Introduction
Take the rich, caramelized flavors of classic pecan pie and transform them into an easy, no-bake dessert lasagna! This Pecan Pie Lasagna features layers of buttery vanilla wafers, creamy cheesecake filling, crunchy pecans, and a luscious brown sugar caramel sauce—all stacked into a show-stopping treat that requires zero oven time.
Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you crave a fuss-free dessert, this recipe delivers all the indulgence of pecan pie without the hassle of baking a crust. Plus, it’s make-ahead friendly, so you can prepare it hours (or even a day) before serving.
The Recipe: Pecan Pie Lasagna
Ingredients
For the Layers:
- 1 box (11 oz) vanilla wafer cookies (or graham crackers)
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted (plus extra for garnish)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
Optional Garnishes:
- Whipped cream
- Pecan halves
- Caramel drizzle
Instructions
1. Make the Caramel Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and brown sugar, stirring constantly until smooth and bubbly (3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Gently fold in whipped topping until fully combined.
3. Assemble the Layers
- First Layer: Cover the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish with a single layer of vanilla wafers.
- Second Layer: Spread half of the cheesecake mixture over the cookies.
- Third Layer: Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the cream cheese layer, then sprinkle with ½ cup chopped pecans.
- Repeat Layers: Add another layer of wafers, the remaining cheesecake mixture, the rest of the caramel sauce, and the remaining pecans.
4. Chill & Set
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the layers to firm up.
5. Serve & Garnish
- Slice into squares and top with extra pecans, whipped cream, or a caramel drizzle.
Pro Tips for Success
✅ Cookie Swap: Use graham crackers or shortbread cookies instead of vanilla wafers.
🔥 Toasted Pecans: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet for extra crunch and flavor.
🍯 Sauce Consistency: If caramel thickens too much, warm it slightly before drizzling.
⏳ Make-Ahead: Prep this 1-2 days in advance—it gets better as it chills!
Conclusion
This Pecan Pie Lasagna is the ultimate no-bake dessert—creamy, crunchy, caramelized, and irresistibly easy. With its layers of texture and flavor, it’s a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
Whether you’re a pecan pie lover or just looking for a simple yet impressive dessert, this recipe is a must-try. No oven, no stress—just pure, sweet perfection! 🥜🍰