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Black Forest Lush

This Black Forest Lush features layers of chocolate and cherries sandwiches together with whipped cream and pudding. It begins with a rich brownie-like crust topped with a sweet whipped cream cheese layer. Over the cream cheese layer is a thick sweet cherry pie filling then a layer of chocolate fudge pudding. The top is frosted with with plenty of whipped cream and a sprinkle of grated chocolate, it’s then finished with the proverbial cherries on top.

Black Forest Lush

Easy Black Forest Lush Recipe

What is a layered lush? Lush desserts are basically a layered dessert that comes in many different flavor combinations. This black forest version starts with a rich buttery crushed Oreo cookie crust. A whipped cheesecake-like layer is next topped with cherry pie filling and a layer of chocolate pudding. The top is frosted with whipped cream and a sprinkle of grated chocolate. I like to garnish it using maraschino cherries but you can finish this dessert any way that you like. Ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Black Forest Lush recipe:

  • Crust – Crushed Oreo cookie crumbs mixed with melted butter.
  • Cream Cheese Layer – Two 8 ounce blocks of plain cream cheese, powdered sugar and Cool Whip or the equivalent of fresh whipped cream.
  • Cherry Layer – Two cans of cherry pie filling.
  • Chocolate Layer – Instant chocolate fudge pudding mix and whole milk. You could also use half and half.
  • Flavoring – Almond extract.
  • Garnish – Grated chocolate and maraschino cherries.
Black Forest Lush

How to Make the BEST Black Forest Lush Recipe

  • Kitchen tools you’ll need to make homemade Black Forest Lush: Large bowl, medium bowl, stand mixer or hand mixer measuring cups and spoons, grater and 13 x 9 inch baking dish or pan.
  • These sorts of desserts are meant to be simple so I highly recommend using Cool Whip or a private store brand of frozen whipped topping that you enjoy to keep the process easy.
  • Whipped topping is also more stable and will last longer which is important for make ahead preparation.
  • The recipe allows enough whipped topping to decorate the tops as pictured. Should you choose to simply frost the top you may only need two containers.
  • There are many brands of pie filling available on the grocery store baking aisle. Use a quality brand that you enjoy.
  • Classic Oreo sandwich cookies are what I use for the crust in this recipe. They result in a brownie-like taste. You could use another chocolate wafer cookie or even chocolate graham crackers, if desired.
  • If you’re unable to find chocolate fudge instant pudding mix you can use classic chocolate pudding mix with no other adjustments needed.
  • Allow ample time for the cream cheese to soften prior to combining it with the whipped cream. If you forget to set it out on the counter, use the soften function on your microwave.
  • The grated chocolate used for garnishing to top can be a Hershey’s candy bar or baking chocolate. Use the fine grate side of a cheese grater to add it to the top.
  • Layered desserts need chill time in the refrigerator to set. This lush should be made at least 4-6 hours in advance or overnight.
  • Store Black Forest Lush chilled in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Black Forest Lush

More Easy Lush and Layered Desserts to Make

Black Forest Lush

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Black Forest Lush

Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Chill Time4 hours
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: black-forest-lush
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 482kcal
Author: Melissa Sperka

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 of whipped topping i.e. Cool Whip or similar
  • 2 18 oz cans cherry pie filling
  • 2 3.4 oz instant chocolate fudge pudding
  • 3 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 tsp pure almond extract
  • grated chocolate
  • marachino cherries for garnishing

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spritz the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
  • Crust: In a medium bowl, toss together 3 1/4 cups of Oreo cookie crumbs with melted butter. Press firmly onto the bottom of the baking dish. (Reserve 1/4 cup for garnishing)
  • Place into the oven and bake for 15 minutes or just until set. Cool completely.
  • Cream Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl use an electric mixer to whip together cream cheese and 1 cup powdered sugar. Beat for 2 minutes or just until fluffy and smooth.
  • To the cream cheese add one 8 oz container of whipped topping. Beat just until combined then spread evenly over the crust.
  • Cherry Layer: Spread the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer.
  • Chocolate Pudding Layer: In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to whip both packages of chocolate fudge pudding mix with milk and almond extract. Whip until thickened, but still pourable. Spread over the cherries.
  • Frost the top with the remaining whipped topping.
  • Garnish with maraschino cherries, remaining crushed 1/4 cup Oreos and grated chocolate, if desired.
  • Chill in the fridge for at least 4-6 hours (or overnight) before cutting.

Notes

This recipe allows enough whipped topping to decorate the tops as pictured. Should you choose to simply frost the top you may only need two containers.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 482kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 446mg | Potassium: 84mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 270IU | Calcium: 61mg | Iron: 1mg
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9 Comments

  1. I haven’t made this yet, but was excited to find the recipe!! I love lushes!!! (not the drunk kind although they can be fun too!) Thanks..

  2. Hi Sidra, you may not have done anything wrong. It sounds to me as if your oven runs a bit hot and the crust dried out just a tad too much. In that case, you probably need to bake it for a few minutes less than what I recommend. It’s not unusual at all for ovens to vary in temperature. Keep baking, don’t give up!

  3. Hi Melissa I made this recipe for my friend potluck the flavor no doubt were amazing but my Oreo crust became really hard . Where I went wrong I followed the recipe step by step. I ll appreciate your help.

  4. Oh my Melissa, this treat is a party in your mouth….airy whipped cream and chocolate pudding sprinkled with cherries…just passed the KP with a plateful and told him you can’t ruin my day no matter what after this…Thanks again! Cheryl

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