Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dessert is a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and fruity, with minimal effort involved. It’s an ideal make-ahead treat that’s perfect for busy days when you need something quick, but also indulgent. Plus, with a graham cracker crust and cherry pie filling, it has all the classic flavors that everyone loves.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- graham cracker crumbs
- brown sugar
- butter, melted
- cream cheese, softened
- granulated sugar
- vanilla extract
- whipped topping, thawed
- cherry pie filling
directions
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter together until the crumbs are evenly coated in butter.
- Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish. Place the dish in the freezer for about 15 minutes to set.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and lump-free.
- Add the thawed whipped topping and mix at low speed until everything is well combined.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust and spread it evenly.
- Pour both cans of cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Berry Delight: Swap the cherry pie filling for blueberry, strawberry, or mixed berry pie filling.
- Nutty Crust: Add crushed pecans or walnuts to the graham cracker crumbs for extra crunch.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a decadent touch.
- Lemon Flavor: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a fresh, citrusy twist.
storage/reheating
Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep it covered to maintain the crust’s freshness.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the dessert in plastic wrap and foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, you can substitute homemade whipped cream for Cool Whip, but make sure it’s stiff and stable to hold up in the filling.
Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes, you can substitute the graham cracker crust with a cookie crust, such as an Oreo or shortbread crust.
How can I make the cream cheese filling smoother?
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing it. Beat the mixture well to ensure it’s smooth and lump-free.
Can I use a different fruit topping?
Definitely! You can swap the cherry pie filling for another canned fruit topping like peaches, blueberries, or even a mix of tropical fruits.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! This dessert is great for making ahead of time. In fact, the longer it sits, the better the flavors meld together.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Make sure to press the crust firmly into the dish and refrigerate it long enough before serving. If you store it for several days, the crust may soften, but it will still taste great.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it tightly to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
Can I use a different pie filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to try different pie fillings, such as peach, apple, or mixed berries, for a unique twist.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a gluten-free cookie crust to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Is this dessert kid-friendly?
Yes! The sweet, creamy texture and fruity topping make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
Conclusion
Cherry Delight is a simple yet irresistible dessert that combines creamy, fruity, and buttery goodness in every bite. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or looking for an easy treat to satisfy your sweet tooth. With minimal prep and a few ingredients, this dessert is sure to become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Cherry Delight
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherry Delight is a no-bake dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cream cheese filling, and a sweet cherry topping. This easy-to-make, make-ahead treat is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Graham cracker crumbs
Brown sugar
Butter, melted
Cream cheese, softened
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Whipped topping, thawed
Cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl until crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish. Freeze for 15 minutes to set.
- Using an electric mixer, combine cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fold in thawed whipped topping and mix at low speed until combined.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust and spread evenly.
- Pour cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
For variation, use different pie fillings like blueberry, strawberry, or mixed berries.
Add crushed nuts to the crust for extra crunch or drizzle with melted chocolate for an indulgent touch.
Adding lemon zest to the cream cheese filling can provide a refreshing citrusy flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
