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
- 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.
- Melt Butter: Carefully melt 1/2 cup butter in the microwave, ensuring not to overheat it.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Whipped Topping: Add 8 oz of thawed whipped topping to the cream cheese mixture and whip on high until well combined and fluffy.
- Spread Filling: Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over the graham cracker crust in the dish.
- 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.
- Arrange Cherries: Use your fingers to move cherries around so they are evenly distributed across the dish.
- Chill: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours to let it set properly before serving.
- 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