Easy No-Bake Pecan Pie Lasagna Recipe

This no-bake pecan pie lasagna is a dreamy dessert that’s rich, creamy, and full of nutty flavor. It’s like an old fashioned pecan pie lasagna but made lighter and easier with layers of whipped cream, cream cheese, and a crunchy cookie crust.

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Since it requires no oven time, it’s a refreshing choice for summer gatherings, but it’s just as perfect for fall holidays when you want something decadent without the baking fuss.

One of my favorite versions uses vanilla wafers for the base, turning it into a pecan pie lasagna with vanilla wafers that has a sweet, buttery crunch in every bite.

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Quick Recipe Info

Detail	Information
Calories	~420 per serving
Protein	~5g
Carbohydrates	~40g
Fat	~27g
Gluten-Free	Not unless made with gluten-free cookies
Dairy-Free	No
Vegan-Friendly	No

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Why You’ll Love this Recipe

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• A no-bake twist on old fashioned pecan pie lasagna
• Creamy, crunchy, and indulgent layers in every serving
• Works beautifully with different crusts like vanilla wafers
• A decadent pecan pie lasagna that’s perfect for holidays or casual gatherings
• Quick and stress-free to prepare, no oven needed
• Refreshing because it’s served chilled
• Eye-catching presentation with minimal effort

Ingredients to Make No-Bake Pecan Pie Lasagna

To make this decadent pecan pie lasagna, you don’t need any complicated steps or hard-to-find items.

The ingredients are simple, but when layered together, they create a rich, creamy dessert that tastes like an old fashioned pecan pie lasagna in a fun, no-bake form.

You can even swap the crust with vanilla wafers for a pecan pie lasagna with vanilla wafers that has a unique texture. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Ingredient List

• 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers (or graham crackers, if preferred)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip), divided
• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
• ½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

About the Ingredients

Caramel Sauce – A drizzle of caramel gives the dessert its classic pecan pie sweetness and sticky richness.The chilled layers make it feel indulgent yet light, and it’s a decadent pecan pie lasagna that can easily impress at parties, family dinners, or any special occasion.

Vanilla Wafers – Using vanilla wafers gives this pecan pie lasagna a slightly sweet, buttery crunch. You can also use graham crackers or digestive biscuits if that’s what you have on hand.

Unsalted Butter – Helps bind the cookie crust and adds a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with pecans.

Cream Cheese – Brings a tangy, creamy base that balances out the sweetness of the dessert.

Powdered Sugar – Keeps the cream cheese layer smooth and sweet without being grainy.

Whipped Topping – Lightens the layers and gives the lasagna its fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Vanilla Pudding Mix – Adds a silky, custard-like layer that ties the whole dessert together.

Cold Milk – Essential for setting the pudding layer.

Chopped Pecans – The star of the dish, providing a nutty crunch and that signature pecan pie flavor. Toasting them enhances their aroma and taste.

Steps to Make Pecan Pie Lasagna

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Making this dessert is all about layering, which is what makes it so fun and easy. Since it’s a no-bake recipe, you don’t need to worry about oven time or tricky baking techniques. Just prepare each layer, stack them together, and let the fridge do the work. Here’s how you can make this decadent pecan pie lasagna at home:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by crushing your vanilla wafers (or graham crackers) into fine crumbs. Mix them with the melted butter until they resemble wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form the crust. This will give your pecan pie lasagna with vanilla wafers a sturdy, sweet base. Place it in the refrigerator while you prepare the next layer so it sets a little.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in one cup of whipped topping. Spread this layer evenly over the chilled crust. This creamy filling balances out the sweetness of the pecans and caramel, giving your old fashioned pecan pie lasagna a lighter, tangy note.

Step 3: Whisk the Pudding Layer

In another bowl, whisk the vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until it thickens. This will take about two minutes. Pour and spread the pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer. It creates a silky, custard-like layer that adds depth and flavor to the dessert.

Step 4: Add the Whipped Topping

Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer. This fluffy topping gives the lasagna its signature “cloud-like” finish and makes it extra indulgent.

