why make this recipe
Classic Cherry Delight is quick to make. It needs few steps and tastes fresh and sweet. It is a good dessert for family or guests when you want an easy, pretty dish.
introduction
This dessert has a crunchy graham crust, a smooth cream cheese layer, and bright cherry topping. It comes together fast and chills in the fridge. If you like chilled, no-bake treats, try the classic cheese ball recipe for another simple party option.
how to make Classic Cherry Delight
- Make the crust by mixing crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press this mix into the bottom of a 9×9-inch pan. Chill to set.
- Make the filling by beating cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Fold in the cool whip until you have a light, even mix.
- Spread the filling over the chilled crust in an even layer.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer and spread gently.
- Chill the whole pan for at least 2 hours so it becomes firm. For best results chill 3–4 hours.
Ingredients :
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 9 whole crackers)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 container cool whip, 8 ounces
- 1 can cherry pie filling, 21 ounces
Directions :
CRUST
- Melt the butter.
- Mix the graham crumbs and granulated sugar in a bowl.
- Add the melted butter and stir until all crumbs are moistened.
- Press the mix firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch pan. Chill while you make the filling.
FILLING
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until blended.
- Fold in the cool whip with a spatula until light and even.
- Spread the filling over the chilled crust.
- Top evenly with the cherry pie filling.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
how to serve Classic Cherry Delight
Cut into squares and serve cold. Use a sharp knife for clean slices. You can add a small dollop of extra whipped cream or a fresh cherry on top for a nice look.
how to store Classic Cherry Delight
Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a lid and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Do not leave it at room temperature for more than two hours. You can freeze pieces wrapped well for up to 1 month, but the texture may change after thawing.
tips to make Classic Cherry Delight
- Soften the cream cheese at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Press the crust firmly so it holds the filling well.
- Fold the cool whip gently to keep the filling light.
- Chill well so the dessert slices cleanly.
- Use a warmed knife (run under hot water and dry) for neater cuts.
variation (if any)
- Use blueberry or strawberry pie filling instead of cherry.
- Add a layer of sliced fresh strawberries under the cherry topping.
- Mix a little lemon zest into the cream cheese for a bright flavor.
- Make individual servings in small jars or cups for parties.
FAQs
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese or cool whip?
A: Yes. The dessert will still turn out, but the texture may be a bit less rich.
Q: Do I need to bake the crust?
A: No. This crust uses melted butter and pressed crumbs. Chilling is enough to set it.
Q: How long does it need to chill?
A: Chill at least 2 hours. For firmer slices chill 3–4 hours.
Q: Can I make it the day before?
A: Yes. Make it a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge for the best flavor and ease.
Classic Cherry Delight
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and refreshing dessert with a crunchy graham crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and bright cherry topping.
Ingredients
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 9 whole crackers)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 container cool whip, 8 ounces
- 1 can cherry pie filling, 21 ounces
Instructions
- Melt the butter.
- Mix the graham crumbs and granulated sugar in a bowl.
- Add the melted butter and stir until all crumbs are moistened.
- Press the mix firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch pan. Chill while you make the filling.
- Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until blended.
- Fold in the cool whip with a spatula until light and even.
- Spread the filling over the chilled crust.
- Top evenly with the cherry pie filling.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
For best results, chill for 3-4 hours. Use a warmed knife for clean slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg