Pecan Pie Lasagna is a sweet, indulgent dessert that brings together the rich, nutty flavors of pecan pie and the creamy, layered structure of a lasagna. This dessert is a perfect fusion of traditional flavors and modern creativity, making it an excellent choice for special occasions like Thanksgiving, family gatherings, or any time you want to indulge in a deliciously layered treat.
The layered nature of this dessert makes it visually appealing and perfect for sharing. The graham cracker crust, pecan pie filling, cream cheese layer, and whipped topping work in harmony to create a dessert that is both comforting and impressive. It’s a fun twist on the classic pecan pie but is a no-bake, easy-to-assemble dish that doesn’t require any pie crust-making skills.
If you’re new to the concept of pecan pie lasagna, don’t worry. It’s a simple yet sophisticated dessert that requires just a few ingredients to put together. You can find a comprehensive guide on making the perfect pecan pie lasagna at Delish and Recipes by Clare. These resources provide detailed, step-by-step instructions and tips to help you master this layered dessert.
Why Pecan Pie Lasagna is a Must-Try Dessert
Pecan pie is a holiday favorite, often seen gracing the tables of Thanksgiving and other festive occasions. However, it can be a bit tricky to prepare and serve, with all the pie-crust preparation and baking time involved. That’s where pecan pie lasagna comes in—it offers all the wonderful flavors of pecan pie without the hassle of a traditional pie crust and baking. It’s the ideal dessert for people who love pecans and the gooey, sugary filling of pecan pie, but with a modern, layered twist.
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Layered Perfection: The best part about pecan pie lasagna is that it is made in layers, making it visually striking and easy to serve. You get a graham cracker crust, a rich pecan filling, and a cream cheese layer, all topped off with whipped cream or a decadent caramel drizzle.
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No Baking Required: This dessert is a no-bake treat! Once you assemble the layers, you simply chill it in the fridge, making it incredibly easy to prepare ahead of time.
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Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday meal or a simple dinner with friends, pecan pie lasagna is sure to be a showstopper at your next gathering.
For a more detailed guide on creating your own pecan pie lasagna, be sure to visit Delish’s recipe, where they provide tips for ensuring your layers come out perfectly.
Key Ingredients for Pecan Pie Lasagna
To make pecan pie lasagna, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:
Crust Ingredients
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Graham cracker crumbs: The base of your pecan pie lasagna comes from these simple crumbs. They form the perfect crunchy, sweet foundation for the creamy layers on top.
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Butter: A key ingredient that binds the graham cracker crumbs together.
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Sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness to balance the other ingredients.
Pecan Pie Filling
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Pecans: These are the star ingredient of your pecan pie filling. Chopped or whole, they add texture and that classic nutty flavor.
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Brown sugar: For sweetness and rich flavor, brown sugar is a must in the pecan pie filling.
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Corn syrup: A key ingredient in pecan pie, it helps create that smooth, gooey texture.
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Butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the filling.
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Eggs: To bind everything together and provide structure to the filling.
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Vanilla extract: For a sweet, fragrant flavor that enhances the other ingredients.
Cream Cheese Layer
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Cream cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet pecan pie filling.
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Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and ensures the cream cheese mixture is smooth and light.
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Vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla brings depth to the cream cheese layer.
Whipped Topping
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Whipped topping: The final layer is typically a whipped topping, which adds lightness and creaminess to the dessert.
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Caramel sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce on top of the whipped topping gives the dessert a final sweet touch, elevating the flavors.
You can find these ingredients at any grocery store, and the total prep time for pecan pie lasagna is relatively short compared to traditional pecan pie.
For more detailed ingredient lists and tips, be sure to visit Recipes by Clare for an in-depth guide.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Assembling Pecan Pie Lasagna
While pecan pie lasagna may look complex, it’s actually quite simple to assemble. Below, we’ll walk through the essential steps to help you make this show-stopping dessert.
1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
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In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
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Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring an even layer across the bottom.
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Chill the crust in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
2. Make the Pecan Pie Filling
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In a saucepan, combine corn syrup, brown sugar, butter, and eggs. Stir the mixture over medium heat until it thickens. Be sure to continuously stir to prevent the eggs from curdling.
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Once the filling has thickened, add the pecans and continue to stir until evenly mixed.
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Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before spreading it over the chilled graham cracker crust.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
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In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
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Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy.
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Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pecan pie filling layer.
4. Assemble the Lasagna Layers
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Start by layering the pecan pie filling over the graham cracker crust. Then, carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the pecan pie filling.
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Continue layering the dessert if you’re using a deeper dish, repeating the pecan pie filling and cream cheese mixture layers until you run out of space.
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Refrigerate the dessert for several hours to allow the layers to set.
5. Add the Final Touches
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Spread the whipped topping over the top of the lasagna.
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Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the whipped topping and sprinkle chopped pecans on top for extra flavor and texture.
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Refrigerate for an additional hour or until you’re ready to serve.
Tips for the Perfect Pecan Pie Lasagna
Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your pecan pie lasagna turns out perfectly every time:
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Chill the crust: Chilling the graham cracker crust before adding the filling ensures it firms up and doesn’t fall apart when you slice the dessert.
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Allow the filling to cool: After making the pecan pie filling, let it cool completely before spreading it over the crust to prevent it from melting the cream cheese layer.
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Customize the topping: Feel free to get creative with the topping. If you don’t have caramel sauce, try chocolate sauce or a drizzle of honey.
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Make it ahead of time: Pecan pie lasagna is a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it the day before and let it sit in the fridge overnight, making it perfect for entertaining.
Storing Pecan Pie Lasagna
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Refrigeration: Store leftovers in the fridge, tightly covered, for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: You can also freeze pecan pie lasagna for up to 1 month. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make Pecan Pie Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare pecan pie lasagna up to two days ahead. Simply store it in the fridge, tightly covered, and it will be ready to serve when you are.
Can I Use A Different Nut?
While pecans are the star of the dish, you can substitute with other nuts such as walnuts or hazelnuts if preferred. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you’re using larger nuts.
Can I Freeze Pecan Pie Lasagna?
Yes, you can freeze pecan pie lasagna. To freeze, wrap the dessert tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 1 month. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Conclusion
Pecan Pie Lasagna combines the best of both worlds: the rich, nutty flavors of pecan pie and the creamy indulgence of a layered dessert. With simple ingredients and a few straightforward steps, you can create a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday or simply treating yourself, this dessert will undoubtedly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Print
Pecan Pie Lasagna
- Total Time: 30 minutes + chilling
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A no-bake, indulgent dessert that combines the rich, nutty flavors of pecan pie with the creamy, layered goodness of lasagna. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or any time you want a show-stopping treat!
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups whipped topping
- Caramel sauce, for drizzle
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into a 9×13-inch dish and chill for 30 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and eggs. Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in pecans and vanilla, and let cool.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.
- Spread the pecan pie filling over the chilled crust. Layer the cream cheese mixture on top.
- Top with additional whipped topping, drizzle with caramel sauce, and sprinkle chopped pecans over.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
For extra crunch, toast the pecans before adding them to the filling. Serve chilled for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: pecan pie lasagna, no-bake dessert, layered dessert, holiday treat