Cherry Delight Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that brings together a buttery crunch, velvety creaminess, and a luscious fruit topping all in one dreamy bite, then Cherry Delight was made for you. This beloved classic layers sweet, tangy cherry pie filling atop a billowy cream cheese and whipped topping blend, all resting on a golden graham cracker crust. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that takes minimal effort to assemble but tastes like pure nostalgia mixed with delight in every forkful. Cherry Delight is the go-to treat for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you simply want to spoil yourself with something irresistibly cheerful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of common ingredients, Cherry Delight comes together in the most magical way. Each layer contributes a special touch, whether it’s the hint of vanilla in the cream, the tang from the cherries, or the buttery crumb of the crust.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The foundation of your dessert, these create that signature crunchy, golden crust every Cherry Delight needs.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds rich flavor and brings all those crumbs together into a firm, delicious base.
- Granulated sugar: A sweetener that ensures your crust stands out without overpowering.
- Cream cheese (softened): The creamy, slightly tangy heart of the dessert—make sure it’s at room temperature for the smoothest filling.
- Powdered sugar: Blends seamlessly into the cream cheese, giving a melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor of the filling, making the cream cheese layer taste bakery-fresh.
- Whipped topping (thawed): Lightens the filling for that signature fluff—plus, it keeps the recipe delightfully easy.
- Cherry pie filling: The star of the show! Choose a high-quality canned cherry pie filling for the brightest color and the best flavor.
How to Make Cherry Delight
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by combining your graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand—every crumb should be lightly coated in buttery goodness. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Take a moment to really press down; a flat-bottomed measuring cup makes quick work of this. This step is crucial for a crust that stands up to all the creamy layers! If you prefer a firmer, crunchier base, pop the crust in a 350°F oven for 8 minutes, then let it cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s silky smooth with no lumps in sight. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat again until well combined. This mixture should taste like cheesecake filling—smooth, tangy, and sweet. Fold in the whipped topping gently with a spatula, taking care not to knock out the fluffiness. This will ensure your Cherry Delight filling is light as a cloud.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Spoon the cream cheese mixture over your prepared crust. Spread it out as evenly as possible, getting all the way to the corners and edges to avoid any bare spots. The next magical step is the cherry topping—open your can of cherry pie filling and carefully spoon it over the cream layer, gently spreading to cover the top completely in glossy red cherries. This step gives Cherry Delight that show-stopping, festive appearance.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Slide the pan of Cherry Delight into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least two hours. This patience pays off—the dessert needs time to set, making it easier to slice and ensuring each layer holds together beautifully. Bonus: it tastes even better cold, with that refreshing, creamy cherry bite.
How to Serve Cherry Delight
Garnishes
While Cherry Delight is stunning with just its cherry topping, you can always add a flourish or two! Try a swirl of extra whipped topping, a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, or even a few fresh mint leaves for a touch of color. For special occasions, a dusting of white chocolate shavings adds a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
Keep your sides light and simple to let Cherry Delight shine. A fruit salad complements the creamy richness, or try serving with a piping hot cup of coffee or herbal tea for a satisfying contrast. If you’re making a dessert spread, mini vanilla cupcakes or lemon bars look beautiful alongside each slice.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to put a fun spin on your Cherry Delight, assemble the dessert in clear mason jars or decorative glasses for a picnic or party—everyone will adore their personal serving! Or, try layering the components parfait-style with extra whipped topping between layers for an eye-catching dessert table centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cherry Delight should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep its best texture for up to three days; after that, the crust may get a bit soft, though it’ll still taste great!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze Cherry Delight, assemble the dessert without the cherry topping and wrap it very well. Freeze for up to a month. Defrost in the fridge overnight, add the cherry pie filling on top, and your make-ahead treat will taste just as divine as ever.
Reheating
Cherry Delight is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Just remove from the fridge, slice, and serve right away. If you’d like to soften it slightly for creamier texture, leave it at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Cherry Delight in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, Cherry Delight is the perfect make-ahead dessert. Prepare it a day (or even two) in advance and keep it chilled—the flavors meld together beautifully, and it slices like a dream when cold.
Can I substitute another fruit for the cherry topping?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Blueberry, strawberry, or even peach pie filling can change up the flavor profile while keeping all the dessert’s creamy goodness intact. It’s a fun way to enjoy Cherry Delight all year round with different seasonal fruits.
Can I make Cherry Delight without whipped topping?
If you’re not a fan of store-bought whipped topping, you can use freshly whipped cream instead. Just make sure to beat the cream until stiff peaks form before folding into the cream cheese mixture for that signature fluffy texture.
What can I use if I don’t have graham crackers?
If graham crackers aren’t available, digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers make a great substitute for the crust. Simply crush them finely and proceed as usual—Cherry Delight will still taste amazing!
Why does the crust sometimes crumble?
This usually happens if there’s not enough butter binding the crumbs, or if the crust isn’t pressed down firmly enough. Measuring accurately and using a flat-bottomed cup to pack the base helps ensure it stays together, especially during slicing.
Final Thoughts
Cherry Delight has a way of bringing a smile to everyone at the table, and I truly hope it becomes a staple in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re sharing it at gatherings, surprising a loved one, or treating yourself after a long day, its cheerful color and creamy, fruity layers never disappoint. Give this recipe a try—you might just find that Cherry Delight becomes your new favorite tradition!
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Cherry Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, fruity goodness of Cherry Delight, a no-bake dessert that will charm your taste buds with its luscious layers of cream cheese, whipped topping, and cherry pie filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz whipped topping, thawed
Topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust.
- Cream Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until combined. Fold in whipped topping until fully incorporated.
- Assembly: Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust. Top with cherry pie filling, spreading gently to cover.
- Chilling: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the dessert to set.
Notes
- You can substitute other pie fillings, such as blueberry or strawberry, for a different flavor.
- For a firmer crust, bake it at 350°F for 8 minutes before cooling and adding the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (optional 8 minutes for baked crust)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