Step 5: Finish with Pecans and Caramel

Sprinkle the chopped pecans generously on top, then drizzle with caramel sauce. For an extra decadent pecan pie lasagna, toast the pecans beforehand to bring out their natural flavor and crunch. Add another light drizzle of caramel just before serving to make it even more tempting.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you have time). Chilling helps the layers set properly, making it easier to slice. Once chilled, cut into squares and serve cold. Each piece will have those gorgeous layers that make this dessert stand out.

Serving Suggestions

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No-bake pecan pie lasagna is already a showstopper, but how you serve it can make it feel even more special.

Since this dessert is chilled and layered, it looks beautiful when sliced cleanly into squares.

The creamy layers, nutty topping, and caramel drizzle create a decadent look that’s sure to impress.

Holiday Dessert Centerpiece
This no-bake pecan pie lasagna is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday table. Its layers make it look festive and elegant without extra effort.

Casual Gatherings
Serve chilled squares at potlucks, barbecues, or family dinners. Since it’s refreshing and no-bake, it’s especially great for warm-weather get-togethers.

Extra Toppings
Add whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers, or a whole pecan on top for a polished presentation. These little touches make each serving look bakery-worthy.

Ice Cream Pairing
For an indulgent twist, serve slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy cold ice cream enhances the decadent pecan pie lasagna layers.

Tips and Tricks

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Making a perfect no-bake pecan pie lasagna is easier than it seems if you keep a few simple tips in mind.

First, make sure to spread each layer evenly with a spatula. This keeps the layers neat and ensures that every slice looks beautiful when served.

Toasting the pecans before adding them gives a richer, nuttier flavor and a satisfying crunch that really enhances the dessert.

Lastly, chilling the lasagna for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, is key for the layers to set properly and make slicing clean and easy.

Variations of Pecan Pie Lasagna

This no-bake pecan pie lasagna is incredibly versatile, so you can easily tweak it to suit different tastes or occasions. Here are some popular variations:

Pecan Pie Lasagna with Vanilla Wafers
Replace the graham cracker crust with crushed vanilla wafers. The wafers add a buttery, sweet crunch that complements the creamy layers perfectly. This version feels extra indulgent and is a fun twist on the traditional old fashioned pecan pie lasagna.

Chocolate Pecan Pie Lasagna
For chocolate lovers, add a layer of chocolate pudding or sprinkle mini chocolate chips between the layers. This variation combines the nutty flavor of pecans with a rich chocolatey twist, making it a decadent treat for parties or family gatherings.

Extra Caramel Drizzle
Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top layer before serving. It not only enhances the sweetness but also gives a sticky, luxurious finish that makes each slice feel indulgent.

Nutty Mix
While pecans are traditional, you can mix in walnuts or almonds for extra texture and flavor. Toast the nuts lightly to enhance their aroma and crunch.

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Lighter Version
Substitute regular whipped topping with a lighter or sugar-free version, or use low-fat cream cheese to make a slightly lighter but still delicious dessert.

Storage Instructions

No-bake pecan pie lasagna keeps very well, which makes it a great dessert to prepare in advance.

After assembling, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.

If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to a month. However, freezing may slightly change the texture of the whipped topping, so it’s best to add any extra caramel or fresh nuts after thawing.

When ready to serve, let it thaw in the fridge for several hours or overnight for the best results.

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! This no-bake pecan pie lasagna actually tastes best if made ahead. Prepare it the night before and let it chill in the fridge. This helps the layers set perfectly and makes slicing much easier.

2. Can I use a different crust?
Absolutely. While graham crackers are classic, you can use crushed vanilla wafers for a sweeter, buttery crunch, or even gluten-free cookies if needed. Each option gives a slightly different texture and flavor.

3. How long does it last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it will keep well for 4–5 days. Be sure to cover it properly so it doesn’t absorb fridge odors.

4. Can I freeze it?
Yes, you can freeze this dessert for up to a month. It’s best to freeze it without extra caramel or nuts on top, adding them after thawing for the freshest texture.

5. Can I make it vegan or dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free or vegan, you’d need to use plant-based cream cheese, dairy-free pudding mix, and whipped topping. Keep in mind this changes the flavor slightly, but it’s still delicious.