Cherry Delight Dessert

Cherry Delight Dessert is a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet cherries and a creamy, luscious whipped cream cheesecake filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust. This no-bake dessert is ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. With its vibrant colors and refreshing flavors, Cherry Delight Dessert stands out as a delicious centerpiece that everyone will love.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Crust
• For the Filling
• How to Make Cherry Delight Dessert
• Step 1: Prepare the Crust
• Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
• Step 3: Add the Whipped Topping Layer
• Step 4: Top with Cherry Mixture
• Step 5: Chill Before Serving
• How to Serve Cherry Delight Dessert
• Individual Servings
• Topped with Fresh Cherries
• Garnished with Chocolate Shavings
• Served with Vanilla Ice Cream
• Accompanied by Coffee
• How to Perfect Cherry Delight Dessert
• Best Side Dishes for Cherry Delight Dessert
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Cherry Delight Dessert
• Reheating Cherry Delight Dessert
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
• How do I make Cherry Delight Dessert gluten-free?
• What can I substitute for COOL WHIP?
• How long does Cherry Delight Dessert last in the fridge?
• Can I customize the flavors?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, this dessert comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
• No-Bake Convenience: There’s no need to turn on the oven! Just mix and chill for a refreshing dessert.
• Versatile Serving Size: This recipe yields 16 servings, making it ideal for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
• Deliciously Creamy: The combination of cream cheese and COOL WHIP creates a rich texture that’s irresistible.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant cherry topping makes this dessert visually appealing, sure to impress your guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making your Cherry Delight Dessert, gather the essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• 7 x 11 x 1 1/2 inch pan
• Rubber spatula
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Electric mixer: This tool ensures your cream cheese mixes smoothly without lumps, resulting in a creamy filling.
• Rubber spatula: Perfect for folding in ingredients gently, ensuring your mixture remains light and airy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your Cherry Delight Dessert:

For the Crust

• 20 graham cracker squares (10 full sheets) rolled fine (about 1 1/2 cups)
• ½ cup melted butter
• 2 Tbsp sugar

For the Filling

• 2 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese
• 3 Tbsp milk
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 1 cup COOL WHIP Whipped Topping
• 1 can cherry pie filling
• ½ tsp almond extract

How to Make Cherry Delight Dessert

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Combine the crust ingredients in a mixing bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 7 x 11 x 1 1/2 inch pan.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In another mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk until blended and smooth. Spread this thick mixture evenly over the crust.

Step 3: Add the Whipped Topping Layer

Fold together the vanilla and sugar with the COOL WHIP. Gently spread this layer over the cream cheese filling.

Step 4: Top with Cherry Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the cherry pie filling with almond extract. Smooth this mixture carefully over the top of the COOL WHIP layer.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least eight hours or overnight. Cut into squares before serving. Enjoy your refreshing Cherry Delight Dessert!

How to Serve Cherry Delight Dessert

Cherry Delight Dessert is a perfect treat for gatherings and special occasions. Its creamy texture and sweet cherry topping make it an instant favorite among dessert lovers. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dessert experience.

Individual Servings

• Use small cups or jars to present single servings, making it easy for guests to enjoy without fuss.

Topped with Fresh Cherries

• Add fresh cherries on top of each square before serving for a pop of color and added flavor.

Garnished with Chocolate Shavings

• Sprinkle chocolate shavings over the COOL WHIP layer for a touch of elegance and a rich chocolate contrast to the cherries.

Served with Vanilla Ice Cream

• Pairing Cherry Delight Dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a deliciously creamy combination that everyone will love.

Accompanied by Coffee

• Serve slices alongside a warm cup of coffee to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors of the dessert.

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How to Perfect Cherry Delight Dessert

To achieve the ultimate Cherry Delight Dessert, consider these simple tips that can elevate your dish.

• Chill Thoroughly: Make sure to chill the dessert for at least 8 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh cream cheese and high-quality cherry pie filling for the best taste and texture.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste your filling mixture before spreading it over the crust. Adjust sugar levels according to your preference.
• Layer Creatively: Feel free to add layers of crushed nuts or even crumbled graham crackers between the cream cheese and COOL WHIP for added crunch.
• Experiment with Flavors: Try adding different extracts like lemon or coconut for unique twists on this classic dessert.
• Serve Cold: Always serve this dessert chilled; it’s at its best when it’s refreshing and cool.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Delight Dessert

Cherry Delight Dessert pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavor profile. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the richness of the dessert.
2. Cheese Platter: Include a variety of cheeses such as brie or sharp cheddar to create a delightful contrast in flavors.
3. Chocolate Fondue: Set up a chocolate fondue station where guests can dip fruits or cookies, enhancing their dessert experience.
4. Mini Pastries: Serve an assortment of mini pastries, like eclairs or cream puffs, for variety alongside your Cherry Delight.
5. Lemon Sorbet: The zesty flavor of lemon sorbet serves as a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of rich dessert.
6. Nutty Granola Bars: Offer homemade granola bars as a crunchy snack option that complements the creamy texture of Cherry Delight.
7. Pecan Pie Bites: These bite-sized treats add another layer of sweetness and nuttiness, perfect for those who love desserts.
8. Iced Tea or Lemonade: Refreshing beverages like iced tea or lemonade provide a cooling effect that pairs well with this sweet treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cherry Delight Dessert, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can compromise its flavor and texture.

• Skipping the chill time: Not allowing the dessert to chill overnight may result in a runny filling. Always give it at least 8 hours to set properly.
• Overmixing the cream cheese: Mixing too aggressively can add air to the filling, leading to a less creamy texture. Beat just until smooth.
• Using stale graham crackers: Old crackers will not provide the desired crunch. Ensure your graham crackers are fresh for the best crust.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold cream cheese can lead to lumps in your filling. Make sure it’s at room temperature before mixing.
• Not measuring accurately: Estimating ingredient amounts can disrupt the balance of flavors. Use precise measurements for consistent results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Cherry Delight Dessert in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Cherry Delight Dessert

• You can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe container.
• It will maintain quality for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Cherry Delight Dessert

• Oven: Not recommended as this dessert is best served chilled.
• Microwave: If needed, use low power for a few seconds to soften slightly, but avoid heating too much.
• Stovetop: Not applicable, as this dessert does not require cooking or reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Cherry Delight Dessert that might help you make it even better.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries. Just make sure to sweeten them lightly and cook them down a bit with sugar if you prefer a thicker topping.

How do I make Cherry Delight Dessert gluten-free?

To make this dessert gluten-free, simply substitute regular graham crackers with gluten-free ones.

What can I substitute for COOL WHIP?

You can use homemade whipped cream as a substitute. Just whip heavy cream with some powdered sugar until soft peaks form.

How long does Cherry Delight Dessert last in the fridge?

Cherry Delight Dessert will last about 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I customize the flavors?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different fruit toppings or flavored extracts to personalize your Cherry Delight Dessert.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Delight Dessert is a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. Its creamy texture paired with sweet cherries makes it irresistible. Plus, it’s versatile; feel free to customize the toppings or flavor profile based on your preferences. Give this easy no-bake recipe a try!