Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in the kitchen, gazing at the ingredients spread out before me, I couldn’t help but grin at the thought of creating a Pecan Pie Lasagna. This no-bake dessert offers an effortless way to elevate any gathering, combining a buttery graham cracker crust with a smooth cream cheese layer topped with rich pecans. What I love most is how quickly it comes together—perfect for those last-minute dessert cravings! Plus, it strikes that ideal balance of creamy and crunchy textures, making it a sure crowd-pleaser at holidays or potlucks. So, are you ready to dive into this delightful layered creation that makes dessert a breeze? What Makes Pecan Pie Lasagna Irresistible? Decadent Layers: This no-bake dessert showcases layers of creamy cheesiness and crunchy pecans, making every bite a treat for your senses. Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful dessert without turning on the oven—perfect for busy days! Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a guaranteed hit at gatherings, satisfying sweet cravings and impressing guests, whether you serve it during the holidays or at casual get-togethers. Versatile Variations: Feel free to add chocolate chips or mix in different nuts for a personalized touch—creativity is encouraged! Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare it a day in advance and let it chill in the fridge; the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing your dessert experience. Enjoy it alongside a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing contrast! Pecan Pie Lasagna Ingredients • Get ready to create a no-bake masterpiece! For the Crust Graham Cracker Crumbs – Provides a buttery and crunchy base. Can substitute with digestive biscuits or Oreo crumbs. Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness to the crust. No direct substitutions; however, you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Unsalted Butter – Binds the crust ingredients together. Margarine can be used as an alternative. For the Cream Cheese Layer Cream Cheese – Forms the smooth layer of the dessert. Use soft cream cheese for better mixing; low-fat cream cheese is a substitute. Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the cheese layer and helps achieve a creamy texture. Regular sugar can be ground to a powder as an alternative. Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor profile. Almond extract can be swapped for a different flavor twist. Whipped Topping (Cool Whip) – Adds lightness and creaminess to the filling. Homemade whipped cream can replace store-bought for a fresher taste. For the Pecan Filling Brown Sugar – Contributes to the rich taste of the pecan filling. Can be replaced with coconut sugar for a healthier option. Light Corn Syrup – Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the filling. Honey or maple syrup may serve as alternatives but will alter the flavor. Unsalted Butter (for filling) – Enhances richness in the pecan layer. Use salted butter if unsalted is unavailable, but reduce additional salt. Eggs – Bind the filling together for a firmer structure. Flax eggs can be used as a vegan alternative. Chopped Pecans – Main feature of the topping, providing crunch and nuttiness. Walnuts can be used as a substitute. Pinch of Salt – Balances sweetness. Kosher salt or sea salt can be used. With these ingredients ready, you’re just a few steps away from enjoying a delightful Pecan Pie Lasagna that your friends and family will love! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Pecan Pie Lasagna Step 1: Prepare the Crust In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted unsalted butter until well blended. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form a solid layer. Chill the crust in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to set and firm up before adding the next layer. Step 2: Make Cream Cheese Layer In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth, usually about 2 minutes. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is well combined. Gently fold in whipped topping to maintain its airy texture before spreading this fluffy cream cheese layer evenly over the chilled crust. Step 3: Cook Pecan Filling In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, light corn syrup, and unsalted butter, stirring continuously until the mixture begins to bubble, about 5-7 minutes. Once bubbling, remove from heat, and whisk in beaten eggs and chopped pecans until well incorporated. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, ensuring it won’t melt the cream cheese layer below. Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna Carefully pour the pecan filling over the cream cheese layer, ensuring even distribution without disturbing the layers below. Spread it gently with a spatula, creating a smooth top. This no-bake Pecan Pie Lasagna is now layered beautifully, ready for chilling. Step 5: Chill the Dish Cover the assembled Pecan Pie Lasagna with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, though overnight chilling is preferred for the flavors to meld and the layers to set firmly. This will ensure that every slice holds its shape beautifully when served. Step 6: Serve Once chilled, remove the dessert from the refrigerator and cut it into bars using a warm knife for clean edges. Serve the Pecan Pie Lasagna plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence, delighting your friends and family with every delicious bite! Pecan Pie Lasagna Variations & Substitutions Feel free to explore these delightful twists on the classic recipe and make it your own! Nut-Free: Substitute chopped pecans with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option while still enjoying that crunchy texture. Vegan: Use vegan cream cheese, coconut whipped cream, and a flax egg to make this dessert completely plant-based. Chocolate Burst: Add mini chocolate chips to the cream cheese layer for a deliciously rich contrast to the pecans. Flavor Explosion: Experiment with flavored extracts like rum or maple in the cream cheese layer for a unique aromatic twist. Fruit Infusion: Layer fresh sliced bananas or strawberries on top of your cream cheese layer for an added fruity freshness. Sweetener Swap: Use agave syrup or stevia in place of brown sugar to cater to those looking for lighter alternatives. Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pecan filling for an unexpected spicy note that dances on the palate. Different Crunch: Replace graham cracker crumbs with crushed pretzels for an exciting salty-sweet base that enhances each bite! These suggestions will not only help you cater to different dietary needs but also ignite your creativity in the kitchen. If you’re interested in more delicious recipes, consider checking out my Gooey Butter Pecan or Big Fat Pecan Sticky Buns. Happy experimenting! Make Ahead Options These Pecan Pie Lasagna bars are ideal for meal prep, simplifying your dessert planning! You can prepare the crust and cream cheese layers up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix and press the crust into the dish, chill it, then make the cream cheese layer and spread it over the crust—cover tightly and refrigerate. The pecan filling can also be cooked a day ahead; just let it cool, store it in an airtight container, and pour it over the cream cheese layer right before serving. This way, you maintain the dessert’s delightful textures while saving time and effort on busy occasions! What to Serve with Pecan Pie Lasagna? As you prepare to indulge in this sweet, no-bake delight, consider some delightful accompaniments that enhance the experience. Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of vibrant, juicy fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the rich layers of the lasagna. Think of the burst of berries against the creamy texture. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts delightfully when paired with the pecan layers, creating a creamy, sweet union that’s simply heavenly. Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top amplifies the creaminess of your dessert, bringing a light and airy finish to each slice. Coffee or Espresso: A cup of hot coffee or espresso complements the sweetness of the lasagna, providing a rich, aromatic contrast that balances the dessert’s flavors beautifully. Chocolate Drizzle: Add a touch of decadence by drizzling melted chocolate over your lasagna slices. This rich addition will elevate the dessert experience to new heights. Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce brings a luxurious sweetness that pairs perfectly with the crunchy pecans, enhancing each bite with a touch of indulgence. Storage Tips for Pecan Pie Lasagna Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This helps maintain the delicious layers of your Pecan Pie Lasagna while keeping it fresh. Freezer: For longer storage, individually wrap slices of Pecan Pie Lasagna in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 3 months. Thawing: To enjoy frozen slices, transfer them to the fridge and let them thaw overnight. Serve chilled or with a quick reheat in the microwave for a few seconds if desired. Serving after Storage: When ready to serve, cut with a warm knife for clean slices and consider adding a fresh dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. Expert Tips for Pecan Pie Lasagna Chill Thoroughly: Allow each layer to cool and set properly in the fridge. This prevents a messy, runny dessert when served. