Cherry Lush

This easy no-bake cherry lush dessert features layers of graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, cherry pie filling, and a light, fluffy whipped topping with chopped nuts.

If you enjoy this, you might also like tangy key lime lush, cherry cheesecake egg rolls, playful key lime pie rum jello shots, or a cherry slab pie.

Why You’ll Love It           

No baking required: It’s completely no-bake, making it perfect for warm-weather entertaining when you don’t want the oven on.
Fuss-free elegance: It’s simple to prepare but looks stunning on the table.
Tastes incredible: Everything from the juicy cherry pie filling and fragrant vanilla to the sweet crust and cream cheese layer tastes so good and the contrasting layers add interest. You’ll definitely want a second slice of this!

No Bake Cherry Lush Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Unsalted butter: Binds the crust and adds rich, buttery flavor. Softened butter will melt easier in the microwave and won’t pop as much.
Graham crackers: Crushed to form a sweet, slightly crunchy base. I used store-brand honey graham crackers.
Brown sugar: I used light brown sugar. It works with the melted butter to keep the crust intact when it is sliced and adds a hint of caramel sweetness.
Cream cheese: Forms the creamy, tangy filling layer. Room temperature cream cheese is easier and faster to blend, but you want to make sure not to leave it out on the counter for longer than a couple of hours.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese without graininess.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cheesecake layer.
Whipped topping: Adds airy lightness and layers of creaminess. I used a store-brand frozen whipped topping, similar to Cool Whip.
Cherry pie filling: Brings bright color, sweet-tart flavor, and juicy texture.
Pecans or walnuts: This optional topping adds crunch and the nutty flavor complements the cherries.

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Lush Dessert

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Prepare the crust: Blend graham crackers and brown sugar in a food processor, then drizzle in melted butter and pulse until it looks like wet sand.
Press and chill the crust: Press the mixture into a prepared baking pan or baking dish using the bottom of a glass. Freeze until set.
Make the cream cheese layer: In a medium mixing bowl combine cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and creamy.
Add whipped topping: Fold in half the thawed Cool Whip and mix on a low speed until fully combined.
Assemble the filling: Add the cream cheese mixture to the chilled crust and spread evenly.
Add the cherry layer: Spoon the cherry filling over the cream cheese layer and spread with a spoon.
Top with whipped topping: Carefully spread the remaining whipped topping with an offset spatula over the cherry layer to avoid mixing the colors.
Chill the dessert: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours.
The finishing touches: Sprinkle chopped nuts on top if liked. Serve and enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

Gluten-free option: If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cookie crumbs instead of graham cracker crumbs.
Graham crackers: Use crushed shortbread cookies or vanilla wafer crumbs instead of graham crackers for a different crust flavor.
Cool Whip: Use homemade whipped cream in place of whipped topping for a richer, less sweet version. You could also make your own real whipped cream.
Cherry pie filling: Swap the canned cherries pie filling for strawberry, peach or blueberry pie filling for a seasonal twist. I love the cherry version but definitely plan to try other flavors for future desserts!
Use pudding mix: You could use vanilla pudding, chocolate pudding or cheesecake pudding mix instead of the cream cheese for that layer. Any flavor of instant pudding mix would work.
Unsalted butter: If you only have salted butter, you can use that.
Sugar: Use light brown sugar or dark brown sugar in the crust.
Nuts: Choose from finely chopped pecans, chopped walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds for your topping. Chopped mixed nuts are another idea.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizers: Begin your meal with a peach panzanella salad or warm homemade focaccia with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping.
Main dishes: Enjoy a steak sandwich or Cajun chicken and sweet potatoes.
Desserts: Finish off with a slice of this delicious cherry cheesecake lush dessert and perhaps some homemade Italian cream soda.

How to Store Cherry Cheesecake Lush

Store: Cover the dessert with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Eat within 3 days.
Freeze: You can freeze this dessert for up to 2 months. Cover it tightly with both plastic wrap and foil.
Thaw: Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and serving.