I can still smell cherries and cocoa in the air when I think of this dessert. I first made Black Forest Lush Dessert on a quiet afternoon when the kids were small and the house needed something sweet to pull us together. If you like layered, familiar treats you might also enjoy my Black Forest trifle for Christmas, which leans on the same warm, homey flavors in a slightly different shape.
Black Forest Lush Dessert
Ingredients
For the crust
- 3.5 cups 3 1/2 cups crushed Oreo cookie crumbs, divided Reserve 1/4 cup for garnish
- 0.5 cups 1/2 cup butter, melted
For the cream cheese layer
- 2 blocks 2 (8 oz) blocks plain cream cheese, softened Room temperature helps with texture
- 1 cup 1 cup powdered sugar Sifted if it seems lumpy
- 3 containers 3 (8 oz) containers whipped topping Keep one out to fold in, and two to frost
For the cherry layer
- 2 cans 2 (18 oz) cans cherry pie filling Brings bright cherry flavor
For the pudding layer
- 2 packages 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant chocolate fudge pudding mix For the smooth chocolate layer
- 3 cups 3 cups whole milk Adds classic richness
- 0.25 tsp 1/4 tsp pure almond extract A small amount goes a long way
For garnishing
- Grated chocolate For garnish and texture
- Maraschino cherries For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray the bottom of a 13 × 9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine 3 1/4 cups of the Oreo crumbs with the melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is set and slightly firm. Allow to cool completely.
Cream Cheese Layer
- In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until fluffy and smooth.
- Add one 8-oz container of whipped topping to the cream cheese mixture, folding gently until combined and smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
Cherry Layer
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer, ensuring the cherries are distributed nicely.
Pudding Layer
- In another bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, whole milk, and almond extract until thickened but still pourable.
- Pour or spread the pudding gently over the cherries using a spatula to level it.
Assembly
- Frost the top of the pudding layer with the remaining two containers of whipped topping.
- Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of crushed Oreo crumbs over the whipped topping and add grated chocolate and maraschino cherries.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 to 6 hours, preferably overnight.
Notes
Nutrition
Why This Black Forest Lush Dessert Feels Comforting
This dessert belongs to the kind of recipes you keep returning to because it asks for only a few simple things and gives back a lot of feeling. The chocolate crumb crust, the cool cream cheese layer, the bright cherries and the silky pudding all sit together like a little patchwork quilt. Each time I make it I find a familiar rhythm: press, chill, spread, and step back to watch the layers settle.
It stayed in our rotation because it is forgiving and honest. You do not need fancy tools or perfect timing, just patience and attention to simple cues. The textures are familiar and comforting. The crust is a little crisp, the cream cheese layer is soft and lightly sweet, the cherries bring a bright note, and the pudding ties it all with a smooth chocolate finish.
The Story Behind This Black Forest Lush Dessert
I learned to make layered desserts like this from a neighbor who taught me how comfort travels in small portions. We would trade recipes across the fence, and she would tell me that good baking is about presence. I started making this on cold afternoons and sunny holidays because it felt right to give the family something pretty and dependable.
Over the years it became a quiet tradition. Friends started to ask for it when they knew I planned to visit. It makes an ordinary evening feel special and a busy holiday table feel balanced. I think those are the little reasons a recipe becomes a favorite: it brings people around the table and helps them feel seen.
Bringing Black Forest Lush Dessert Together
“Some recipes just feel right the moment they come together.”
This dessert is really about gentle steps. Each layer has its own personality and asks for just a small measure of care. Start with the crust until it feels firm under your fingers, then let it cool so the cream cheese mixture will sit smooth. When you spread the cherries, move slowly so the fruit sits evenly. Finally, let the pudding rest long enough to hold its shape when you slice.
Watch for texture more than exact timing. The crust will look set and slightly darker at the edges when it is done. The cream cheese layer will be light and airy when you beat it fully. The pudding needs a moment to thicken but should remain pourable when you spread it. From there, the refrigerator does the rest of the work.
