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No Bake Christmas Lush

A festive, layered dessert featuring a crunchy pecan-shortbread crust, a creamy cream cheese layer, and a silky instant pudding middle, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
  • 1 cup shortbread cookies, crushed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cream and pudding layers
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened Use room temperature for best results
  • 1 cup powdered sugar Reduce by 2–3 tablespoons for a less-sweet version
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups whipped topping Divide into portions for layers
  • 1 package instant pudding mix (e.g., vanilla or chocolate) Can swap flavors for variation
  • 2 cups milk Use for preparing pudding
For garnish
  • Additional whipped topping and pecans For serving

Method
 

Preparation of the crust
  1. 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.
Cream cheese layer
  1. 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.
Pudding layer
  1. Prepare instant pudding according to package instructions with milk. Spread pudding over the cream cheese layer.
Topping
  1. Top with the remaining whipped topping.
  2. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Serving
  1. 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).

Notes

Press the crust firmly and evenly into the pan. For firmer slices, chill overnight instead of the minimum 4 hours. Swap vanilla pudding for chocolate pudding for a richer version. Add crushed peppermint candies for a festive twist.