Pecan Pie Lasagna: A No-Bake Dessert Dream Come True

When the craving for a comforting, decadent dessert hits—something sweet, nutty, and nostalgic—Pecan Pie Lasagna delivers in every bite. Imagine a cozy holiday evening, the fireplace crackling, and your favorite people gathered around the table. Now picture serving up a chilled slice of layered bliss, with the rich flavors of pecan pie stacked between creamy clouds of whipped topping and a crunchy graham cracker base. It’s more than a dessert—it’s a celebration in every bite.

Inspired by the Southern classic, Pecan Pie Lasagna takes all the beloved elements of traditional pecan pie and transforms them into a no-bake, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a family potluck, or just a weekend indulgence, this layered delight will become your new go-to recipe for wow-worthy desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Pecan Pie Lasagna Recipe

No Baking Required – Perfect for warm weather or when oven space is tight during holiday cooking marathons.
Layered Flavor Explosion – Crunchy, creamy, and gooey textures in every forkful.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepares beautifully the night before for stress-free serving.
Great for Crowds – Serves 12 or more depending on how generous your slices are.
Unforgettable Presentation – The layered look makes for a stunning centerpiece at any dessert table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to build your delicious pecan pie lasagna from the bottom up.

For the Crust Layer

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
⅓ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cream Cheese Layer

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed

For the Pecan Filling Layer

1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups chopped pecans

For the Whipped Topping Layer

1 ½ cups whipped topping (Cool Whip)
¼ cup chopped pecans, for garnish
Caramel sauce, for drizzling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

Start by making the base that sets the stage for the entire dessert.

In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter.
Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Press it firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer.
Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill for at least 20 minutes.

Pro Tip: Use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the crust evenly and firmly for the best results.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer

Creamy, slightly tangy, and sweet—this layer balances out the rich pecan filling.

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until well combined.
Spread the mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
Return the dish to the refrigerator to chill while preparing the next layer.

3. Cook the Pecan Filling

Now comes the heart of the dessert: a gooey, buttery pecan filling reminiscent of traditional pecan pie.

In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and beaten eggs over medium heat.
Stir constantly for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and chopped pecans.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly—warm but not hot.

Caution: Don’t pour the pecan filling while it’s still hot, or it could melt the cream cheese layer.

4. Layer the Pecan Filling

Gently spoon and spread the cooled pecan mixture over the cream cheese layer.
Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to evenly distribute.
Return the dish to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes.

5. Add the Final Whipped Topping

Spread the remaining 1 ½ cups of whipped topping evenly over the pecan layer.
Garnish with chopped pecans and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce.

6. Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate the lasagna for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight if possible.
When ready to serve, slice into neat squares and enjoy chilled.

Make it Extra: Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of cinnamon over the caramel drizzle for a gourmet touch.

Tips for Success

Use Quality Ingredients

Since this dessert is no-bake, the flavor of each ingredient really shines. Use high-quality real butter, pure vanilla extract, and fresh pecans for the best results.

Chill Time Matters

Resist the urge to slice early! Chilling allows each layer to firm up and flavors to meld. Overnight chilling gives the best structure and taste.

Customize It

Swap the graham cracker crust for crushed shortbread or vanilla wafers for a twist.
Use maple syrup instead of corn syrup in the pecan filling for added depth.
Add a layer of chocolate ganache under the cream cheese for a decadent upgrade.

How to Store Pecan Pie Lasagna

Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Use plastic wrap or an airtight lid.
Freezer: This dessert freezes well! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Holiday Dessert Table – Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter celebrations.
Potlucks and Parties – Transportable and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Just Because – Treat yourself to a slice on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Serve it alongside:

A cup of coffee or spiced chai latte
A scoop of vanilla ice cream
A glass of bourbon or dessert wine

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just substitute gluten-free graham crackers for the crust and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Absolutely. Beat 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Just be aware that homemade whipped cream may not hold up as long as Cool Whip, especially for make-ahead storage.

What if I don’t have corn syrup?

You can substitute with maple syrup, honey, or a mix of brown sugar and water—though the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts: A Show-Stopping No-Bake Dessert

Pecan Pie Lasagna is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a celebration of textures, flavors, and moments shared around the table. It’s a shortcut to the comfort of pecan pie without the hassle of crust rolling or oven time. Best of all, it’s a recipe that invites creativity, making it just as fun to prepare as it is to serve.

Whether you’re whipping it up for a festive gathering or as a sweet escape from a long week, this no-bake delight is sure to bring smiles with every creamy, crunchy, caramel-drizzled bite.