Pecan Pie Lasagna: Amazing Comfort in Every Slice

Craving the rich flavors of pecan pie without the fuss of baking? This decadent Pecan Pie Lasagna transforms the classic fall dessert into exciting, creamy layers that will wow your guests. With a buttery graham cracker base, velvety cream cheese filling, and crunchy candied pecans on top, each spoonful delivers the perfect balance of textures and sweetness. Perfect for holiday gatherings or make-ahead treats, this no-bake dessert brings all the comfort of traditional pecan pie in a fresh, impressive format that’s surprisingly simple to create.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pecan Pie Lasagna brings all the nutty, caramel goodness of traditional pecan pie into an exciting no-bake format:

• No oven needed – Perfect when holiday baking space is limited
• Make-ahead miracle – Prepare up to 2 days before serving
• Texture heaven – Creamy pudding layers meet crunchy pecans and buttery graham cracker crust
• Crowd-pleaser – Familiar flavors in a fresh, impressive presentation

Whether you’re looking for a stress-free holiday dessert or a showstopping treat for any gathering, this layered delight delivers big flavor with minimal effort!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delicious Pecan Pie Lasagna, gather these simple ingredients that layer together for maximum flavor:

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 2½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whiped to stiff peaks

For the Pudding Layer:

• 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
• 3 cups cold milk
• 2 teaspoons maple extract (optional)

For the Pecan Topping:

• 2 cups pecans, roughly chopped
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For Garnish:

• 1 cup whipped topping
• ¼ cup caramel sauce for drizzling
• ¼ cup whole pecans

Pro tip: Allow your cream cheese to reach room temperature for at least an hour before starting. This ensures a perfectly smooth filling without any lumps!

How To Make Pecan Pie Lasagna

Creating this show-stopping dessert is easier than you might think! Just follow these straightforward steps for perfect results every time:

Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust:

1. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon until the mixture resembles wet sand.
2. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set while preparing the other components.

Make the Cream Cheese Layer:

1. Beat softened cream cheese until smoth and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanila, continuing to beat until well combined.
3. Gently fold in the whipped cream with a spatula until just incorporated.
4. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
5. Return to refrigerator while preparing the next layer.

Create the Pudding Layer:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together puding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until it begins to thicken.
2. Stir in maple extract if using.
3. Pour over the cream cheese layer, spreading into an even layer.
4. Chill for at least 30 minutes to set.

Prepare the Candied Pecans:

1. In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
2. Add chopped pecans, brown sugar, and salt.
3. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly until pecans are toasted and sugar has caramelized.
4. Spread on parchment paper to cool completely.

Assemble the Final Dessert:

1. Sprinkle cooled candied pecans over the set pudding layer.
2. Drizzle with caramel sauce.
3. Pipe or dollop whipped topping around the edges.
4. Garnish with whole pecans and an extra drizle of caramel.
5. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

Clara’s Tip: For clean, picture-perfect slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts. This creates those beautiful, defined layers that make this dessert so impressive!

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Servings and Timing

This Pecan Pie Lasagna yields approximately 12 generous servings, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or potlucks. You can easily adjust portion sizes based on your needs:

• Standard serving: Cut into 12 pieces (approximately 3×3 inches each)
• Smaller portions: Create 16-20 bite-sized squares for dessert buffets
• Party-sized: Make in mini trifle dishes for individual servings (yields 10-12)

Time Requirements:

• Prep time: 30 minutes
• Chilling time: Minimum 4 hours (preferably overnight)
• Total time: 4.5+ hours
• Active cooking time: Just 30 minutes!

Plan ahead: The extended chilling time is essential for proper setting, but requires minimal effort—your refrigerator does all the work!

Storage/Reheating

This dessert keeps beautifully, making it perfect for busy hosts:

Refrigerator Storage:

• Cover tightly with plastic wrap
• Keeps fresh for up to 5 days
• Best quality during first 3 days

Freezer Option:

• Freeze individual portions for up to 1 month
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator

Note: This is a no-bake dessert, so traditional reheating isn’t necessary. Simply remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Variations

Customize this versatile dessert with these delicious twists:

Chocolate Lover’s Version:

• Add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese layer
• Substitute chocolate pudding for vanilla pudding
• Drizzle with chocolate sauce alongside caramel

Boozy Adult Edition:

• Add 2 tablespoons bourbon to the pudding mixture
• Mix 1 tablespoon rum into the whipped topping
• Serve with bourbon-infused caramel sauce

Healthier Option:

• Use reduced-fat cream cheese
• Substitute monk fruit sweetener for sugar
• Use sugar-free pudding mix
• Increase nuts for healthy fats

Seasonal Twist:

• Add 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to the crust (fall)
• Mix in 2 tablespoons orange zest to cream cheese layer (winter)
• Top with fresh berries alongside pecans (summer)

FAQs

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free graham crackers or cookie for the crust. Ensure your pudding mix is gluten-free as well (most brands are, but always check the label).

What if I don’t have time to chill overnight?

While overnight chilling yields the best results, you can speed up the process by placing in the freezer for 1-2 hours, then transferring to the refrigerator for another 2 hours.

Can I use store-bought whipped topping?

Yes! While homemade whipped cream has a richer flavor, store-bought whipped topping actually holds its shape better for longer periods, making it ideal for make-ahead desserts.

Is there a substitute for pecans?

Absolutely. Walnuts or macadamia nuts make excellent alternatives while maintaining that classic nutty flavor profile.

Why did my pudding layer not set properly?

Be sure to use cold milk and instant pudding mix (not cook-and-serve). Whisk vigorously for the full 2 minutes to properly activate the thickening agents.

Conclusion

This Pecan Pie Lasagna beautifully transforms traditional pecan pie flavors into a show-stopping, layered dessert that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Perfect for holidays and special gatherings, its make-ahead nature lets you focus on enjoying your guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen. The harmonious blend of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and buttery elements creates a dessert experience that’s truly unforgettable. Whether you follow the classic recipe or try one of our variations, this layered masterpiece is guaranteed to become a requested favorite at all your future gatherings!

Pecan Pie Lasagna

Clara W.Pawel

Transform pecan pie into a show-stopping no-bake Pecan Pie Lasagna with creamy layers and crunchy nuts!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Chill Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American, Southern-inspired

Servings 12

Ingredients

  

For the Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup butter melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 16 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whipped cream

For the Pudding Layer:

• 2 3.4 oz packages instant vanilla pudding
• 3 cups cold milk
• 1/2 tsp maple extract optional

For the Topping:

• 2 cups pecans chopped
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 2 cups whipped topping
• Whole pecans for garnish

Instructions

 

• Make crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Press into 9×13 dish and refrigerate.
• Prepare cream cheese layer: Beat cream cheese until fluffy, add powdered sugar and vanilla. Fold in whipped cream and spread over crust.
• Create pudding layer: Whisk pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes. Add maple extract if using. Pour over cream cheese layer and chill 30 minutes.
• Make candied pecans: Cook chopped pecans with butter, brown sugar, and salt until caramelized. Cool on parchment paper.
• Assemble: Sprinkle candied pecans over pudding layer. Drizzle with caramel sauce. Add whipped topping around edges and garnish with whole pecans.
• Chill: Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 385 per serving
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Sugar: 29g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keyword layered dessert, make-ahead dessert, no-bake dessert, Pecan pie dessert