Pecan Pie Lasagna Recipe: Ultimate Easy Layered Dessert

The buttery crunch of pecans, the gooey richness of caramel, and the creamy layers of whipped delight—this pecan pie lasagna is a dessert masterpiece that’ll make you swoon with every bite. It’s indulgent, fun to make, and perfect for gatherings where you want to wow your guests without spending hours baking. Trust me, one forkful of this layered beauty, and you’ll understand why it’s become my go-to holiday dessert!

I first stumbled upon the idea of dessert lasagnas while experimenting with recipes for family reunions. I wanted something that combined the nostalgia of pecan pie with the ease of a no-bake treat, and boom—this layered dream was born. Over time, I’ve refined the recipe, tested different combinations, and perfected every step. Now, you’ll get the ultimate version that’s guaranteed to impress.

Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a cozy potluck, or just a sweet tooth craving on a random Tuesday, this dessert fits any occasion. It’s rich, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to assemble. So grab your mixing bowls and let’s create this show-stopping pecan pie lasagna together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No complicated techniques or baking skills required—you can whip this up in less than an hour.
• Layered Perfection: Every bite has the perfect combination of crunchy pecans, creamy filling, and caramel sweetness.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or dessert connoisseurs, this recipe is always a hit.
• Holiday-Ready: It’s the perfect showpiece for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering.
• Customizable: Swap out layers or add your own twist—it’s endlessly adaptable to your taste.

This isn’t just another pecan pie recipe—it’s a layered masterpiece that transforms classic flavors into a modern no-bake dessert. Plus, it’s so visually stunning that your guests will think you spent hours crafting it (little do they know how simple it is!).

And let’s be honest: dessert lasagnas are fun. There’s something magical about digging into those layers and discovering how all the textures and flavors come together. It’s comfort food meets elegance, and I promise it’ll be a hit on your dessert table.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple pantry staples combined with a few indulgent ingredients to create a dessert that’s both decadent and approachable.

• Graham crackers: The base layer for structure and crunch.
• Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with the graham crackers for that buttery richness.
• Cream cheese: Softened to create a creamy, tangy filling.
• Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness without the grainy texture.
• Vanilla extract: For a warm, aromatic touch.
• Whipped cream: Light and fluffy, it balances the richness of the other layers.
• Pecan halves: Toasted for maximum flavor and crunch.
• Caramel sauce: The gooey glue that ties everything together.
• Instant pudding mix (butterscotch flavor): Adds depth and creaminess to the layers.
• Milk: Used to prepare the pudding mix.

If you don’t have graham crackers, you can substitute with vanilla wafer cookies or even a shortbread crust. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of whipped cream and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Trust me, the pecans and caramel are the stars, so you can tweak the other layers to suit your preferences.

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for layering and serving.
• Mixing bowls: You’ll need a few to prepare the different layers.
• Hand or stand mixer: Essential for whipping up the cream cheese filling.
• Spatula: For smooth and even layering.
• Knife: To chop the pecans, if not using pre-chopped ones.

If you don’t have a stand mixer, a sturdy whisk will do the trick—it’ll just require a bit more elbow grease. And for those pecans, a food processor can save you time if you’re working with whole nuts.

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the crust: Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter until evenly combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust. Place in the fridge to chill.
2. Make the cream cheese layer: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Fold in half of the whipped cream, keeping the other half for later. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
3. Prepare the pudding layer: Whisk the butterscotch pudding mix with milk according to package instructions. Let it set for a few minutes until thickened, then spread over the cream cheese layer.
4. Add the whipped cream layer: Spread the remaining whipped cream over the pudding layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.
5. Top with pecans and caramel: Arrange the toasted pecan halves on top, creating a beautiful layer of crunch. Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the pecans.
6. Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better) to allow the layers to set.

When it’s ready to serve, slice into squares and watch those gorgeous layers reveal themselves. Be warned—people will ask for seconds!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Chill the crust: Make sure the graham cracker base is fully chilled before adding layers, so it holds its shape.
• Use softened cream cheese: Cold cream cheese won’t mix smoothly, so let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before beating.
• Toast the pecans: Toasting brings out their natural oils and intensifies the flavor. Simply bake them at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning!
• Go slow with layering: Smooth each layer carefully to avoid mixing the textures together.
• Refrigerate overnight: If possible, let the dessert chill overnight for the flavors to meld beautifully.

Variations & Adaptations

• Chocolate twist: Swap the butterscotch pudding for chocolate pudding and add mini chocolate chips between layers.
• Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream for the whipped cream and almond milk for the pudding mix.
• Seasonal flair: Add a layer of pumpkin puree mixed with cinnamon and nutmeg for a fall-inspired variation.
• Nut-free alternative: Replace pecans with crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet crunch.

Personally, I’ve tried a version with a layer of melted dark chocolate between the cream cheese and pudding layers—it was heavenly!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this pecan pie lasagna chilled for the best texture. Pair it with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy dessert experience. For presentation, garnish each slice with extra pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days. If you’re planning ahead, you can freeze this dessert for up to 2 weeks—just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This recipe is indulgent, so treat it as a special occasion dessert. Each serving (approximately 1 slice) contains:

• Calories: ~350
• Fat: ~22g
• Carbs: ~38g
• Protein: ~4g

Pecans are a great source of healthy fats and antioxidants, while the whipped cream adds lightness to balance the richness. Enjoy it guilt-free—it’s all about moderation!

Conclusion

This pecan pie lasagna is more than just a dessert—it’s a centerpiece for your celebrations, a showcase of indulgent flavors, and a memory-making masterpiece. Whether you’re sharing it with family or savoring it solo, every bite is a little piece of heaven.

Ready to give it a try? Let me know in the comments how you customize your layers or share your photos of this stunning dessert. I’d love to hear from you!

Happy layering and enjoy the sweet moments!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes! Walnuts or almonds work well if you’re not a fan of pecans.

What’s the best way to toast pecans?

Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.

Can I freeze this dessert?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 weeks. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can use gluten-free graham crackers to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.

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