Pecan Pie Lasagna Recipe

Imagine all the rich, gooey goodness of a traditional pecan pie transformed into a show-stopping layered dessert that feeds a crowd. That’s exactly what this Pecan Pie Lasagna delivers. I stumbled upon this concept a few years ago when looking for a Thanksgiving dessert that wasn’t just another pie, and trust me, it’s been requested at every holiday gathering since. With layers of buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, decadent pecan pie filling, and a cloud of whipped topping, this no-bake dessert creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Lasagna

• No Baking Required – This entirely no-bake dessert comes together without ever turning on your oven, perfect for busy holiday cooking
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare it a day in advance so the flavors meld together beautifully and you can focus on other dishes
• Feeds a Crowd – Serves 12-16 people, making it ideal for holiday gatherings and potlucks
• Show-Stopping Presentation – The beautiful layers create a stunning visual when sliced and served

Ingredients for Pecan Pie Lasagna

• Graham crackers – Forms the foundation of our dessert, creating a buttery crust layer (chocolate graham crackers make a delicious variation)
• Butter – Binds the graham cracker crust together and adds rich flavor
• Cream cheese – Creates the creamy cheesecake layer (full-fat provides the best texture)
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens the cream cheese layer without graininess
• Vanilla extract – Enhances flavors throughout the dessert
• Whipped topping – Used in both the cheesecake layer and as the final topping (thawed frozen whipped topping works best for stability)
• Instant vanilla pudding mix – Forms the base of our pecan pie filling for perfect thickness
• Milk – Activates the pudding mix (whole milk creates the richest texture)
• Brown sugar – Provides that characteristic pecan pie flavor
• Corn syrup – Adds authentic pecan pie consistency and sweetness
• Cinnamon – Adds warm spice notes that complement the pecans
• Chopped pecans – The star of the show, providing nutty flavor and delightful crunch
• Caramel sauce – For drizzling between layers and on top (store-bought or homemade)

How to Make Pecan Pie Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium bowl, combine 2½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 18 full crackers, finely crushed) with ½ cup melted butter and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand. The mixture should hold together when pressed.

Press half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer. Set aside the remaining crumb mixture for the middle layer.

Step 2: Create the Cream Cheese Layer

In a large bowl, beat 16 ounces (2 packages) of softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until well combined. Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until the mixture is light and uniform.

Carefully spread this cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust in an even layer. Use an offset spatula to make this easier and prevent picking up crust crumbs. Place the dish in the refrigerator while preparing the next layer.

Step 3: Create the Pecan Pie Filling

In another large bowl, whisk together 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix and 3 cups cold milk until it begins to thicken, about 2 minutes. Add ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup corn syrup, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon, whisking until well combined.

Fold in 2 cups chopped pecans, reserving some for the topping. The mixture should have a thick, pudding-like consistency that resembles pecan pie filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Middle Layers

Remove the dish from the refrigerator. Spread the pecan pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer. Drizzle ¼ cup caramel sauce over the pecan filling.

Sprinkle the remaining graham cracker crumb mixture over the caramel drizzle, creating a thin, somewhat broken layer—this adds a wonderful texture contrast between the creamy layers.

Step 5: Add the Final Layers

Spread the remaining whipped topping (about 2 cups) over the entire dessert, creating a fluffy cloud-like layer. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce (about ¼ cup) and sprinkle with the reserved chopped pecans.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the layers to set properly and the flavors to meld together.

Variations You Can Try

• Chocolate Lover’s Version – Use chocolate graham crackers for the crust and add a layer of chocolate ganache on top of the first cream cheese layer
• Bourbon Pecan – Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the pecan pie filling for an adult twist
• Maple Pecan – Substitute maple syrup for the corn syrup and add ½ teaspoon maple extract to the pecan filling
• Mini Individual Portions – Layer the ingredients in clear plastic cups or small mason jars for individual servings at parties

Pro Tips for Perfect Pecan Pie Lasagna

• Cold Cream Cheese Challenge – If you forgot to soften your cream cheese, cut it into cubes and place in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 10-second intervals until just softened, not melted.
• Clean Slicing – For picture-perfect slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between cuts.
• Preventing Soggy Layers – Make sure each layer is spread to the edges of the dish to create a seal that prevents the layers from bleeding into each other.
• Pecan Prep – Lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the filling to enhance their flavor, but let them cool completely before mixing them in.

How to Serve Pecan Pie Lasagna

Presentation Ideas

Serve this dessert in the baking dish, showing off the beautiful layers. For an extra touch of elegance, place a dollop of whipped cream on each serving and garnish with a perfect pecan half or a light dusting of cinnamon.

Perfect Pairings

This rich dessert pairs wonderfully with coffee or an after-dinner liqueur. For a truly decadent experience, serve with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The contrast of temperatures—cold lasagna and melting ice cream—creates a delightful sensory experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Making Ahead

This dessert is perfect for preparing 1-2 days in advance. In fact, the flavors improve as it sits in the refrigerator, making it ideal for busy holiday planning.

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The graham cracker layers will soften slightly over time but will still be delicious.

Freezing Instructions

While you can freeze this dessert for up to 1 month, the texture of the whipped topping and cream cheese layer may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, cover with both plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs About Pecan Pie Lasagna

Can I use real whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

While freshly whipped cream is delicious, it doesn’t hold up as well for extended periods. If you prefer real whipped cream, stabilize it by adding 1 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin dissolved in 1 tablespoon of water per cup of heavy cream before whipping.

How far in advance can I make this dessert?

This dessert can be made up to 2 days in advance. The flavors actually improve after the first 24 hours as they meld together in the refrigerator.

Can I make this dessert without nuts for guests with allergies?

Absolutely! For a nut-free version, replace the pecan layer with a butterscotch pudding layer, using the same pudding base but omitting the pecans. You’ll still get a delicious layered dessert with similar flavor profiles.

Why is my pecan pie filling too runny?

The most common reason is not giving the pudding enough time to set before adding the other ingredients. Make sure your pudding has thickened before adding the brown sugar, corn syrup, and pecans. Also, ensure you’re using instant pudding, not the cook-and-serve variety.

A Showstopping Alternative to Traditional Pecan Pie

Pecan Pie Lasagna transforms the beloved flavors of a classic holiday dessert into a crowd-pleasing, show-stopping centerpiece that’s surprisingly easy to make. What I love most about this dessert is how it combines multiple textures in each bite the crunch of the pecans, the creaminess of the cheesecake layer, the sweetness of the caramel, and the light fluffiness of the whipped topping.

The beauty of this no-bake creation is that it frees up your oven for other dishes during busy holiday cooking while still delivering that warm, comforting pecan pie flavor everyone craves. It’s also much more forgiving than traditional pecan pie no worries about underbaked crusts or filling that doesn’t set properly.