Cherry Pecan Cheesecake
A light no-bake Cherry Pecan Cheesecake featuring a buttery toasted-pecan crust, silky cream-cheese filling, and a glossy cherry topping. Easy to assemble and chill ahead, this dessert balances creamy sweetness with crunchy pecans while keeping calories modest.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Spatula
Ingredients
Pecan Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers
- 3/4 cup finely chopped toasted pecans
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted (1 stick)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping folded into filling
Cherry Layer:
- 1 21 ounce can cherry pie filling
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional
Topping & Garnish:
- 2 cups whipped topping for the top layer
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans for garnish
- 3-4 fresh cherries optional garnish
Instructions
- Gather and measure all ingredients. If you prefer a baked crust, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Prepare the Pecan Crust:
- Combine the crushed graham crackers or wafers, finely chopped toasted pecans, and granulated sugar in a bowl. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan. Either chill the crust for 20–30 minutes to set, or bake it at 350°F (177°C) for 10 minutes; if baked, let it cool completely before proceeding.
Make the Cheesecake Layer:
- Beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Gently fold 1 1/2 cups of whipped topping into the cream-cheese mixture until evenly combined, then spread this filling over the cooled crust in an even layer.
Add the Cherry Layer:
- If using, stir the almond extract into the cherry pie filling for extra flavor. Spoon the cherry filling evenly over the cheesecake layer and smooth gently.
Add the Whipped Topping:
- Spread the remaining 2 cups of whipped topping across the cherry layer, covering it completely and smoothing the surface with a spatula.
Garnish and Chill:
- Sprinkle the top with chopped toasted pecans and arrange fresh cherries if desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to firm up before slicing and serving.