Pecan Pie Lasagna Dessert Recipe

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Oh my goodness, get ready for a dessert that’s going to make your taste buds dance! This Pecan Pie Lasagna is what happens when the rich, nutty flavors of pecan pie meet the creamy, layered goodness of a dessert lasagna. Trust me, this isn’t your ordinary dessert—it’s a showstopper that combines buttery graham crackers, velvety cream cheese, crunchy pecans, and gooey caramel in perfect harmony. I brought this to our family Thanksgiving last year, and my sister-in-law (who guards her pecan pie recipe like it’s Fort Knox) asked for the recipe! It’s that magical combination of textures and flavors that keeps everyone coming back for “just one more tiny slice”—which usually turns into three!

Layered pecan pie lasagna dessert with a nutty crust, creamy filling, and caramel sauce topped with chopped pecans. — All the layers of love 🍯🥧 This Pecan Pie Lasagna is a dreamy, nutty twist on a classic dessert—creamy, crunchy, and downright irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a no-bake dream that gives you all the amazing flavors of pecan pie without turning on your oven
The make-ahead friendly nature makes it perfect for holiday entertaining or potlucks
Those beautiful layers create a stunning presentation that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen
It serves a crowd, making it ideal for gatherings when you need a dessert that will impress but won’t leave you stressed

Ingredients

For the Crust:

Graham crackers – they create that perfect buttery foundation (like a pecan pie crust but easier!)
Butter – the glue that holds our crust together and adds rich flavor
Brown sugar – for that caramel-like sweetness in the base
Chopped pecans – because we’re infusing every layer with pecan goodness

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

Cream cheese – make sure it’s at room temperature for the smoothest texture
Powdered sugar – sweetens without adding graininess
Vanilla extract – that warm flavor that enhances everything it touches
Heavy whipping cream – whipped to perfection for a light, cloud-like texture

For the Pudding Layer:

Instant vanilla pudding mix – our shortcut to creamy perfection
Milk – to create that silky pudding layer
Caramel sauce – store-bought works beautifully here
Chopped pecans – for that essential crunch and nutty flavor

For the Topping:

Heavy whipping cream – for that final cloud of sweetness on top
Powdered sugar – to stabilize and sweeten the whipped cream
Caramel sauce – for drizzling and creating those gorgeous amber ribbons
Toasted pecans – the crowning glory, adding color, crunch, and flavor

The full ingredient list with measurements will be available in the recipe card below.

How to Make Pecan Pie Lasagna Dessert

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Let’s start with the foundation of our dessert masterpiece! In a medium bowl, combine those crushed graham crackers, melted butter, brown sugar, and a handful of finely chopped pecans. Mix until everything is moistened and looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch glass dish, creating an even layer. Pop it in the refrigerator while you work on the next components—this helps it set up nicely.

Step 2: Create the Cream Cheese Layer

Now for that luscious cream cheese layer! In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and fluffy—no lumps allowed here! Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until perfectly combined. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture. This folding technique is key—you want to keep all that wonderful air in the whipped cream for a light, mousse-like texture. Spread this heavenly mixture over your chilled graham cracker crust.

Step 3: Make the Pudding Layer

In another bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until it begins to thicken. Fold in a generous amount of caramel sauce and chopped pecans. Let it set for about 5 minutes until it’s thick enough to spread, then layer it evenly over the cream cheese layer. The pudding adds that silky element that reminds you of the filling in a traditional pecan pie.

Step 4: Add the Final Touches

For the grand finale, whip more heavy cream with a touch of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread this over the pudding layer, creating swoops and swirls with your spatula for a beautiful presentation. Drizzle with more caramel sauce (be generous here!) and sprinkle with those gorgeously toasted pecans. The contrast of the white cream, amber caramel, and toasty brown pecans is absolutely stunning!

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Here’s the hardest part—waiting! Cover your masterpiece and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This chilling time is non-negotiable, my friends—it allows all those flavors to meld together and the layers to set up properly. When you’re ready to serve, cut into squares and watch everyone’s eyes light up at first bite!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Toast your pecans before adding them to the recipe—it intensifies their flavor and adds a wonderful aroma
For the cleanest cuts, freeze the dessert for about 30 minutes before slicing, then run your knife under hot water between cuts
If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought whipped topping instead of making your own whipped cream
Add a tiny pinch of salt to the caramel drizzle—it enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness

How to Serve

This showstopper dessert deserves a special presentation! Serve it on your prettiest plates with extra caramel sauce on the side for those who want to indulge a little more (and trust me, they will!). For a truly decadent experience, add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside each serving—the contrast of cold ice cream with the room-temperature dessert is divine. If you’re serving this at a holiday gathering, consider setting up a dessert bar with this as the centerpiece, surrounded by other pecan treats like traditional pecan pie, pecan sandies, or pecan brittle for a themed approach.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

This dessert is actually better when made a day ahead! The flavors have time to meld, and the textures become perfectly set. You can make it up to 2 days in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator.

Refrigerator Storage

Leftovers (if there are any!) will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other flavors from the fridge.

Freezer Instructions

While I prefer this dessert fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Cut into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Absolutely! The beauty of this dessert is how adaptable it is. Simply swap the graham crackers for gluten-free graham crackers or cookies. There are several excellent options available in most grocery stores now. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, but do check your pudding mix and caramel sauce labels just to be sure, as some brands might contain gluten or be processed in facilities with gluten-containing products. With these simple swaps, you can create a version that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary restrictions!

I don’t like instant pudding. Can I use homemade pudding instead?

You’re speaking my language—homemade is always wonderful! Yes, you can absolutely use homemade vanilla pudding for an even more luxurious dessert. If you go this route, make sure your pudding is fully chilled and set before assembling the layers. Homemade pudding tends to be a bit softer than instant, so you might want to increase the cornstarch slightly in your recipe to ensure it holds up well in the layers. The flavor will be noticeably richer and less sweet than instant pudding, which actually complements the caramel and pecans beautifully!

Can I make individual servings of this dessert for a party?

What a fabulous idea for a party! Individual servings not only look elegant but are so convenient for guests. Use clear glass trifle cups or wine glasses to show off those beautiful layers. The assembly process is the same, just scaled down—layer the ingredients in the same order, making sure each component is visible from the sides. For an extra-special presentation, reserve some of the crust mixture to sprinkle between layers for added texture, and consider placing a whole pecan half on top of each serving as a garnish. Your guests will be so impressed!

My caramel sauce hardened when I refrigerated the dessert. Is there a way to prevent this?

This is a common issue with caramel in refrigerated desserts! To prevent your caramel from hardening, I recommend warming it slightly before drizzling and mixing it with a tablespoon of heavy cream. This creates a more flexible caramel that stays softer even when chilled. Another option is to reserve the caramel drizzle for just before serving—simply store your assembled dessert without the final caramel topping, then warm the caramel and drizzle it on right before bringing it to the table. This gives you that beautiful presentation with perfectly gooey caramel every time!