Is there such a thing as a no bake cheesecake dessert that feels homemade and holiday-ready? That’s exactly what this easy pecan pie cheesecake trifle is. I grew up in a kitchen where nothing matched but the food always mattered.
My mom cooked after double shifts, made joy out of leftovers. Now I do the same. Simple trifle recipes like this aren’t just sweet they’re how I care. They’re how I remember where I came from. And how I pass it on.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Sweet Layers, Real Life Wins
- Some days I cook from scratch.
- Other days, I layer this and call it love.
The Ingredients Easy Pecan Pie Cheesecake Trifle

For the Crust Layer
- 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
For the Pecan Pie Layer
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Garnish
- Whipped cream
- Extra chopped or whole pecans
Want another no-bake gem for dessert tables? My No-Bake Tropical Cottage Cheese Pudding is a fridge favorite.
Instructions Easy Pecan Pie Cheesecake Trifle
Step 1: Make the crust Mix crushed wafers and melted butter in a bowl.
Stir until it feels like wet beach sand moist, not soggy.
Spoon a layer into the bottom of your dish or jars. Press gently to flatten.

Stuffani’s tip: I’ve done this with crushed cinnamon toast cereal in a pinch. Was it wild? Yes. Did people fight over the last jar? Also yes.
Step 2: Whip the cheesecake Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat again until fluffy.
Fold in the whipped topping. Slow, steady folds don’t stir fast.

Stuffani’s whisper: I rushed this once and overmixed. The result? Flat and sad. Treat the cream like it’s delicate, because it is. And so are you, by the end of the week.
Step 3: Cook the pecan filling In a saucepan, add brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and cream.
Stir over medium heat until it bubbles. About 5–7 minutes.
When it thickens slightly, remove from heat. Add pecans and vanilla. Stir. Cool.

Stuffani’s advice: Let it cool. If you pour it hot, the cream layer melts like my patience on school picture day.
Step 4: Assemble the trifle Layer crust → cheesecake → pecan filling.
Repeat if your dish allows.
Top layer should always be pecans it’s the grand finale.

Stuffani’s voice: Layer it your way. Neat or messy. A little crooked? Perfect. That’s how real life looks.
Step 5: Chill and serve Refrigerate at least 2 hours.
Top with whipped cream and extra pecans before serving.

Stuffani’s heart: I’ve made this the night before a big gathering and the night after a hard one. Both times it hit just right.
For another dessert that feeds a crowd with zero stress, check out my Fruity Pebbles Cookie Cheesecake Bars.
Ways to Make It Yours, One Creamy Scoop at a Time
- Some nights, I measure every scoop like it matters.
- Other nights, I chase flavor with a spoon and a prayer.
Real swaps, from your pantry not the store
Easy Pecan Pie Cheesecake Trifle
- No whipped topping? Real whipped cream works. Just don’t over-whip it been there.
- No corn syrup? Try maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar syrup. The flavor still sings.
- No vanilla wafers? Use graham crackers, cinnamon cookies even crushed shortbread.
- Need another one of my holiday dessert recipes that plays well with what you’ve got?My Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake is full of light, warmth, and pantry love.
Stuffani’s whisper:
I once made this with half a tub of whipped cream, stale cookies, and leftover pecan pie filling.
Nobody knew. They asked for seconds. That’s the magic.
Easy touches that make it feel like you
Easy Pecan Pie Cheesecake Trifle
- Serve in mason jars perfect for parties, gifts, or hiding the last one for yourself.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the crust for cozy depth.
- Swirl a little bourbon into the pecan filling for adult flair (you know my style).
- Need another crowd-pleasing dessert for family tables? My Easy Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake is that sticky-sweet memory everyone asks for.
Stuffani’s advice:
Don’t wait for the right dish, the perfect event, or the fancy garnish.
Layer it in a cereal bowl if you have to.
Trifle like this? It’s meant for Tuesday nights that needed saving.
Serving and Storing Easy Pecan Pie Cheesecake Trifle
- This is the dessert I pull out when comfort needs to show up in layers.
- Holiday rush. Midweek crash. Or just me and a spoon hiding from the world.
How to serve Easy Pecan Pie Cheesecake Trifle
Easy Pecan Pie Cheesecake Trifle:
- Serve chilled in a trifle dish or clear jars for a pretty peek at the layers
- Spoon into small bowls and drizzle with extra pecan syrup makes it feel fancy
- Add a big dollop of whipped cream and crushed pecans for texture
- Want something creamy to pair with it? Try my No-Bake Pineapple Heaven Cheesecake Dessert for tropical sweetness that balances the richness.Easy Pecan Pie Cheesecake Trifle.
How to store it the right way (and still love it later)
Easy Pecan Pie Cheesecake Trifle:
- Let it sit uncovered in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to firm up
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or seal your jars with lids
- Stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days flavor deepens with time
- Want a second-day dessert that still thrills? My Loaded Brownie Cheesecake Cups store like a dream
Stuffani’s Whisper:
Sometimes I leave a jar in the back just for me.
Behind the broccoli, beside the guilt-free lies.
Because yes, moms get the last layer too.
For more recipes follow me in pinterest and Facebook
FAQ: Easy Pecan Pie Cheesecake Trifle
Can I make pecan pie cheesecake trifle ahead of time?
Yes. Chill overnight for deeper flavor great for make ahead Christmas desserts.
Can I use store-bought pecan pie filling?
Yep! Just warm it slightly to make layering easier.
What can I use instead of corn syrup?
Maple syrup or honey both work for a rich, sweet bite.
Can I use real whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes. Whip it soft and fold gently for that classic no bake cheesecake texture.
Conclusion Easy Pecan Pie Cheesecake Trifle
- This Easy Pecan Pie Cheesecake Trifle isn’t just a layered treat it’s layers of memory, comfort, and care.Easy Pecan Pie Cheesecake Trifle.
- It’s proof that easy holiday dessert recipes can taste like tradition.
- That using real cream, toasted pecans, and love is worth more than shortcuts.
- And that even in a messy kitchen, a chilled spoonful can reset everything.

Easy Pecan Pie Cheesecake Trifle for Holiday Desserts That Wow
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Pecan Pie Cheesecake Trifle is a creamy, crunchy, make-ahead dessert perfect for holidays or potlucks. Layers of buttery vanilla wafer crust, fluffy cheesecake, and rich pecan pie filling make it irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Crust Layer:
2 cups crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Layer:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tub (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed
For the Pecan Pie Layer:
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
Whipped cream
Extra chopped or whole pecans
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers with melted butter. Stir until evenly moistened and crumbly like wet sand. Press into the bottom of a trifle dish or cups.
2. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Set aside in the fridge.
3. In a saucepan, heat brown sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, and butter over medium heat. Stir until it bubbles and thickens (5–7 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in pecans and vanilla. Let cool.
4. Layer crust, cheesecake, and pecan filling. Repeat if using a large dish. Top with pecan filling.
5. Chill for at least 2 hours.
6. Top with whipped cream and chopped pecans before serving.
Notes
Make ahead up to 2 days in advance.
Use store-bought crust or pecan pie filling for quicker prep.
Serve in jars for portion control or gifting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: easy pecan pie cheesecake trifle, no bake holiday desserts, make ahead Christmas dessert, Thanksgiving trifles