Description
Cherry Delight is a no-bake, creamy dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and a sweet cherry pie topping. Perfectly chilled and easy to assemble, this dessert serves 12 and is ideal for gatherings or a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks (or 8 oz whipped topping)
Topping
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a medium mixing bowl until evenly mixed. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into a 9×13-inch dish to form the crust layer. Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for 20–30 minutes to set.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until fully incorporated. Gently fold in the whipped cream or whipped topping until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy, ensuring not to deflate the cream.
- Assemble the Dessert: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Next, carefully spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the assembled dessert with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight, allowing the layers to set and flavors to meld. Once chilled, cut the dessert into 12 squares and serve cold for a refreshing treat.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy whipping cream for the best texture and flavor.
- If you prefer, substitute the whipped cream with an 8 oz container of prepared whipped topping for ease.
- For a stronger cherry flavor, add a teaspoon of cherry extract to the cream cheese filling.
- Keep the dessert refrigerated until serving as it is a no-bake, chilled dessert.
- This recipe is vegetarian friendly but contains dairy products.
