Name: Chocolate Cherry Lush
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup crushed pecans (or almonds); ¼ cup sugar; 8 Tbsp salted butter, melted; 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 cup Cool Whip; 2 packages (6.8 oz total) instant chocolate pudding; 3 cups milk; Remaining Cool Whip (about 1 cup); ½ cup chocolate shavings or jimmies (optional garnish)

A heavenly no-bake layered dessert combining a buttery baked crust, tangy cherries, creamy cheesecake, lush pudding, and whipped topping—each bite brings chocolate and cherry perfection together. Chocolate Cherry Lush

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how I can prep this ahead for gatherings—it’s a make-ahead miracle. The nostalgic flavors of chocolate and cherry feel like an indulgent twist on Black Forest cake, yet it’s much easier with just pantry staples.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

First Layer – Crust

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup crushed pecans (or almonds)
¼ cup sugar
8 Tbsp salted butter, melted

Second Layer

1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

Third Layer – Cream Cheese Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup Cool Whip

Fourth Layer – Pudding

2 packages (6.8 oz total) instant chocolate pudding
3 cups milk

Fifth Layer – Topping

Remaining Cool Whip (about 1 cup)
½ cup chocolate shavings or jimmies (optional garnish)

directions

Preheat oven to 375 °F.
Mix crust ingredients and press into a 9×13 dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
Spread cherry filling evenly over cooled crust.
Beat cream cheese, Cool Whip, and powdered sugar until smooth; spread over cherries.
Prepare pudding with milk and spoon over cream cheese layer.
Top with remaining Cool Whip, then sprinkle with chocolate shavings.
Refrigerate until set—overnight is ideal for clean slicing.

Servings and timing

Servings: about 36 one-inch squares
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: at least 2 hours, ideally overnight

Variations

Swap pecans for almonds or crushed Oreo/graham crackers in crust.
Use vanilla, white-chocolate, or cheesecake pudding for a different twist.
Swap cherry pie filling for strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry.
Add a dash of almond extract to cherry layer for a nod to Black Forest style.
Pipe swirls of topping and finish with fresh cherries or sprinkles.

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5–7 days.
Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months, then thaw in the fridge before serving.
Slice while partially frozen to keep shapes neat, then thaw fully before serving.

FAQs

What size baking dish should I use?

I use a 9×13-inch baking dish for all layers to fit perfectly and allow clean, even slices.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely—I often make it the night before. It chills and sets fully, which makes slicing much sharper and cleaner.

Can I use real whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes! I’ve used homemade whipped cream. Cool Whip gives a firmer structure, but whipped cream adds freshness. Either works depending on preference.

Why does my cream cheese layer feel too soft?

If it’s too soft, I refrigerate the dish for 10–15 minutes between layers. This helps each layer set and keeps them distinct.

How do I get neat slices?

After chilling, I freeze the dessert for about 30 minutes—this firms it just enough for slicing tidy bars without messing up the layers.

Conclusion

I’m thrilled with how this Chocolate Cherry Lush brings rich chocolate, bright cherries, and creamy textures together in a crowd-pleasing treat. It’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, or whenever I want a decadent no-bake dessert. Give it a try—I find it’s a lush I return to again and again.