🍒 Cherry Cheesecake Lush Dessert
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
-
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 16 full crackers)
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
-
1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional)
Cream Cheese Layer:
-
8 oz cream cheese, softened
-
1 cup powdered sugar
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
Pudding Layer:
-
1 box (3.4 oz) instant cheesecake or vanilla pudding mix
-
1 1/2 cups cold milk
Topping:
-
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
-
Extra Cool Whip or whipped cream (optional, for topping)
-
Crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts (optional garnish)
🧁 Instructions:
1. Make the crust:
-
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar (if using).
-
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the other layers.
2. Cream cheese layer:
-
In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
-
Add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix until creamy.
-
Fold in the Cool Whip until fully incorporated.
-
Spread evenly over the chilled crust.
3. Pudding layer:
-
Whisk together pudding mix and cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes).
-
Spread the pudding over the cream cheese layer.
4. Add cherry topping:
-
Carefully spoon cherry pie filling over the top, spreading it evenly.
5. Chill & serve:
-
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
-
Garnish with extra Cool Whip and crushed graham crackers or nuts, if desired.
-
Slice and serve cold.
✅ Tips & Variations:
-
Swap cherry pie filling for blueberry, strawberry, or mixed berry if desired.
-
Make it lighter with low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free pudding/Cool Whip.
-
For a chocolate twist, use chocolate pudding instead and top with chocolate shavings.