This Chocolate Cherry Lush will quickly become a new family favorite! Easy to prepare, make it ahead of time for your chocolate and cherry loving friends and family!
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I have been dreaming of this dessert for two years now. I finally had the chance to make it and I’m kicking myself for not making it sooner. I am obsessed, OBSESSED with chocolate and cherry. Together they create the most beautiful magic in my mouth and I look for every opportunity to pair these two ingredients.
As you know, I am quite partial to my Grandma’s 4-Layer Dessert. I’ve done a peppermint version and a chocolate-caramel version that stills blows my mind ever time I think about it. I grew up calling this a “Four Layer Dessert” but many of you know it as a lush. Because I didn’t want to freak you all out with a FIVE layer dessert, I went with Chocolate Cherry Lush for the title and lush it is!
The first layer is a magnificent crust that the rest of this dessert is built upon. The foundation for greatness, really. I used pecans but I know almonds and cherry go together like bread and butter so use almonds – or any other nut – that you prefer. I’m just partial to pecans 🙂
The second layer is cherry pie filling – use your favorite brand. My boys considered every bite that contained a cherry to be some sort of personal victory by the cheering that I heard going on while they were enjoying their dessert.
The third layer may be my favorite – cream cheese, powdered sugar, and Cool Whip. I could eat this stuff for breakfast.
The fourth layer is chocolate pudding but shoot, vanilla or whatever you’ve got on hand that you think would go well with cherries would be an excellent way to go.
The fifth layer is more Cool Whip which creates a beautiful canvas for whatever topping your heart desires: chocolate jimmies, chocolate curls, shaved chocolate, – just go with your gut on this one. I had a Hershey bar that was calling my name so yeah, that was kind of awesome.
I really don’t think you can go wrong here. And it tastes all KINDS of right. I love how easy this dessert is to make and it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for busy days. It would be beautiful for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, potluck or picnic – it’s just so darn versatile!
You can really lighten this recipe up using fat-free, sugar-free jello and lite Cool Whip.
Chocolate Cherry Lush
Ingredients
First Layer
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup crushed nuts I like pecans
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter melted
Second Layer
- 21 oz. cherry pie filling 1 can
Third Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup Cool Whip 8 oz container
Fourth Layer
- 6.8 oz chocolate instant pudding 2 packages
- 3 cups milk
Fifth Layer
- Remaining Cool Whip from 8 oz container
- 1/2 cup chocolate shavings or chocolate jimmies
Instructions
First Layer
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Combine ingredients and press into a 9x13 baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Cool.
Second Layer
- Spread cherry pie filling over crust.
Third Layer
- Beat cream cheese in a mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add in Cool Whip.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until thoroughly combined.
- Spread on cool crust.
Fourth Layer
- Combine pudding mix and milk and prepare according to package instructions.
- Spread over second layer.
Fifth Layer
- Top third layer with remaining Cool Whip.
- Sprinkle on chocolate shavings or chocolate jimmies.
- Keep refrigerated until serving.
Nutrition
Chocolate craving? I’ve got you covered.
Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake Bars
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Susan Ciannilli says
Want to make this so soon. Can I leave the nuts out of the first layer?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Yes, you can!
Clare says
Do I have to butter and flour the bottom of the pan so it comes out easier?
Marty says
Can real whipping be used instead of cool whip??
Danielle @ better for you treats says
This is the recipe I have been searching for!! I will be making this very soon! Thanks for sharing!
Janet Welte says
I was confused about your layering of the layers. your directions don’t make sense. too many layers on top of he 2nd layer., I will go according to the recipe layers.
Linda Plotnick says
Hi. Just a little confused with the pudding directions.eack box of pudding says to use 2cups of milk (would be total of 4 cups). Do you add additional 3 cups of milk or use only 3 cups of milk
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Just the three cups Linda – enjoy!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
I never have tried a dessert quite like this chocolate cherry lush before. Think I have been missing out on something delicious Trish!
Brenda @ SweetSimpleStuff says
I just told my hubby that I wanted something sweet … it’s 10:07pm … why did I look at your recipe??? I want Chocolate Cherry Lush!!! It’s a little late tonight, but tomorrow … on the top of the “to do” list!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
You won’t regret it Brenda – sooo good!
heather @french press says
I LOVE a good lush dessert!! my favorite as a kid, and this is just perfect for valentines day
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks Heather! I completely agree 🙂 See ya tomorrow!
Carol at Wild Goose Tea says
Lush is absolutely the right word for a dessert like this. Definitely decadent. Thus right up my alley!!!!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thank you so much Carol! It went over great with the family!
Melanie @ Carmel Moments says
Looks so delish Trish! Irresistible for sure.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Thanks so much Melanie!
Laura @ Laura's Culinary says
I have never had a lush before, but all the layers look delicious! Sign me up!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Never?!? Let this one be your first Laura – you’ll LOVE it! Pinky promise 🙂
Mir says
This is old school in the best way! My grandmother used to make desserts like this. I love them! And that crust is amazing. Just wow.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
YES! Old school but fabulous! Thanks Mir!
Chandra@The Plaid & Paisley Kitchen says
Oh Trish I am thinking this would be a perfect treat like RIGHT NOW! I would crawl into my screen if I could!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
It definitely would Chandra! Any time is a good time for lush 🙂 Thank you!
Kathleen @ yummy crumble says
This looks like my kind of dessert! I absolutely live chocolate and cherries together. Cool whip makes everything better
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Me too Kathleen! I’m on a serious chocolate and cherry kick right now. And amen to the cool whip. It sure does 🙂
TaraLee says
This was my all time favorite kind of dessert until I had my youngest daughter 5 years ago who is severely allergic to tree nuts. I’ve tried making this crust without the nuts, but it’s just lacking…something. I tried an crushed oreo crust but it was just too sweet. Anyone have any other suggestions?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Have you tried a graham cracker crust Tara? Just do butter and graham crackers without adding any sugar and you should be good to go!
kandice says
A great alternative for nuts in crusts is crushed pretzels. You could also try oats for a nutty chewy texture.
Kandi
Volunteer, Kids with Food Allergies (www.kidswithfoodallergies.org)
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
I was JUST emailing my mom about a Lush recipe she makes but it starts out with storebought angel food cake. You go girl that yours is all scratch! and it looks Incredible! All those layers and textures and flavors! YUM!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Nothing wrong with a little Cool Whip and pudding mix by the way…I grew up on them 🙂
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Amen! Thanks Averie!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Oooh man! That sounds fabulous!!