Ingredients You’ll Need
3 1/2 cups crushed Oreo cookie crumbs, divided
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 (8 oz) blocks plain cream cheese, softened (room temperature helps with texture)
1 cup powdered sugar (sifted if it seems lumpy)
3 (8 oz) containers whipped topping (keep one out to fold in, and two to frost)
2 (18 oz) cans cherry pie filling (these bring the bright, familiar cherry flavor)
2 (3.4 oz) packages instant chocolate fudge pudding mix (for the smooth chocolate layer)
3 cups whole milk (this adds a classic richness)
1/4 tsp pure almond extract (a small amount goes a long way)
Grated chocolate (for garnish and a little extra texture)
Maraschino cherries (for garnish and a classic finish)
Each ingredient plays a simple role. The crushed Oreos make a dark, chocolatey base that contrasts with the bright cherries. The cream cheese mix gives the dessert a light tang and creamy body. Pudding and whipped topping add silk and lift, and the almond extract brings a quiet, rounded depth that tastes familiar and warm.
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat and prepare the dish. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, about 175 degrees C. Lightly spray the bottom of a 13 × 9‑inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set it on a flat oven rack.
Make the crust. In a medium bowl, combine 3 1/4 cups of the Oreo cookie crumbs with the melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened, then press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a compact crust. Reserve the remaining 1/4 cup of crumbs for garnish later.
Bake the crust. Place the dish into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is set and slightly firm. Watch for lightly golden edges and a settled surface. Remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely before adding the next layer.
Prepare the cream cheese layer. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened cream cheese and the powdered sugar. Mix for about 2 minutes or until the mixture is fluffy and smooth and no lumps remain. Scrape the sides of the bowl occasionally to keep the texture even.
Add whipped topping. To the cream cheese mixture, add one 8‑oz container of whipped topping. Gently fold or beat until everything is combined and smooth. Evenly distribute the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it to the edges in a calm, steady layer.
Add the cherry layer. Spread both cans of cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer in an even layer so cherries cover the cream cheese thoroughly. Use the back of a spoon to lift and spread the fruit so it sits neatly. Aim for an even fruit layer, not too thin and not spilling over.
Make the chocolate pudding layer. In another medium bowl, whisk together the two packages of instant chocolate fudge pudding mix with the whole milk and the almond extract. Stir until the pudding begins to thicken but stays pourable. Use an electric mixer if you prefer a smoother finish.
Spread the pudding. Once the pudding is smooth and slightly thickened, pour or spread it gently over the cherries. Use a spatula to level the pudding so it forms a clean middle layer. Move slowly so the cherries do not get pushed into the cream cheese below.
Frost with whipped topping. Take the remaining two 8‑oz containers of whipped topping, or only one if you prefer a thinner top, and frost the top of the pudding layer. Spread it evenly to create a light creamy cap that covers the whole dish. This keeps the top soft and inviting when you serve.
Garnish and chill. Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of crushed Oreo crumbs over the whipped topping, then grate chocolate over the top and place a few maraschino cherries for a classic decorative touch. Cover the dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 to 6 hours, or preferably overnight, so the layers can set and the flavors can knit together.
Serving Black Forest Lush Dessert With Care
I like to bring this dessert out after dinner with a small pot of coffee or tea. The cool creams and bright cherries are a nice counterpoint to a warm cup, and the dessert slices hold well if you cut with a sharp knife. When I serve it, I take the dish from the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes so the top is easier to slice.
For company, I will cut neat squares and place a single maraschino cherry on each piece. A light dusting of extra grated chocolate makes it look thoughtful without being fussy. Children tend to like the layers because the colors are familiar, and adults often come back for seconds because the dessert is gentle and richly flavored.
How We Enjoy Black Forest Lush Dessert at Home
We often make this for potlucks because it travels well and stays pretty when covered. I use a tight lid or a layer of plastic wrap to keep the whipped topping from drying out. If I bring it to a family gathering I let people know it tastes best cold and that a sharp knife will give the cleanest slices.
Sometimes I make a smaller version in a square or round pan for a quiet weeknight treat. A single baking dish is enough to bring a slow, comforting end to a simple meal. This dessert is quiet company on a rainy day and a gentle celebration on a holiday afternoon.
