serve cut it into squares or bars. Relish this delightful treat chilled, savoring the mix of flavors and textures in each bite.
Cooking tips :
- For an sturdier crust opt for 1 1/4 cups of vanilla wafer crumbs of just 1 cup.
- To give your cheesecake layer a tangy kick consider adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture.
- Get creative by trying out pie fillings or fruit toppings like blueberry, strawberry or even lemon curd to craft your distinct flavor combinations.
- For an added touch of indulgence drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the top before serving.
- Leftover portions can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 5 days. Note that the graham cracker and pecan crust might lose some crunchiness after a couple of days.
- For a playful presentation twist consider serving this dessert in individual mason jars. Ramekins, for an visually appealing treat.
