Black Forest Lush is a decadent layered dessert that brings together chocolate, cherries, and creamy textures in one irresistible treat. With a crunchy Oreo cookie crust, velvety cream cheese layer, juicy cherry filling, and rich chocolate pudding topped with light whipped topping, each bite delivers a perfect balance of flavor and texture. It is ideal for parties, potlucks, or cozy family dinners when you want a show-stopping dessert without complicated baking. The assembled dish rests in the fridge for a few hours, allowing flavors to meld and layers to set beautifully. You will love how indulgent this dessert feels.
Why You’ll Love This Black Forest Lush
Black Forest Lush combines all the beloved flavors of a classic black forest cake, chocolate, cherries and creamy frosting, without the fuss of multiple cake layers or complex baking. Instead, you get a rich no‑bake (mostly) dessert that comes together with simple layering. The crushed Oreo crust adds a crunchy base that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheesecake layer, the sweet and tart cherries, and the smooth pudding topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers elegance, indulgence and nostalgia in one pan. Best of all, you can prepare it ahead of time and chill it, making it ideal for busy hosts or last-minute entertaining.
Ingredients
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3 1/2 cups crushed Oreo cookie crumbs, divided
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1/2 cup butter, melted
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2 (8 oz) blocks plain cream cheese, softened
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1 cup powdered sugar
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3 (8 oz) containers whipped topping (such as Cool Whip or similar)
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2 (18 oz) cans cherry pie filling
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2 (3.4 oz) packages instant chocolate fudge pudding mix
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3 cups whole milk
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1/4 teaspoon pure almond extract
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Grated chocolate (for garnish)
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Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Black Forest Lush
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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.
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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. 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.
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Bake the crust. Place the dish into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is set and slightly firm. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. Use an electric mixer if needed to ensure it becomes thick but still pourable. Once smooth, pour or spread the pudding layer over the cherries.
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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.
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Garnish. Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of crushed Oreo crumbs over the whipped topping. Then grate some chocolate over the top, and place a few maraschino cherries for a classic decorative touch.
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Chill. Cover the dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 to 6 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling allows the layers to set properly and the flavors to meld, giving you clean slices and a fully cohesive dessert when you cut and serve.
Helpful Tips
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When pressing the crust into the pan, use the bottom of a glass or a measuring cup to really compact the crumbs. This helps avoid a crumbly crust when slicing.
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Make sure the crust cools completely before adding the cream cheese layer. If it is still warm, the cream cheese can soften and make the layers shift.
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For easier slicing, chill overnight. Cold layers hold up better when you cut neat squares.
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Use full‑fat cream cheese and whole milk for the best richness and texture. Lower‑fat versions may yield a thinner pudding or overly soft layers.
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When spreading layers, work gently so you do not mix layers. Use a spatula that slides rather than presses — especially for the cherry and pudding layer.
Substitutions And Variations
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Crust alternative: Swap Oreo crust for a graham cracker crust if you prefer a milder base, or for a more cookie-like crumb try chocolate wafer crumbs.
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Whipped topping substitute: Instead of store-bought whipped topping, use homemade whipped cream — whip heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar until soft peaks form. This gives a fresher, less processed topping.
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Flavor variation: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a splash of brandy (or cherry liqueur) into the chocolate pudding mixture for a deeper, slightly boozy flavor.
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Fruit variation: Use a different fruit pie filling — raspberries, strawberries or mixed berry — instead of cherries for a twist.
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Chocolate layer upgrade: Mix a little melted semi‑sweet chocolate into the pudding before chilling for an even richer chocolate layer.
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Individual servings: Layer the dessert in small glasses or cups instead of a baking dish for a fun parfait-style dessert, nice for parties or when portion control matters.
