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Cherry Delight No-Bake Dessert Recipe


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4.3 from 55 reviews

  • Author: Amina
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Cherry Delight is a simple, no-bake dessert that layers a cinnamon sugar graham cracker crust with a creamy cream cheese filling and a vibrant cherry pie topping. This easy recipe takes just 15 minutes to prepare and requires no oven, making it perfect for a quick and delicious treat that can serve a crowd.


Ingredients

Crust

  • 14 cinnamon sugar graham crackers (enough to make 2 cups of crumbs)
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar

Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 8 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip or store brand, thawed)

Topping

  • 21 oz cherry pie filling (canned)


Instructions

  1. Crush the Graham Crackers: Place the 14 cinnamon sugar graham crackers into a gallon-size ziplock bag, seal it, and crush them finely using a rolling pin or your hands to create about 2 cups of crumbs.
  2. Melt Butter: Carefully melt 1/2 cup butter in the microwave, ensuring not to overheat it.
  3. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup powdered sugar. Stir thoroughly until mixed. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form a thin crust layer.
  4. Soften Cream Cheese: Place the 8 oz block of cream cheese in a microwave-safe bowl, microwave on medium power for 30-40 seconds, stirring every 20 seconds until very soft but not warm.
  5. Prepare Filling: Using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of powdered sugar starting on low speed until smooth, then increase to high and beat for 60 seconds until creamy.
  6. Add Whipped Topping: Add 8 oz of thawed whipped topping to the cream cheese mixture and whip on high until well combined and fluffy.
  7. Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the graham cracker crust in the dish.
  8. Add Cherry Topping: Spoon the 21 oz cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, gently spreading it with a spatula to cover the surface completely.
  9. Arrange Cherries: Use your fingers to move cherries around so they are evenly distributed across the dish.
  10. Chill: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours to let it set properly before serving.
  11. Serve: Slice into 12 squares using a spatula to lift from the dish and serve chilled.

Notes

  • Ensure the cream cheese is sufficiently softened for a smooth filling but not warm or melted.
  • Use cooled melted butter to prevent crust becoming soggy.
  • This dessert can be made in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cinnamon cookies.
  • The pie filling can be swapped with other fruit fillings as per preference.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American