There’s something undeniably comforting about layers of sweet, creamy goodness, especially when those layers come together to create a delightful dessert like Pecan Pie Lasagna. Imagine serving this decadent dish at your next family gathering or holiday celebration—it looks stunning, tastes absolutely divine, and is a perfect blend of rich flavors. The combination of creamy cheese, sweet pecans, and a delightful graham cracker crust will create an unforgettable experience that’s both indulgent and satisfying for your guests.
Why This Pecan Pie Lasagna Works
Pecan Pie Lasagna is not just another dessert; it’s a heartwarming treat that captures the essence of southern hospitality. This dish combines the flavors of classic pecan pie with a fun, layered presentation, making it a standout choice for any occasion. Each layer carries its own delightful texture and taste, from the crunchy graham cracker crust to the silky cream cheese layer and the gooey pecan topping.
Here are just a few reasons to love this dessert:
- It’s easy to prepare, requiring no baking.
- The layered presentation is visually impressive.
- Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Pecan Pie Lasagna can be made ahead for convenience.
Gather These Ingredients
Crafting this luscious Pecan Pie Lasagna is straightforward, especially with these key ingredients that work wonders together. If you need to make any swaps for dietary preferences or availability, substitutions like turkey bacon for added lean protein can lighten the dish without sacrificing flavor.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Bringing It Together
Creating your Pecan Pie Lasagna is a simple joy. Follow these steps to assemble this delicious dessert, savoring the scents and textures as you go along.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan to create a sturdy crust.
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In another bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping to add lightness. Spread this dreamy mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust, creating a luscious first layer.
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In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well incorporated and gooey. Pour this mixture carefully over the cream cheese layer, allowing it to cover the top wholly.
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Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the lasagna is nicely set and chilled through. Once ready, cut into squares and serve chilled, enjoying the delightful blend of flavors.
Prep ~ 20 minutes, Cook ~ 0 minutes, Total ~ 4 hours, Servings ~ 12, Kcal ~ 320 per serving (estimate).
Plan Ahead
If you’re hosting a gathering or simply want to enjoy this dessert later, you can easily prepare ahead of time. Create your Pecan Pie Lasagna the day before your event. Once it’s assembled, tightly cover it and keep it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. Just remember to slice and serve it chilled for the best experience.
How to Store Leftovers
Storing your Pecan Pie Lasagna is straightforward. Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s sealed well to prevent it from absorbing any odors. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in an airtight container for up to a month. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy cold, as this dessert is best served chilled.
Perfect Pairings
To elevate your dessert experience, consider these delightful pairings:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side
- Fresh whipped cream for added decadence
- Slices of ripe strawberries or fresh berries for a fruity contrast
- A cup of rich coffee or herbal tea to balance the sweetness
- A sprinkle of sea salt on top to elevate the flavors
Variations and Swaps
Feel free to customize your Pecan Pie Lasagna to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some delightful ideas:
- Chocolate Layer: Add a layer of chocolate pudding between the cream cheese mixture and pecan topping for a rich twist.
- Nut Variations: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Add Fruit: Introduce layers of sliced bananas or caramelized apples to add a fresh, fruity element.
- Pumpkin Twist: Mix pumpkin puree with the cream cheese layer, and spice it up with cinnamon and nutmeg for a seasonal touch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust to make it friendly for gluten-sensitive guests.
Cook’s Notes and Secrets
For the best results with your Pecan Pie Lasagna, keep these professional tips in mind:
- Ensure your cream cheese is completely softened for easier blending and a smoother texture.
- Allow the dessert to set for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for optimal flavor and texture.
- When serving, use a sharp knife and clean the blade between cuts to maintain neat squares.
- For a decorative touch, garnish each slice with additional chopped pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use a different type of sugar?
Absolutely! You can substitute coconut sugar or even a sugar alternative based on your dietary needs. Just note that the taste may vary slightly.
Is there a way to make it dairy-free?
Yes, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping substitute. Just ensure that the other ingredients you use are also dairy-free.
How can I make this recipe more chocolatey?
You can add cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture or layer chocolate pudding in between for a rich dessert.
Can I make mini versions?
Certainly! Use mini dessert cups to create individual servings of Pecan Pie Lasagna, perfect for parties or gatherings.
What if I want to save the leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, or freeze them wrapped to enjoy later!
Final Thoughts
Pecan Pie Lasagna is not just a delicious dessert; it’s a delightful experience that can bring warmth and joy to any occasion. Whether you serve it at holiday gatherings, family celebrations, or simply enjoy it on a cozy evening at home, this layered treat is sure to impress. The wonderful combination of flavors and textures will leave you and your guests coming back for more. So gather your ingredients, and try making this scrumptious Pecan Pie Lasagna soon!
Print
Pecan Pie Lasagna
- Total Time: 240 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert that combines the flavors of classic pecan pie with a fun, layered presentation, featuring cream cheese, sweet pecans, and a graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan to create a sturdy crust.
- In another bowl, blend the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping and spread this mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until well incorporated and pour this mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 240 minutes, or until the lasagna is nicely set and chilled through. Once ready, cut into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is completely softened for a smoother texture. Allow dessert to set for optimal flavor. For a decorative touch, garnish with additional chopped pecans or caramel drizzle.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: pecan pie, dessert, no-bake, southern dessert, holiday dessert