Storage Instructions
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator. Properly covered, the Black Forest Lush will stay fresh for up to 4–5 days. If using a whipped cream topping (homemade), consume within 2–3 days for the best texture and flavor. Avoid leaving the dessert out at room temperature for more than two hours. Do not freeze — freezing may cause the whipped topping and pudding layer to separate and become watery when thawed.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
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Calories: 482 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 52 g
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Protein: 5 g
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Fat: 31 g
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Saturated Fat: 21 g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 5 g
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Trans Fat: 1 g
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Cholesterol: 24 mg
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Sodium: 446 mg
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Potassium: 84 mg
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Fiber: 1 g
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Sugar: 27 g
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Vitamin A: 270 IU
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Calcium: 61 mg
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Iron: 1 mg
Serving Suggestions
Black Forest Lush is delightful on its own, but you can elevate the experience with a few serving touches:
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Serve each slice with a small drizzle of warmed chocolate or cherry syrup for extra indulgence.
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Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra grated chocolate or chopped nuts (like toasted almonds or hazelnuts) as garnish.
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Pair a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for those who love a contrast of cold and creamy.
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Present it on a dessert platter with fresh cherries and mint leaves for a festive touch, especially if serving at holidays or parties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Black Forest Lush
Can I make Black Forest Lush ahead of time?
Yes. In fact it is ideal to make it at least 4–6 hours in advance, or even overnight. Chilling allows the layers to firm up and makes slicing easier. The flavors also meld together over time, giving a more cohesive and delicious dessert.
Can I use low fat ingredients?
You could, but it may affect the texture. Low fat cream cheese or reduced fat milk might make the pudding or cream layers thinner and less rich. For best taste and structure full fat cream cheese and whole milk are recommended.
Can I skip baking the crust?
Technically you could skip baking, but baking helps firm up the crust and gives better stability. Without baking, the crust might remain crumbly and make cutting messy. If you do skip baking, press the crust very firmly and chill longer before adding layers.
Can this dessert be frozen?
Freezing is not recommended. The whipped topping and pudding layers contain a lot of moisture; when frozen and thawed, they often separate, becoming watery and grainy. Better to store in the fridge and consume within a few days.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for trying this Black Forest Lush dessert recipe. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoy sharing it. With its rich chocolate, sweet cherries, creamy layers, and crispy crust, this treat brings comfort, celebration, and indulgence in every bite. It is easy to assemble, forgiving enough for new bakers, and impressive enough to delight guests. I encourage you to give it a try, whether for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering. Wishing you many happy moments around the table and pleasure in every slice. Enjoy!
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Black Forest Lush Dessert
- Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
Black Forest Lush is a rich layered dessert with a crunchy Oreo crust, creamy cheesecake, cherry pie filling, and chocolate pudding, all topped with fluffy whipped topping. Easy to make and perfect for entertaining!
Ingredients
3 1/2 cups crushed Oreo cookie crumbs, divided
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 (8 oz) blocks plain cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
3 (8 oz) containers whipped topping
2 (18 oz) cans cherry pie filling
2 (3.4 oz) packages instant chocolate fudge pudding mix
3 cups whole milk
1/4 tsp pure almond extract
Grated chocolate
Maraschino cherries (for garnish)
Instructions
-
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.
-
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. 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.
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Bake the crust. Place the dish into the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the crust is set and slightly firm. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. Use an electric mixer if needed to ensure it becomes thick but still pourable. Once smooth, pour or spread the pudding layer over the cherries.
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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.
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Garnish. Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of crushed Oreo crumbs over the whipped topping. Then grate some chocolate over the top, and place a few maraschino cherries for a classic decorative touch.
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Chill. Cover the dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 to 6 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling allows the layers to set properly and the flavors to meld, giving you clean slices and a fully cohesive dessert when you cut and serve.
Notes
For a lighter topping, use only two containers of whipped topping.
Homemade whipped cream can be used as a substitute.
Best chilled overnight for clean slices and fully set layers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 482 kcal
- Sugar: 27 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Protein: 5 g