If you have a sweet tooth and love rich, layered desserts, then you are going to adore this Pecan Pie Lasagna Recipe. This decadent treat combines creamy cream cheese, luscious vanilla pudding, crunchy toasted pecans, and buttery graham crackers into a spectacular no-bake dessert that tastes like the best pecan pie you’ve ever had—but with an indulgent twist. It’s perfect for gatherings or whenever you crave something sweet and impressive, yet surprisingly simple to put together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Pecan Pie Lasagna Recipe is simple but essential, making sure each bite is bursting with creamy, crunchy, and sweet layers. From the tangy cream cheese to the toasted pecans, every component plays a role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor and texture.
- Cream cheese (2 8-oz. blocks, softened): Provides a smooth, tangy base that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese layer just right without overpowering the other flavors.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives a light, airy texture when whipped into the cream cheese, making the dessert heavenly fluffy.
- Whole milk (4 1/2 cups): Used to prepare the pudding, it adds richness while keeping the filling creamy and smooth.
- Vanilla pudding mix (3 packages, 3.4 oz each): The star of the pudding layer, offering that classic vanilla flavor we all love.
- Vanilla (2 tsp.): Enhances the vanilla notes and adds a warm, inviting aroma.
- Toasted chopped pecans (1/4 cup): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty depth to the pudding layer.
- Kosher salt (1/2 tsp. plus a pinch): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Toasted whole pecans (1 1/2 cups): Mixed with caramel and spices for the top layer, adding texture and rich flavor.
- Caramel (1/4 cup, microwaved until pourable, plus more for garnish): Drizzled throughout and on top for that luscious, sticky sweetness.
- Cinnamon (1/2 tsp.): Brings warmth and spice, complementing the pecans perfectly.
- Graham cracker sheets (16): The “lasagna noodles” of this recipe, these provide a buttery, crunchy contrast that ties every layer together.
How to Make Pecan Pie Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
Start by beating the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This ensures your dessert will be smooth and airy. Then, slowly add the heavy cream while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. This gives the cream cheese layer that perfect, cloud-like texture that’s essential for a beautifully balanced layered dessert.
Step 2: Make the Vanilla Pudding Layer
Whisk together the whole milk, vanilla pudding mix, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Once combined, fold in the toasted chopped pecans along with kosher salt. Letting the pudding rest for about five minutes allows it to thicken slightly, which helps it hold its place beautifully between the graham cracker layers.
Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Pecan Topping
In another bowl, toss the toasted whole pecans with the warmed caramel, cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. This mix will add irresistibly sticky sweetness and warm spice notes on top, giving the Pecan Pie Lasagna Recipe a luxurious finishing touch that’s as delightful to see as it is to taste.
Step 4: Assemble Your Pecan Pie Lasagna
Begin assembling your dessert in a 9″-by-13″ baking dish by spreading a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on the bottom. Follow this with a layer of graham cracker sheets, then half the pudding mixture, and half the cream cheese mixture. Repeat the pattern with the remaining graham crackers, pudding, and cream cheese. Finally, top with the pecan and caramel mixture. This layered approach is what makes this dessert so enticing and keeps each bite full of contrasting flavors and textures.
Step 5: Chill and Finish
Refrigerate the assembled lasagna for at least six hours, ideally overnight. This chilling time is crucial for the graham crackers to soften slightly and the layers to set perfectly. Before serving, drizzle more caramel on top to add a glossy, mouthwatering finish.
How to Serve Pecan Pie Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans and an additional drizzle of caramel make the perfect garnish for this dessert, adding sparkle and even more crunch. For an extra pop of color and flavor, consider topping with a few fresh whipped cream dollops or a light dusting of cinnamon.
Side Dishes
This Pecan Pie Lasagna Recipe shines beautifully on its own but can also be paired with simple sides like freshly brewed coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent twist. Fresh fruit, especially apples or pears, can bring a refreshing contrast, balancing the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
You can take this dessert from casual to stunning by serving individual portions in clear dessert cups to showcase the layers. Another fun idea is to sprinkle edible gold flakes on top for celebratory occasions. Alternatively, layering it in a trifle bowl offers a beautiful visual display that is sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The layers hold up well, and chilling actually helps the flavors deepen. Just be sure to give it a few gentle stirs or a quick slice with a sharp knife to keep the layers neat when serving again.