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cream cheese and whipped topping enhance the flavor and texture, making your Pecan Pie Lasagna extra delightful. Fold Gently: When incorporating whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture, fold gently to keep the layer light and airy. Monitor Heat: Don’t overheat the pecan filling; high temperatures can cause the eggs to scramble, wreaking havoc on the filling’s smooth texture. Cool Before Layering: Always let the pecan filling cool before pouring over the cream cheese layer; this ensures distinct layers and prevents melting. Pecan Pie Lasagna Recipe FAQs What type of graham cracker crumbs should I use? I recommend using regular graham cracker crumbs for the best flavor and texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can substitute them with digestive biscuits or even crushed Oreo cookies for a chocolate twist. Just make sure to keep the crumb consistency fine for an even crust! How long can I store the Pecan Pie Lasagna in the fridge? Absolutely! You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This keeps the dessert fresh while allowing the flavors to deepen even more. Just remember to cover the dish well if you’re not using a container to avoid any odors from your fridge sneaking in. Can I freeze Pecan Pie Lasagna? Very! For longer storage, it’s best to wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply transfer the desired number of bars to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. This helps maintain the layered structure without getting too mushy. What do I do if my pecan filling seems runny? Don’t worry! If your pecan filling is runny, it may be due to a couple of reasons, typically related to cooking temperature or timing. Make sure to cook the filling just until bubbling and consistently stir while cooking. If it does turn out runny, let it cool slightly longer before layering it over the cream cheese mixture—it can help thicken a bit. Always allow it to cool, as pouring it hot can melt the layers below. Is there a way to make this recipe vegan-friendly? Definitely! To make a vegan version of your Pecan Pie Lasagna, you can substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative. For the eggs in the filling, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water equals one egg) or silken tofu blended until smooth. Just remember that taste and texture might vary a bit, but you’ll still have a delicious dessert that everyone can enjoy! Can pets have pecans or this dessert? No, it’s important to keep this dessert away from pets! While pecans are not toxic, they can cause gastrointestinal upset in pets due to their high-fat content. Also, the sugar and other ingredients like chocolate (if you choose to add it) can be harmful. Always stick to pet-friendly treats when treating your furry friends! Delicious No-Bake Pecan Pie Lasagna for Effortless Indulgence This Pecan Pie Lasagna combines creamy and crunchy textures, making it a perfect no-bake dessert for any gathering. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsChilling Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust2 cups Graham Cracker Crumbs Can substitute with digestive biscuits or Oreo crumbs.1/4 cup Granulated Sugar No direct substitutions; however, you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor.1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Margarine can be used as an alternative.For the Cream Cheese Layer8 oz Cream Cheese Use soft cream cheese for better mixing; low-fat cream cheese is a substitute.1 cup Powdered Sugar Regular sugar can be ground to a powder as an alternative.1 tsp Vanilla Extract Almond extract can be swapped for a different flavor twist.1 cup Whipped Topping (Cool Whip) Homemade whipped cream can replace store-bought for a fresher taste.For the Pecan Filling1 cup Brown Sugar Can be replaced with coconut sugar for a healthier option.1/2 cup Light Corn Syrup Honey or maple syrup may serve as alternatives but will alter the flavor.1/4 cup Unsalted Butter Use salted butter if unsalted is unavailable, but reduce additional salt.3 large Eggs Flax eggs can be used as a vegan alternative.1 cup Chopped Pecans Walnuts can be used as a substitute.1 pinch Salt Kosher salt or sea salt can be used. Equipment mixing bowlElectric MixerSaucepan9x13 inch dish Method Prepare the CrustCombine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted unsalted butter until well blended. Press into a 9x13-inch dish to form a solid layer. Chill crust for 10-15 minutes.Make Cream Cheese LayerBeat softened cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Gently fold in whipped topping and spread evenly over the chilled crust.Cook Pecan FillingIn a saucepan, combine brown sugar, light corn syrup, and unsalted butter over medium heat until bubbling. Remove from heat and whisk in beaten eggs and chopped pecans. Allow to cool slightly.Assemble the LasagnaPour the pecan filling over the cream cheese layer, ensuring even distribution. Smooth the top with a spatula.Chill the DishCover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, though overnight chilling is preferred.ServeOnce chilled, cut into bars using a warm knife. Serve plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 3gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 400IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg NotesEnsure that each layer is properly chilled and set for the best texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
