why make this recipe
No Bake Christmas Lush is a festive, layered dessert that looks impressive but requires minimal hands-on time — perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or a quick show-stopping treat. Its crunchy pecan-shortbread crust, creamy cream cheese layer, and silky instant-pudding middle create a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that both kids and adults love.
introduction
This no-bake version of a classic lush dessert transforms pantry staples into a beautiful holiday centerpiece in under an hour of active prep (plus chilling time). It’s forgiving, easy to scale, and can be made ahead so you’re not rushed on the day of your gathering. For other make-ahead crowd-pleasers, consider pairing it with something savory like Baked Cheesy Chicken Breasts for a full menu that’s simple to assemble.
how to make No Bake Christmas Lush
A quick overview: press a pecan-shortbread crust into a 9×13 dish, layer a sweetened cream cheese mixture, add prepared instant pudding, top with whipped topping, chill until set, then garnish. The pudding layer gives a pudding-pie texture while the cream cheese layer provides richness and structure. Below are the full ingredients and step-by-step directions.
Ingredients :
1 cup pecans, finely chopped, 1 cup shortbread cookies, crushed, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, 8 ounces cream cheese, softened, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 cups whipped topping, 1 package instant pudding mix (e.g., vanilla or chocolate), 2 cups milk, Additional whipped topping and pecans for garnish
Directions :
- In a bowl, combine crushed shortbread cookies and melted butter with chopped pecans to form the crust. Press into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping. Spread this mixture over the crust.
- Prepare instant pudding according to package instructions with milk. Spread pudding over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with the remaining whipped topping.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Garnish with extra whipped topping and chopped pecans if desired.
how to serve No Bake Christmas Lush
Chill thoroughly, then slice with a sharp knife (run under hot water and dry between cuts for cleaner slices). Serve chilled on dessert plates; garnish each slice with extra whipped topping and a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a dusting of cocoa (if using chocolate pudding). It pairs well with coffee or a winter-spiced tea.
how to store No Bake Christmas Lush
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Do not freeze — the whipped topping and pudding textures won’t hold up well after thawing.
tips to make No Bake Christmas Lush
- Press the crust firmly and evenly into the pan to prevent the layers from sliding when cutting.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for a lump-free cream layer.
- For firmer slices, chill overnight instead of the minimum 4 hours.
- If you want a less-sweet version, reduce powdered sugar by 2–3 tablespoons.
- For textural contrast and flavor variation, fold a little finely chopped dried cranberries into the cream cheese layer.
For additional casserole-style make-ahead ideas that simplify holiday prep, you might like this Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti Casserole.
variation (if any)
- Swap vanilla pudding for chocolate pudding for a richer, more decadent version.
- Replace shortbread cookies with graham crackers or gingersnaps for a different flavor profile.
- Add a layer of crushed peppermint candies (lightly pressed into the top whipped layer) for a peppermint-chocolate twist.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this ahead for a party?
A: Yes — make it a day in advance and keep refrigerated until serving.
Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping?
A: Yes, stabilized whipped cream works best if you want it to hold shape longer.
Q: Is there a gluten-free version?
A: Use gluten-free shortbread or graham-style cookies and ensure your instant pudding is gluten-free.
Conclusion
If you want more inspiration or variations on this layered holiday dessert, check out this take on Christmas Lush at Christmas Lush – My Incredible Recipes. For a cookie-focused spin, see a related recipe at Christmas Cookie Lush | Wishes and Dishes.
No Bake Christmas Lush
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, combine crushed shortbread cookies and melted butter with chopped pecans to form the crust. Press into the bottom of a 9x13 inch dish.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping. Spread this mixture over the crust.
- Prepare instant pudding according to package instructions with milk. Spread pudding over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with the remaining whipped topping.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
- Chill thoroughly, then slice with a sharp knife (run under hot water and dry between cuts for cleaner slices). Serve chilled on dessert plates; garnish each slice with extra whipped topping and a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a dusting of cocoa (if using chocolate pudding).
