If ever there was a crowd-pleaser that could leave both pecan pie purists and dessert adventurers swooning, it’s this Decadent Pecan Pie Lasagna. Imagine bite after bite of luscious cream cheese clouds, crunchy toasted pecans, and dreamy layers of vanilla pudding, all nestled on a buttery graham cracker base and generously crowned with caramel. It’s the make-ahead, no-bake layered dessert that will turn heads at every holiday table, family gathering, or casual potluck—guaranteed to earn you endless recipe requests and warm memories.

Decadent Pecan Pie Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, using pantry staples and a few indulgent upgrades to create a flavor-packed, textural masterpiece. Each ingredient has a role to play, from providing the perfect crunch to delivering velvety, creamy layers that truly make Decadent Pecan Pie Lasagna unforgettable.

Graham cracker crumbs: These form the buttery base for every bite, offering essential crunch and a familiar, comforting flavor.
Unsalted butter, melted: This binds the crumbs together and adds a rich, golden taste to the crust.
Cream cheese, softened: This forms the tangy, creamy middle layer that brings cheesecake vibes to the dessert.
Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten the cream cheese without overpowering it.
Vanilla extract: It rounds out the flavors with classic warmth in both the cream cheese and pudding layers.
Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to cloud-like perfection, this adds airy lightness to balance the dense layers.
Powdered sugar: Dissolves seamlessly into the whipped cream for smooth, delicate sweetness.
Instant vanilla pudding mix: Brings easy-peasy structure plus luscious vanilla notes to the ensemble.
Cold whole milk: Essential for blending with the pudding mix and creating that dreamy, thick layer.
Chopped pecans: Irresistibly nutty, these add both flavor and a crave-worthy crunch throughout the lasagna.
Caramel sauce: Sticky-sweet ribbons that tie all the layers together and take this dessert truly over the top.
Extra caramel sauce and pecans for garnish: Because more is more when it comes to finishing touches!

How to Make Decadent Pecan Pie Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by mixing your graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a medium bowl until it looks like damp beach sand. This combination is classic, foolproof, and lays a sturdy, flavorful base for all the creamy layers to come. Press this mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish—no need for baking, thanks to the magic of butter!

Step 2: Make the Fluffy Cream Cheese Layer

Beat together your softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is ultra-smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until stiff peaks form—this creates that gorgeous, light texture. Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, making sure not to deflate it. Spread this dreamy layer evenly over your prepared crust for the first “lasagna” layer.

Step 3: Whip Up the Vanilla Pudding

Now, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix together with cold whole milk. In just a couple of minutes, it will thicken up beautifully. Spoon this smooth, fragrant pudding carefully over your cream cheese layer, spreading it right to the edges for maximum coverage and visual appeal.

Step 4: Add Pecans and Caramel

Sprinkle your chopped pecans evenly over the pudding layer, making sure every bite gets a satisfying crunch. Slowly drizzle the caramel sauce over top, letting it sink slightly into the pudding and nestle among the pecans. This step adds gooey ribbons of sweetness and delightful texture variations to the Decadent Pecan Pie Lasagna.

Step 5: Finish with Whipped Cream and Garnish

Take the remaining whipped cream and spread it gently over everything, creating a fluffy, inviting top layer. Just before serving, garnish with extra drizzles of caramel sauce and a handful of chopped pecans—these finishing touches make the dessert as gorgeous as it is delicious.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows each layer to set up perfectly so you get clean, beautiful slices. All that’s left is to slice, serve, and watch faces light up as everyone digs into your Decadent Pecan Pie Lasagna!

How to Serve Decadent Pecan Pie Lasagna

Garnishes

Never underestimate the power of a pretty garnish! Just before serving, drizzle more caramel sauce back and forth over the top of the lasagna for glossy, irresistible appeal. A final handful of chopped pecans adds color, crunch, and a strong nod to the classic pie that inspired this dessert.

Side Dishes

Since Decadent Pecan Pie Lasagna is rich and sweet, pair it with lighter options if you’re serving it after a big meal. A bowl of fresh berries, a dollop of lightly-sweetened whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream complements the caramel and pecan flavors beautifully without competing for attention.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd, slice squares directly in the pan for a cozy, potluck vibe. For a fancier affair, use a spatula to layer pieces onto small dessert plates and pipe an extra swoosh of whipped cream on each. Alternatively, assemble mini Decadent Pecan Pie Lasagna parfaits in individual jars or cups—perfect for parties or a sweet picnic treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Decadent Pecan Pie Lasagna will keep happily in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. The layers stay beautifully intact and, if anything, the flavors deepen with a little extra chill time.

Freezing

If you’d like to keep some slices on hand for a future treat, Decadent Pecan Pie Lasagna can be frozen! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying. The texture remains surprisingly creamy and delicious even after freezing.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled, but if you prefer a softer texture, let a portion sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can melt the whipped cream and pudding layers. For frozen slices, always thaw them in the fridge for the best consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts all work well in this recipe if you’d like a different flavor twist—or just want to use what you have on hand.

Is homemade caramel sauce better than store-bought?

Homemade caramel sauce adds an extra layer of richness and a slight hint of salt that makes Decadent Pecan Pie Lasagna even more unforgettable, but a good quality store-bought caramel will work in a pinch and still be delicious.

What if I don’t have instant pudding mix?

You can substitute with homemade vanilla pudding, just make sure it’s cooled and thickened before layering. This can add an extra-special homemade touch to your dessert.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Definitely. Simply swap the regular graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free graham crackers, and double-check that your pudding mix is gluten-free as well. The result is every bit as scrumptious!

How do I get clean, neat slices?

For picture-perfect slices of Decadent Pecan Pie Lasagna, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts. Letting the dessert chill overnight also helps the layers set firmly for easy slicing.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to dazzle at your next gathering, give Decadent Pecan Pie Lasagna a spot on your dessert table. It’s indulgent, comforting, refreshingly easy, and sure to become a new seasonal tradition. Let yourself enjoy every creamy, crunchy, caramel-drizzled bite—you deserve it!

Decadent Pecan Pie Lasagna Recipe

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4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Decadent Pecan Pie Lasagna is a show-stopping dessert that combines the flavors of traditional pecan pie with the creamy layers of a luscious lasagna. This no-bake treat features a buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety cream cheese layer, a smooth vanilla pudding filling, and a generous topping of caramel and pecans. Perfect for holidays or special occasions!

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Layer:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar

Vanilla Pudding Filling:

1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 1/2 cups cold whole milk

Additional:

1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 cup caramel sauce
Extra caramel sauce and pecans for garnish

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Instructions

Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cream Cheese Layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and fold into cream cheese mixture.
Vanilla Pudding Filling: Whisk pudding mix with cold milk until thickened. Spread over cream cheese layer.
Sprinkle chopped pecans over pudding, drizzle with caramel sauce, and top with remaining whipped cream.
Garnish with extra caramel sauce and pecans. Refrigerate for 4 hours before serving.