Cherry Delight is a beloved no-bake dessert that has been winning hearts at family gatherings, potlucks, and holidays for decades. Rooted in classic American kitchen traditions, this dish combines a buttery graham cracker crust, velvety cream cheese filling, and a glossy cherry pie topping into a luscious, layered treat.
The balance of creamy, tangy, and fruity flavors with a slightly crunchy crust makes cherry delight an irresistible indulgence. Its ease of preparation and nostalgic flavor make it a go-to for both seasoned home cooks and beginners.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
-
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
-
⅓ cup granulated sugar
-
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
-
8 oz cream cheese, softened
-
1 cup powdered sugar
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
1 cup heavy whipping cream (or 8 oz whipped topping)
For the Topping:
-
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Optional Substitutions:
-
Dairy-free? Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped coconut cream.
-
Gluten-free? Use gluten-free graham crackers.
-
Lower sugar? Choose sugar-free pie filling and a natural sweetener substitute.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
-
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
-
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish.
-
Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer
-
Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
-
Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; mix until fully incorporated.
-
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks (skip this if using whipped topping).
-
Fold the whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture.
-
Spread evenly over the chilled crust.
3. Add the Cherry Topping
-
Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer.
-
Smooth it out with a spatula for a glossy finish.
4. Chill and Serve
-
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
-
Slice into squares and serve chilled.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
-
Overmixing the cream layer can deflate the whipped cream.
-
Skipping chilling time will result in a runny texture.
-
Using warm butter may cause a soggy crust.
Pro Tips and Cooking Techniques
-
Chill thoroughly for clean slices and better texture.
-
Use a springform pan for a more elegant presentation.
-
Whip your cream cold—cold cream whips faster and holds better.
-
For extra depth, toast the graham cracker crust briefly before chilling.
Variations and Customizations
-
Fruit Swap: Use blueberry or strawberry pie filling instead.
-
Chocolate Version: Add a thin layer of melted chocolate under the cream cheese.
-
Keto Version: Use almond flour for crust and low-carb sweeteners.
-
Mini Cherry Delights: Use muffin tins for single-serve treats.
-
Nut Crust: Mix crushed pecans or walnuts with graham crackers.
Serving Suggestions
-
Garnish with fresh mint or a dollop of whipped cream.
-
Serve chilled with iced coffee, sparkling wine, or hot tea.
-
Plate on a white dish for contrast with the bright red topping.
-
Pair with vanilla bean ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 12 servings)
-
Calories: 310
-
Protein: 3g
-
Carbohydrates: 32g
-
Sugars: 20g
-
Fat: 19g
-
Saturated Fat: 11g
-
Fiber: 1g
(Values may vary based on ingredients used.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make cherry delight ahead of time?
Yes! It’s best when chilled overnight, making it perfect for prepping ahead.
Q: How long does it keep?
Store in the fridge, covered, for up to 4–5 days.
Q: Can I freeze cherry delight?
You can, but the texture may change. If freezing, do so before adding the cherry topping.
Q: What can I use instead of cherry pie filling?
Try homemade fruit compote, blueberry filling, or even lemon curd for a twist.
Q: How do I cut clean slices?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts.
Closing Thoughts
Cherry delight is more than just a dessert—it’s a slice of comfort and tradition. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a family reunion, or just because, this no-bake wonder never disappoints. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors or make it your own. And when you do, share your delicious results—we’d love to hear from you!
