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A close-up of a slice of Pecan Pie Lasagna, topped with whole pecans, powdered sugar, and a mint leaf, served with whipped cream and caramel and chocolate drizzles.

Pecan Pie Lasagna That Makes Holidays Special

Discover the ultimate dessert with this delicious Pecan Pie Lasagna! A no-bake treat with creamy layers and crunchy pecans that will wow your guests.
Prep Time 20 minutes
chilling time 3 hours 40 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers – This will form the crunchy sweet base of the lasagna. If you prefer, you can substitute with crushed shortbread or vanilla wafers for a different twist.
  • ¼ cup of melted butter – contributes richness and acts as a binder for the crust.
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar – Just a hint of sweetness to complement the graham crackers.

For the Creamy Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened – This creates a smooth, creamy layer that forms the heart of the lasagna. Ensure it’s softened to facilitate easy mixing.
  • 1 cup powdered sugar – Adds sweetness and helps to balance out the richness of the cream cheese.
  • 1 cup heavy cream – This is the secret to achieving that luscious velvety texture.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a subtle vanilla note that enriches the filling’s flavor.

For the Pecan Layer:

  • 2 cups pecans roughly chopped – Pecans are the star of this dessert! Their natural sweetness and crunch make them the perfect pairing with the creamy filling.
  • ¾ cup brown sugar – This helps bring out the caramelized flavor of the pecans.
  • ¼ cup maple syrup – Adds a rich deep sweetness that complements the pecans beautifully.
  • 2 tablespoons butter – Just a little bit of butter for extra richness in the pecan layer.

For the Topping:

  • Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream optional – For an extra layer of indulgence, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This provides a smooth, creamy counterpoint to the crunchy, nutty layers.

Optional Ingredients:

  • 1-2 tablespoons bourbon – If you want to add a little festive kick a splash of bourbon can enhance the flavor profile of the pecans.
  • Chocolate chips optional – For chocolate lovers, a handful of chocolate chips sprinkled over the layers adds an extra decadent touch.

Instructions
 

Prepare the Crust:

  • In a medium-sized bowl, mix together crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and brown sugar. Stir until everything is well mixed.
  • Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish, using your fingers or the back of a spoon to compact it. The crust should form a nice, firm base for your lasagna.
  • Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the crust to set while you move on to the next layer.

Make the Creamy Filling:

  • In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and soft. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this.
  • Add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until the filling becomes light, fluffy, and creamy.
  • Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to smooth it out so that it covers the entire surface.

Prepare the Pecan Layer:

  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the pecans, brown sugar, and maple syrup. Mix until the pecans are thoroughly coated and the sugar begins melting.
  • Let the pecans cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the sugar starting to caramelize slightly, giving the pecans a rich, glossy texture.
  • Once complete, remove from heat and let the mixture cool briefly before spooning it onto the cream cheese layer.

Assemble the Lasagna:

  • Carefully layer the cooled pecan mixture on top of the cream cheese, distributing it evenly. The pecans will create a crunchy, flavorful layer that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
  • If you prefer, you can repeat the layering process by adding more cream cheese mixture and pecans. Just make sure each layer is smooth and evenly spread.

Chill and Set:

  • Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or even overnight. Chilling allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve, and it lets the flavors meld together beautifully.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • When you’re ready to serve, carefully cut the lasagna into squares or rectangles. For an extra touch, top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Dig in and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet in every bite!

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 400
  • Fat: 30g
    • Saturated Fat: 10g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Vitamin A: 8%
  • Vitamin C: 1%
  • Calcium: 6%
  • Iron: 6%
(approximate, based on portion size)
Keyword Lasagna, Dessert, No-Bake, Pecan Pie