Quick & Sweet Classic Cherry Delight Recipe for Dessert Lovers

Sweet summer memories dance through this classic cherry delight recipe that brings comfort and nostalgia to every bite.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this simple yet irresistible dessert.

Layers of creamy goodness blend perfectly with vibrant cherries, creating a treat that melts in your mouth.

Each spoonful offers a delightful balance of smooth texture and bright fruit flavor.

The recipe combines pantry staples with minimal effort, making it a go-to dessert for spontaneous gatherings.

Soft, luscious, and wonderfully indulgent, this cherry delight promises to become a cherished favorite at your table.

Prepare to fall in love with this timeless dessert that celebrates pure, uncomplicated deliciousness.

Reasons You’ll Love Classic Cherry Delight

• Blast Through Complexity: These double chocolate snowball cookies are incredibly simple to prepare, requiring basic baking skills and minimal kitchen expertise.
• Quick Family Delight: Perfect for family gatherings, these cookies bring everyone together with their irresistible chocolate flavor and festive powdered sugar coating.
• Versatile Treat for All Occasions: Whether you're hosting a holiday party, afternoon tea, or craving a sweet snack, these cookies fit seamlessly into any celebration or casual moment.
• Customize with Ease: Bakers can personalize the recipe by adjusting chocolate chip sizes, experimenting with different chocolate types, or adding subtle flavor variations like a hint of espresso or orange zest.

What’s Needed for Cherry Delight Dessert

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the dessert.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds extra sweetness to the crust.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich, golden texture.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, rich, and creamy layer with a tangy flavor.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture and helps create a silky texture.
• Whipped Topping: Adds lightness and volume to the cream cheese filling.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Provides a sweet and fruity layer that complements the creamy base.

How to Make Classic Cherry Delight Easily

Step 1: Crush and Mix Crust Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Use your hands or a spatula to blend everything thoroughly.

Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan, creating a solid and compact base.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Filling

Using an electric mixer, blend cream cheese and powdered sugar until ultra-smooth and free of lumps.

Gently incorporate whipped topping, folding carefully to maintain the light and airy texture. Ensure the mixture is completely combined with a soft, velvety consistency.

Step 3: Layer Cream Cheese Mixture

Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to distribute evenly, creating a uniform layer that covers the entire surface of the crust.

Step 4: Add Cherry Topping

Gently pour cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer. Spread the cherries evenly, making sure they cover the entire surface in a beautiful, vibrant red layer.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Place the dessert in the refrigerator. Allow it to cool and set for a minimum of 2 hours.

For best results, let it sit overnight to develop maximum flavor and achieve the perfect texture. When ready, slice and serve chilled.

Notes for a Perfect Cherry Delight Result

• Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, compact base that won't crumble when serving.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, uniform filling texture.
• Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours, but overnight yields the best set and allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Use a spatula to spread cherry pie filling gently, creating an even layer without disturbing the cream cheese underneath.
• Prepare this dessert a day in advance for stress-free entertaining and enhanced flavor development.

Creative Spins on Classic Cherry Delight

• Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Alternative: Replace traditional graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Cherry Cream Delight: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut whipped cream, and choose vegan graham crackers for a plant-based dessert.
• Low-Sugar Berry Swap: Replace cherry pie filling with fresh mixed berries or sugar-free berry compote to reduce overall sugar content and add natural fruit freshness.
• No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Version: Add cocoa powder to the crust mixture and use chocolate graham crackers for a rich, chocolatey foundation that complements the cherry topping.

Tasty Pairings With Cherry Delight Dessert

• Pairing Cherry Delight with Perfect Companions
• Sparkling Wine Companion: Uncork a chilled moscato or prosecco to complement the sweet cherry dessert, cutting through the creamy richness with its light, bubbly texture.
• Coffee Contrast: Brew a medium-roast Colombian coffee with subtle caramel notes that will enhance the dessert's sweetness and provide a warm, smooth counterpoint.
• Vanilla Ice Cream Boost: Scoop a dollop of classic vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cherry delight, creating a cold, creamy contrast that amplifies the dessert's flavors and adds luxurious texture.
• Almond Biscotti Crunch: Serve crisp almond biscotti on the side, offering a nutty, crunchy element that adds depth and provides a delightful textural contrast to the smooth, creamy dessert.

Best Way to Keep Cherry Delight Fresh

• Store covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the dessert flat to maintain the beautiful layered appearance.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months without the cherry topping. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut individual slices, wrap separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for convenient single-serving storage. Thaw in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before enjoying.
• Best served chilled. If slightly frozen, let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften. Avoid microwaving to prevent texture changes.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for Cherry Delight?

The key ingredients include graham cracker crumbs, butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, whipped topping, and cherry pie filling.

• Is this dessert easy to make?

Yes, it’s a no-bake dessert that requires simple mixing and layering, making it perfect for beginners and quick preparation.

• Can I make Cherry Delight ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this dessert a day in advance and keep it refrigerated, which actually helps the flavors meld together.

• How long does Cherry Delight stay fresh?

When stored in the refrigerator with proper cover, this dessert stays fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining its delicious taste and texture.

Classic Cherry Delight Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet cherry goodness shines in this classic cherry delight recipe, promising a nostalgic dessert that delights taste buds. Creamy layers and fruity essence combine to create a simple yet irresistible treat you won’t be able to resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
• 1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (8 ounces) container whipped topping (or 1 cup heavy cream, whipped)

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Sweetening Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Craft a sturdy foundation by blending graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter, then firmly compress the mixture into the base of a rectangular baking dish.
2. Whip cream cheese with powdered sugar until achieving a silky, uniform consistency, then gently incorporate whipped topping to create a light, airy filling.
3. Carefully distribute the cream cheese mixture across the graham cracker base, ensuring an even, smooth layer.
4. Generously cascade cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, spreading it uniformly to cover the entire surface.
5. Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the layers to set and flavors to meld, creating a chilled, delectable treat perfect for serving.

Notes

• Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Use reduced-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping to create a lighter, lower-calorie dessert without sacrificing flavor.
• Enhance the cherry layer by mixing in fresh chopped cherries or a splash of almond extract for a more complex, homemade taste profile.
• Try different fruit toppings like blueberry or strawberry pie filling to create exciting flavor variations and keep the dessert interesting.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 322 kcal
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 144 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg