Description
No-Bake Eggnog Lush is a festive layered Christmas dessert featuring a spiced vanilla wafer crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese filling, rich eggnog vanilla pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. This easy no-bake dessert requires minimal preparation and chilling time, making it perfect for Christmas parties, holiday gatherings, and make-ahead entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces vanilla wafer cookies
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for the crust
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, for the crust
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon rum extract
- 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed, for the cream cheese layer
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for the cream cheese layer
- 2 boxes (3.4 ounces each) vanilla instant pudding mix
- 3 cups chilled eggnog
- 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed, for the topping
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg, optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Place the vanilla wafer cookies in a food processor and pulse into fine crumbs. Alternatively, crush them in a sealed bag using a rolling pin.
- Combine the cookie crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg in a bowl. Stir until evenly moistened.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Place the dish in the freezer while preparing the filling.
- Beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until no lumps remain.
- Add the rum extract, 8 ounces of thawed whipped topping, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix gently until combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled cookie crust, reaching all the corners of the dish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the vanilla instant pudding mixes with the chilled eggnog according to the pudding package instructions until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Gently spread the eggnog pudding over the cream cheese layer, taking care not to disturb the layers underneath.
- Spread the remaining 8 ounces of thawed whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer. Create decorative swirls with a spoon if desired.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or longer until the layers are firm enough to slice cleanly.
- Sprinkle the top with optional ground cinnamon or nutmeg. Cut into squares, wiping the knife between cuts if needed, and serve chilled.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Keep the eggnog cold to help the instant pudding thicken properly.
- Press the cookie crust firmly into the dish so it holds together when sliced.
- Spread each layer gently to keep the layers distinct.
- For the best slicing results, chill the dessert for several hours or overnight.
- Vanilla wafer cookies can be replaced with graham cracker crumbs or crushed shortbread cookies.
- Rum extract can be omitted if desired.
- Store covered in the refrigerator and enjoy within approximately 3 days.
- Do not leave this dairy-based dessert at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour when the temperature exceeds 90°F.
- Freezing is possible, but the pudding and whipped topping may change texture after thawing.
- Nutrition information is not calculated because exact product brands and nutritional labels were not provided.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/12 of the dessert)
- Calories: Not calculated
- Sugar: Not calculated
- Sodium: Not calculated
- Fat: Not calculated
- Saturated Fat: Not calculated
- Unsaturated Fat: Not calculated
- Trans Fat: Not calculated
- Carbohydrates: Not calculated
- Fiber: Not calculated
- Protein: Not calculated
- Cholesterol: Not calculated