Pecan Pie Lasagna Recipe

The Sweet Symphony: Pecan Pie Lasagna Recipe for Dessert Lovers

Crafting a delightful pecan pie lasagna brings unexpected magic to classic dessert traditions.

Sweet layers merge surprising flavors in every decadent bite.

Nutty pecans create a rich, indulgent foundation for this unique culinary adventure.

Delicate textures blend creamy and crunchy elements that dance across your palate.

Comfort meets innovation through carefully selected ingredients and clever techniques.

Passionate bakers will adore this creative twist on two beloved desserts.

Let your taste buds explore this extraordinary culinary masterpiece that promises pure deliciousness.

Why Pecan Pie Lasagna Is A Crowd Favorite

  • Craft Layers of Delight: This dessert offers a stunning visual and taste experience with multiple delicious layers that make every bite exciting.
  • Minimal Cooking Required: No complex baking needed – just simple stovetop cooking and layering, perfect for home cooks with basic kitchen skills.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Combines classic pecan pie flavors with creamy cheesecake-like texture, making it a guaranteed hit at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, reducing last-minute stress and allowing flavors to develop beautifully before serving.

Pecan Pie Lasagna Ingredient List

Crust Base:
  • Vanilla Wafers: Classic cookie that forms the foundational layer of this delightful dessert.
Pecan Mixture:
  • Pecans: Rich and buttery nuts that provide a deep, nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness to complement the pecans.
  • Butter: Creates a smooth, rich sauce that binds the pecan mixture together.
Cream Cheese Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a tangy, creamy base for the smooth filling.
  • Heavy Cream: Whipped to create a light and airy texture in the dessert.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture with a fine, smooth consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dessert.

How To Put Together Pecan Pie Lasagna

Step 1: Crush Vanilla Wafers

Create a delicious base by crushing vanilla wafers into fine crumbs. Spread the crumbs evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, creating a smooth and even foundation for your dessert.

Step 2: Create Pecan Caramel Sauce

Prepare a rich and gooey sauce by combining:
  • Pecans
  • Brown sugar
  • Butter

Cook the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter melts completely and the sugar transforms into a smooth, glossy caramel.

Step 3: Pour Pecan Caramel Layer

Carefully pour the warm pecan caramel sauce over the crushed vanilla wafer base. Ensure the sauce covers the entire surface evenly, creating a delectable first layer.

Step 4: Whip Fluffy Cream

In a chilled mixing bowl, beat heavy cream until it forms stiff, billowy peaks. The cream should stand up tall and look light and airy when the beater is lifted.

Step 5: Blend Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Beat the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, creating a light and fluffy filling.

Step 6: Add Cream Cheese Layer

Spread the cream cheese mixture over the pecan caramel layer. Use a spatula to create an even, smooth surface that completely covers the previous layer.

Step 7: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to mingle and the layers to set, creating a perfect texture and intensifying the delicious taste.

Helpful Hints For Pecan Pie Lasagna

  • Toast pecans briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent sogginess.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, lump-free mixing and better texture.
  • Crush vanilla wafers finely for a more uniform and compact base that holds together well.
  • Replace heavy cream with whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy consistency.
  • Drizzle caramel sauce or sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top before serving for added visual appeal and crunch.

Creative Ideas For Pecan Pie Lasagna

  • Southern Praline Pecan Pie Lasagna: Replace vanilla wafers with crushed praline cookies and add a drizzle of caramel sauce between layers for a rich Southern-style dessert.
  • Chocolate Pecan Pie Lasagna: Mix cocoa powder into the cream cheese layer and sprinkle dark chocolate shavings on top for a decadent chocolate version.
  • Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie Lasagna: Incorporate bourbon and maple syrup into the pecan mixture, creating a sophisticated and warming flavor profile with a hint of smokiness.
  • No-Bake Pecan Pie Lasagna: Skip cooking the pecan mixture and use toasted pecans instead, making the dessert a quick and easy no-bake option for busy home bakers.

What Pairs Well With Pecan Pie Lasagna

  • Pair with Bourbon Vanilla Latte: Rich, smooth coffee complementing the sweet pecan notes creates a luxurious dessert experience.
  • Match with Caramel Cream Liqueur: Silky alcohol enhances the creamy texture and amplifies the dessert's decadent butterscotch undertones.
  • Serve alongside Spiced Apple Cider: Warm, tangy cider cuts through the richness, providing a delightful palate-cleansing contrast to the sweet layers.
  • Enjoy with Maple Whiskey: Woody whiskey highlights the nutty pecan flavors, creating a sophisticated dessert pairing that elevates the entire tasting experience.

Simple Storage For Pecan Pie Lasagna

  • Store covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the dessert chilled to maintain its creamy texture and prevent spoilage.
  • Wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut into squares and store in airtight containers. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Best enjoyed cold. If desired, let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Avoid microwaving to prevent cream cheese mixture from becoming runny.

Frequently Asked About Pecan Pie Lasagna

  • Is this dessert similar to traditional pecan pie?

This recipe transforms classic pecan pie flavors into a layered, creamy dessert with vanilla wafer base and cream cheese filling.

  • Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dessert a day in advance and keep it refrigerated, which actually helps the flavors blend better.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make this dessert?

You’ll need a 9×13 inch baking dish, mixing bowls, a saucepan, and an electric mixer or whisk to create the layers.

  • Is this dessert very sweet?

It has a balanced sweetness from brown sugar and cream cheese, with the pecans adding a rich, nutty flavor to offset the sweetness.

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Pecan Pie Lasagna Recipe

Pecan Pie Lasagna Recipe


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4.6 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy layers of pecan pie lasagna blend Southern comfort with innovative dessert design. Sweet, nutty flavors and silky textures create a delightful twist you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Baking Ingredients:

  • 1 box vanilla wafers
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 package cream cheese, softened

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (354 milliliters)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Create a uniform base by crushing vanilla wafers and distributing them evenly across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Combine pecans, brown sugar, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until the butter melts and sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Carefully pour the warm pecan mixture directly over the vanilla wafer crust, ensuring even coverage.
  4. Whip heavy cream using an electric mixer until stiff, stable peaks form, creating a light and airy texture.
  5. In a separate mixing bowl, blend cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  6. Gently incorporate the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, folding carefully to maintain volume and prevent deflation.
  7. Spread the cream cheese and whipped cream mixture evenly over the pecan layer, creating a smooth, consistent surface.
  8. Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the layers to set firmly before serving.

Notes

  • Crush the vanilla wafers finely to create a uniform, compact base that holds together perfectly when serving.
  • Toast the pecans briefly before cooking to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the dessert.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture that blends seamlessly with the whipped cream.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute vanilla wafers with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour-based cookies.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 470
  • Sugar: 40 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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