Description
Cherry Delight is a no-bake, creamy layered dessert featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese and whipped topping filling, and a sweet cherry pie topping. Perfectly chilled, this easy-to-make treat is ideal for gatherings or a refreshing indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz whipped topping, thawed
Topping
- 21 oz cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter until all crumbs are evenly coated with butter, creating a wet crumb mixture.
- Set the crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish to form an even base. Freeze the crust for 15 minutes to allow it to set and hold its shape.
- Make the cream cheese mixture: Using an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Combine with whipped topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture and mix at low speed until evenly combined, forming a light and fluffy filling.
- Layer the filling: Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the chilled graham cracker crust and spread it evenly using a spatula to cover the entire surface.
- Add cherry topping: Pour the cherry pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer, spreading gently to cover without mixing layers.
- Chill to set: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the dessert to fully set and flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use full-fat cream cheese and thaw whipped topping completely before mixing.
- This dessert can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated.
- To add texture, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before adding cherry pie filling if desired.
- Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make this dessert gluten-free.
- Keep the dessert covered in refrigeration to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.
