Indulge in layers of vanilla wafer crust, sweet cherry filling, silky cheesecake and airy vanilla pudding
witl my easy homemade Cherry Cheesecake Lush recipe. So creamy and delicious!
Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assernble the entire cheesecake lush up to 2 days in advance_ Just be sure to store it
covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Should the cream cheese be room temperature?
Yes, letting the cream cheese soften to room temperature before mixing makes for the smoothest, lump-
free filling_ If its too cold, small bits may remain unmixed.
What can I substitute for vanilla wafers?
Graham crackers or gingersnaps both make excellent substitutes. Just adjust the amount as needed to
fit your baking pan. Finely crush them into before mixing with the melted butter
Do I need to bake the cheesecake after assembly?
Nope! All the components (except the crust) are no-bake, so once ifs layered you can simply let it chill
thoroughly in the fridge before
How long will the cheesecake lush last refrigerated?
Properly stored in an airtight container, it will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge. The cookies may soften
over time but it wil still taste great!
Can I use a different flavored pie filling?
Absolutely! Cherry works wonderfilly but any 21-ounce can of pie filling like blueberry, strawberry or
ame can be substituted_ Just avoid chunkier fillings like peach.
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What size pan should I use?
A 9×13 inch baking pan is best to get the thickness and layering of ingredients. But any sirWlar size
casserole dish between 8*12 and 9*13 inches would work.
Ingredients:
• 1 and 1/3 cups cherry pie filling
1 cup sugar
• 1 and 1/3 cups chopped pecans
• 3 and 1/3 cups vanilla wafer cookie crumbs (about 76 cookies)
. 4 cups cool whip, divided
2 packages (Boz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
2 cups milk
• 2 packages (3.402 each) vanilla instant pudding mix
Instructions:
1_ Preheat the oven to 350’F. Grease a 9x 13 inch baking dish with butter_
2 Crush vaniUa wafers *Ito fine crumbs until you have 3 and 1/3 cups. Pour the vanilla wafer crumbs
into a bowl and mix with the melted butter until coated.
3 Press the buttered vanilla wafer crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 15 minutes. Allow to completely cool.
4_ Wtl”e the crust is cooling, make the cheesecake layer In a large bowl, beat together the cream
cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 2 cups of the cool whip until fully incorporated. Set
5_ In another bowl, whisk together the mik and vanilla pudding mixes for 2 minutes until thickened. Let
stand for 5 minutes to fully thicken, then fold in the remaining 2 cups cool v.’hip.
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6. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled vanilla wafer crust Top with the cherry pie
filling, spreading evenly.
7. Carefuny spread the vaniUa pudding over the cherry lie filling layer.
8. Top with the remaining 1 and 1/3 cups cool whip and sprinkle the pecans evenly over top.
9. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Notes:
• Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before beating to ensure it blends smoothly and
doesnt get lumpy
• Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese filling until light and fluffy_ This helps incorporate more
air for a creamier texture.
If you dont have vanilla wafer cookies hand, graham crackers make a fine substitution for the
crust. Just adjust the amount as needed to fit your baking dish.
• Feel free to use another flavor pie filling instead of cherry, such as blueberry, apple or strawt*rry_ Just
make sure ifs a 2102 can.
• For best results, thaw the cool whip completely and drain off any liquid before folding it into the
fillings.
Be gentle v.hen spreading the layers to prevent them from nxing together too much_ Clean the
spatula between layers.
• Chill the cheesecake lush overnight to allow the flavors to meld The pecan topping will also
soften slightly.
• Garnish slices with fresh cherries or whipped cream if desired.
Cover leftovers tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The vanilla wafers may soften
over time.
• For easy slicing, run a knife under hot water first and wipe clean between cuts. Dip knife in hot water
as needed.