If you’re craving a dessert that’s creamy, fruity, and easy to make, Cherry Delight is the perfect treat to whip up. This classic, no-bake dessert layers a buttery graham cracker crust with a luscious cream cheese filling and a sweet cherry topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a delightful, fuss-free dessert.
Let’s dive into how you make Cherry Delight step-by-step, with tips to get it just right and variations to suit your taste.
What Is Cherry Delight?
Cherry Delight is a layered dessert featuring three main components:
– Graham cracker crust: buttery and crisp, providing a sturdy base.
– Cream cheese filling: smooth, sweet, and fluffy, often mixed with whipped topping.
– Cherry topping: typically cherry pie filling, adding a burst of tart sweetness.
The best part? It’s mostly no-bake, except for a quick bake to set the crust if you prefer a firmer base. It comes together in under 30 minutes, then chills in the fridge to set.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust
– Graham cracker crumbs (about 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 cups, depending on pan size)
– Granulated sugar (2 to 1/4 cup)
– Melted butter (6 to 3/4 cup)
For the Filling
– Cream cheese (8 to 16 ounces, softened)
– Powdered sugar (1 cup)
– Vanilla extract (1 to 2 teaspoons)
– Cool Whip or whipped topping (8 ounces)
For the Topping
– Cherry pie filling (one 21-ounce can)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Graham Cracker Crust
– Crush graham crackers finely using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
– Mix the crumbs with sugar and melted butter until well combined.
– Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8 or 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
– For a sturdier crust, bake at 350°F for about 10-14 minutes until golden and set. Let cool completely before adding filling.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
– Beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy.
– Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well.
– Gently fold in the whipped topping until combined, being careful not to overmix to keep it light and airy.
3. Assemble the Layers
– Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled crust.
– Refrigerate for at least 2 to 4 hours, or overnight for best results, to allow the filling to set.
– Just before serving, spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer.
4. Serve and Enjoy
– Cut into squares and serve chilled.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Tips for the Perfect Cherry Delight
– Don’t overmix the filling: Folding in the whipped topping gently keeps the filling light and fluffy.
– Chill well: The dessert tastes best after several hours or overnight chilling to let flavors meld and texture firm up.
– Use good-quality cherry pie filling: Whether canned or homemade, the cherry topping is the star, so choose a filling with whole cherries and a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
– Line your pan with parchment or foil: This makes lifting the dessert out easier for clean, neat slices.
Variations to Try
– Add a cheesecake layer: Mix a bit of sour cream into the cream cheese filling for a tangier cheesecake flavor.
– Use fresh cherries: If cherries are in season, cook them down with sugar and a splash of lemon juice for a fresh topping.
– Chocolate drizzle: For a decadent twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the cherry topping before serving.
– Nutty crust: Add finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crust mixture for extra crunch.
Cherry Delight is a timeless dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its creamy texture, sweet-tart cherry topping, and buttery crust, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
Give it a try at your next gathering or when you want a simple yet impressive dessert. You’ll love how quickly it comes together and how wonderfully it satisfies your sweet tooth!