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

Scale

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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