Storing Black Forest Lush Dessert for Later
Keep the dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The layers will continue to settle and the flavors will mellow, which often makes the slices even more cohesive the next day. If you find the whipped topping has softened, chill for a short while before serving to firm it up.
Avoid freezing the entire assembled dessert because the whipped topping and pudding change texture when frozen. If you want to freeze a portion, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic and place them in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and know the texture will be a bit softer than fresh.
When I need a warm comfort dish on the same night, I reach for simple soups or stews. At those times I turn to a pantry favorite, like our easy black-eyed pea soup recipe, and save the lush dessert for afterward. It keeps the meal balanced and feels like home.
Mary’s Baking Notes
Room temperature cream cheese beats up smooth much more easily, so be patient and let it sit until it gives to a gentle touch. Cold cream cheese resists whisking and can leave small lumps that take longer to fix.
When pressing the crust, use the bottom of a measuring cup for even pressure. This helps create a compact base that will hold the layers and feel firm under a fork. A compact crust also keeps the dessert from crumbling when you cut it.
Whisk the pudding mix into cold milk and look for a thickening that still pours. If it becomes too stiff, stir in a tablespoon of milk at a time until it relaxes. The pudding should glide over the cherries without pulling too many fruits up.
If you like a lighter top, use only one container of whipped topping for frosting and keep the other for folding into the cream cheese. If you prefer a richer finish, use all two containers on top. There is no wrong choice; it is a matter of family taste.
A small amount of almond extract goes a long way, so measure carefully. The aroma is warm and familiar, and a little brings out the cherry notes without becoming too strong. You will notice the depth it adds even after the dessert chills.
Family Variations on Black Forest Lush Dessert
Sometimes we swap the Oreo crumbs for graham cracker crumbs for a milder base that still crisps nicely. The dessert keeps the same layered feel but softens the chocolate note, which some family members prefer.
Another simple twist is to use fresh cherries when they are in season. Cook them lightly with a spoon of sugar and a squeeze of lemon to make a loose compote, and use that in place of the canned pie filling. It feels more delicate and seasonal, and the fresh fruit brings a lighter, brighter flavor.
For a nutty touch, sprinkle toasted chopped almonds or slivered almonds between the cream cheese and cherry layers. The nuts add a quiet crunch that plays well with the soft pudding and whipped topping. Keep the nuts light so they do not overwhelm the familiar flavors.
If you are avoiding dairy, try a dairy-free whipped topping and a plant-based cream cheese substitute. The texture will vary, and results will be different, but the idea of layers and the warmth of the cherries remain comforting even with changes.
FAQs About Black Forest Lush Dessert
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and it often holds up beautifully. I prefer to make it the day before serving so the layers have time to set; chilling overnight gives cleaner slices and a more settled flavor.
Why does the pudding need to be pourable?
You want the pudding thick enough to hold shape but still loose enough to spread without displacing the cherries. A pourable pudding levels smoothly and creates a neat middle layer.
Can I use low-fat milk or a different pudding flavor?
You can, but whole milk gives a fuller, silkier pudding texture that complements the other layers. If you choose a different pudding flavor, consider how it pairs with cherries and cream cheese; chocolate is a classic match.
How do I get neat slices when serving?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Let the dessert sit at room temperature for five to ten minutes before slicing if the whipped topping is very firm. A hot, clean knife gives the smoothest edge.
What if the crust is too crumbly?
Next time press it a bit firmer and bake until the crumbs bind together at the edges. If it still seems loose, add a tablespoon more melted butter to help the crumbs hold.
More Sweet, Seasonal Treats You’ll Love
If layered desserts like this Black Forest Lush have a way of staying with you, there are a few other recipes on the site that carry the same gentle comfort. For moments that call for something celebratory yet familiar, Layered Celebration Cake brings softness and care to the center of the table. When chocolate and peanut butter feel like the right kind of indulgence, Buckeye Brownies offer that same balance of patience and warmth in a simple bar. And for another take on these classic flavors in a no-fuss form, returning to Black Forest Lush Dessert itself is often the sweetest reminder of why these recipes endure.
you can always find me sharing from my kitchen on Pinterest and over on Facebook.
