Description
Cherry Delight is a no-bake, luscious layered dessert featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese filling, and a glossy cherry pie topping. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for gatherings and requires minimal prep time with a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz whipped topping, thawed
Topping
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter and sugar, creating a moist mixture.
- Set the crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish to form an even layer. Freeze the crust for 15 minutes to ensure it sets properly.
- Make the cream cheese filling: Using an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in whipped topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Mix at low speed until just combined, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Layer the filling: Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust and spread it out smoothly with a spatula.
- Add cherry topping: Pour the cherry pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer to complete the dessert.
- Chill before serving: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to firm up before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a firmer crust, chilling the crust longer than 15 minutes is recommended.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to prevent lumps in the filling.
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with any fruit pie filling of your choice.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and whipped topping for richest flavor.
- This dessert should be kept refrigerated and is best served within 2 days.