Freezing
While you can freeze portions of Pecan Pie Lasagna Recipe wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, it’s best enjoyed fresh as freezing might slightly alter the texture of the pudding and cream cheese layers. If you choose to freeze, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
This dessert is ideally enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer a softer texture, you can let individual servings warm slightly at room temperature for about 15 minutes before digging in. The layers remain deliciously creamy and flavorful either way.
FAQs
Can I use instant pudding mix for this Pecan Pie Lasagna Recipe?
Yes! Instant pudding mix works perfectly and helps the pudding set quickly, which is ideal for layering and chilling the dessert properly.
Do I have to toast the pecans?
Toasting the pecans is highly recommended as it enhances their natural nutty flavor and adds a pleasant crunch that heightens the texture contrast in this dessert.
Is this dessert gluten-free?
This particular recipe uses graham cracker sheets, which generally contain gluten. However, you can substitute gluten-free graham crackers to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this dessert vegan?
With some tweaks, like using vegan cream cheese, non-dairy pudding mix, and plant-based caramel alternatives, you could adapt the Pecan Pie Lasagna Recipe, although the flavor will differ slightly from the original.
How long should I chill the dessert before serving?
At least six hours is ideal, but refrigerating it overnight ensures the graham crackers soften nicely and the layers meld together for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Pecan Pie Lasagna Recipe is one of those magical creations that feels both indulgent and irresistible, yet comes together with surprisingly simple steps. Whether for a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, crunch, and creamy goodness all in one dish. Give it a try and get ready to impress everyone with this delightfully unique take on pecan pie!
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Pecan Pie Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Pecan Pie Lasagna is a no-bake, layered dessert inspired by the classic pecan pie. It features creamy layers of whipped cream cheese, vanilla pudding mixed with toasted pecans, and crunchy graham cracker sheets. Topped with a caramel-pecan mixture and a drizzle of caramel sauce, this indulgent treat requires chilling time for the layers to set and meld into a rich, luscious dessert perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Layer
- 2 (8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
Pudding Layer
- 4 1/2 cups whole milk
- 3 (3.4-oz.) packages vanilla pudding mix
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup toasted chopped pecans
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Caramel Pecan Topping
- 1 1/2 cups toasted pecans
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce, microwaved until pourable, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of kosher salt
Others
- 16 graham cracker sheets
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer with a whisk attachment to beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until the texture becomes light and fluffy. Gradually add the heavy cream while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form, creating a smooth and airy cream cheese topping.
- Make Pudding Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole milk, vanilla pudding mixes, and vanilla extract until well combined. Fold in the toasted chopped pecans and kosher salt gently. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly, forming a creamy, pudding-like layer.
- Combine Toppings: In another medium bowl, mix the whole toasted pecans with the pourable caramel sauce, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of kosher salt. This will serve as the crunchy, sweet topping for the lasagna layer.
- Assemble the Lasagna: In a 9″ x 13″ baking dish, spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture on the bottom. Arrange a layer of graham cracker sheets over it. Add half of the pudding mixture on top of the crackers, then layer half of the remaining cream cheese mixture above the pudding. Repeat the layering with the remaining graham crackers, then the rest of the pudding mixture, followed by the remaining cream cheese mixture. Finish by spreading the pecan and caramel topping evenly over the top.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled lasagna for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set firmly and the flavors to meld. Just before serving, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top for garnish and extra sweetness.
Notes
- For best results, allow the dessert to chill overnight to fully set.
- Use fresh-toasted pecans for maximum flavor and crunch in the topping and pudding layer.
- If caramel sauce is too thick, warm in short bursts in the microwave until pourable but not hot.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to ensure a smooth and lump-free mixture.
- Graham crackers can be slightly broken to fit the dish if needed, but try to keep whole sheets for better layering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
