Description
This Sugar-Free No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Lush is a creamy, refreshing layered dessert made with a buttery almond-pecan crust, fluffy vanilla cheesecake filling, silky sugar-free pudding, and a bright homemade cherry topping. It requires no baking and is perfect for summer gatherings, holidays, potlucks, and make-ahead desserts. Fresh or frozen cherries provide vibrant fruit flavor, while sugar-free sweeteners, pudding, and whipped topping keep the dessert free from regular added sugar.
Ingredients
Scale
Sugar-Free Almond-Pecan Crust
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar-free sweetener
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
Sugar-Free Cheesecake Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar-free sweetener
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups sugar-free whipped topping, thawed
Sugar-Free Vanilla Pudding Layer
- 2 cups cold unsweetened almond milk or whole milk
- 1 box sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup sugar-free whipped topping, thawed
Sugar-Free Cherry Topping
- 3 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar-free sweetener
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups sugar-free whipped topping, thawed
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- Fresh cherries, optional
Instructions
- Make the cherry topping: Add the cherries, sugar-free sweetener, lemon juice, 1/4 cup water, and vanilla extract to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and release their juices.
- In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth. Stir the mixture into the cherries.
- Cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring, until the cherry sauce thickens. Remove from the heat and cool completely. Refrigerate until cold.
- Make the crust: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Combine the almond flour, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, sugar-free sweetener, melted butter, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Mix until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Refrigerate while preparing the remaining layers.
- Make the cheesecake layer: Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar-free sweetener until smooth and creamy. Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups sugar-free whipped topping. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Make the pudding layer: Whisk the cold milk and sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix for about 2 minutes, until thickened. Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Gently fold 1 cup sugar-free whipped topping into the pudding. Spread evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Assemble: Spoon the completely chilled cherry topping evenly over the pudding layer.
- Spread the remaining 1 1/2 cups sugar-free whipped topping over the cherries. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and garnish with fresh cherries, if desired.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours. For the best texture and cleanest slices, chill overnight.
- Slice into 15 portions and serve cold.
Notes
- Cool the cherry topping completely before layering it over the pudding to prevent the creamy layers from becoming soft.
- Frozen pitted cherries can be used directly from frozen.
- Press the crust firmly into the dish so the squares hold together when sliced.
- Use cold milk for the pudding layer so it thickens properly.
- Fold the whipped topping gently to maintain a light, fluffy texture.
- Chill overnight for the firmest layers and cleanest slices.
- Add fresh cherry garnish shortly before serving.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese, dairy-free whipped topping, and dairy-free milk.
- Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or mixed berries can be substituted for some or all of the cherries.
- For extra brightness, add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the cheesecake layer.
- To freeze, freeze the untopped lush for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before adding the final whipped topping and serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 230
- Fat: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
Keywords: Sugar-Free No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Lush