Looking for a dessert that’s as simple as it is delicious?
This Cherry Delight is the ultimate no-bake treat that’s sure to impress!
With a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and creamy filling, and a luscious cherry topping, it’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a summer potluck, this dessert is easy to make and will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Try it today, and watch it disappear in no time!
For the Crust:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs – These create a buttery, crumbly base for the dessert. (You can use pre-made crumbs or crush your own graham crackers.)
- Butter – Melted butter helps bind the crust together and adds richness.
- Sugar – A small amount of sugar sweetens the crust just a little.
For the Filling:
- Cream Cheese – Softened cream cheese provides a rich, creamy texture and flavor to the filling.
- Cool Whip – Thawed Cool Whip makes the filling light and fluffy.
- Powdered Sugar – This sweetens the filling without adding any grittiness.
- Lemon Juice – A touch of lemon juice adds a slight tartness that balances the sweetness of the filling.
- Vanilla Extract – Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile of the filling.
For the Topping:
- Cherry Pie Filling – This topping adds sweetness and fruitiness. You can substitute with any pie filling of your choice.
Cherry Delight
Notes
Ingredients:
For the Crust:- 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full graham cracker sheets)
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar (slightly less than 1/4 cup works well)
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling (or any favorite pie filling)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
- Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x9-inch pan or a 9-inch pie dish.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- Using a mixer (stand or hand-held), beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy.
- Add the Cool Whip, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the Dessert:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- Pour the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer and spread it out evenly.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best results. The longer it sets, the firmer it will become.
- Serve:
- Cut into squares and serve!
Notes:
- You can use store-bought graham cracker crumbs (found in the baking aisle) or make your own by pulsing 10 graham cracker sheets in a blender or food processor.
- To save time, you can also use a pre-made store-bought graham cracker crust (9-inch) or even an Oreo crust for a different twist.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- This dessert can be prepared up to 2 days ahead. If making in advance, refrigerate before adding the cherry topping. You can also prepare just the crust 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge.
Nutrition
Calories: 370 kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 248mg | Potassium: 154mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 728 IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 1mg
- Can I use a store-bought graham cracker crust instead of making my own?
Yes, absolutely! Using a pre-made graham cracker crust can save you time and effort. Simply press it into the pan and follow the rest of the recipe for a quick and easy treat.
- How do I prevent the graham cracker crust from falling apart?
For a sturdier crust, make sure to press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. If you have a little extra time, chilling it for 15 minutes before adding the filling will help it set perfectly.
- Can I substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream?
Yes, you can. If you prefer homemade whipped cream, simply whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
- How long should I refrigerate the dessert before serving?
To get the best results, refrigerate the Cherry Delight for at least 1 hour. For even better flavor and texture, chill it overnight. It allows the dessert to firm up and the flavors to meld together.
- Can I use a different topping than cherry pie filling?
Definitely! Feel free to switch it up with other pie fillings like blueberry, strawberry, or even fresh berries for a light twist. The filling will pair perfectly with almost any fruit topping you choose.
