Cherry Cheesecake Lush

Cherry Cheesecake Lush is a delicious and indulgent dessert that combines the creamy texture of cheesecake with the sweet, tart flavor of cherries. Here’s a recipe to make this delightful treat:

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12-15 graham crackers)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cherry Topping:

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or about 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and sweetened)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Whipped cream
• Fresh cherries

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes or until it’s golden brown. Let it cool completely.
6. Make the Cheesecake Layer:
7. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
8. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until fully incorporated.
9. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
10. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.
11. Assemble the Dessert:
12. Spread the cheesecake layer evenly over the cooled crust.
13. Spoon the cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries) evenly over the cheesecake layer. If using fresh or frozen cherries, you may want to cook them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to thicken them up.
14. Chill:
15. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to let the flavors meld and the dessert to set properly.
16. Serve:
17. Before serving, you can top with additional whipped cream and fresh cherries if desired.
18. Cut into squares and enjoy!

This Cherry Cheesecake Lush is perfect for gatherings and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient and crowd-pleasing dessert!