Cherry Delight: The Ultimate No-Bake Treat

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious dessert, Cherry Delight is the perfect choice! This no-bake dessert is a true crowd-pleaser, with layers of creamy filling, crunchy crust, and a sweet cherry topping. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering, a family get-together, or just a casual treat, Cherry Delight is sure to impress with its refreshing flavors and vibrant colors.

What makes Cherry Delight so special is its combination of textures and flavors. The buttery crust provides a nice crunch, while the creamy filling offers a smooth and dreamy contrast. The cherry topping adds a burst of sweetness and color that makes this dessert both visually stunning and delicious. And the best part? It’s completely no-bake, which means you can make it ahead of time and save yourself the hassle of turning on the oven.

I first made Cherry Delight for a family picnic, and it was such a hit that I’ve been making it ever since. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires only a few simple ingredients, and is always a crowd favorite. This dessert is a guaranteed way to add a touch of sweetness to any occasion!

Why This Cherry Delight Will Be Your New Favorite

• No-bake and easy: This dessert is simple to make, and it doesn’t require any baking, making it perfect for busy days or when you want something quick and easy.
• Perfectly balanced: The creamy filling, crunchy crust, and sweet cherry topping create a balanced dessert that’s not too heavy or too sweet.
• Versatile: While cherries are the classic topping, you can swap them out for other fruits, like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, to make this treat your own.
• Make-ahead: You can prepare this dessert the day before your event and store it in the fridge, making it an ideal option for parties and gatherings.
• Kid-friendly: This dessert is fun, colorful, and easy for kids to help with, making it a great family-friendly treat.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed vanilla wafer cookies)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cherry topping:

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or your favorite fruit topping)

How to Make Cherry Delight

1. Make the crust:
   In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the crumbs are evenly coated with butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form a crust. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to firmly press it down. Refrigerate the crust while you make the filling.
2. Prepare the filling:
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the whipped topping and vanilla extract, and stir until well combined and fluffy.
3. Assemble the dessert:
   Spread the cream cheese filling over the chilled graham cracker crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. Be sure to cover the crust completely with the filling.
4. Add the cherry topping:
   Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer. You can use a spoon to spread the cherries out, or leave them in clusters for a more rustic look.
5. Chill and serve:
   Refrigerate the Cherry Delight for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up. Slice into squares and serve chilled.
6. Enjoy:
   Your Cherry Delight is ready to be enjoyed! This creamy, sweet, and refreshing dessert is perfect for any occasion.

Tips

• Let the filling set: Be sure to let the dessert chill long enough for the filling to set properly, so it holds its shape when sliced.
• Use fresh fruit: If you want to make a healthier version, try topping the dessert with fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries instead of the canned cherry pie filling.
• Add a twist: For added flavor, try mixing in a little lemon zest or almond extract into the cream cheese filling for a unique flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

• Use a different crust: You can use crushed Oreos, pecans, or even pretzels for the crust if you want to change up the flavor profile.
• Different fruit toppings: Swap the cherries for other fruit pie fillings like blueberry, strawberry, or peach for a different take on this dessert.
• Make it dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping to make this dessert dairy-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Make a Healthier Version

• Low-sugar version: Use a sugar substitute for the filling and crust to make a low-sugar version of this dessert.
• Lighten up the crust: Use reduced-fat or graham crackers made with whole wheat for a lighter crust.

Closing

And there you have it! Cherry Delight is the ultimate no-bake treat that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a party, bringing it to a picnic, or simply enjoying it at home, this dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Don’t forget to let us know how your Cherry Delight turns out, and be sure to check out more of our delicious no-bake dessert recipes for even more sweet inspiration!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
   Yes! This dessert can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
   Absolutely! You can use fresh cherries and make your own topping by simmering them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch until it thickens.
3. Can I freeze this dessert?
   Yes, you can freeze it for up to a month. Let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
4. Can I use a different fruit topping?
   Yes! You can use other fruit pie fillings like blueberry, strawberry, or even mix fresh fruits like raspberries and blackberries for a fresh twist.
5. Can I use a different crust?
   Yes! You can use crushed graham crackers, vanilla wafer cookies, or even a shortbread cookie crust for variety.
6. How long should I chill the dessert?
   Chill for at least 3-4 hours, but overnight is best for a firmer, more flavorful dessert.
7. Can I use whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
   Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream, but be sure to stabilize it with a bit of powdered sugar to ensure it holds up well.
8. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Yes, you can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping for a dairy-free version of this dessert.
9. Can I use a store-bought graham cracker crust?
   Yes, you can use a pre-made graham cracker crust to save time.
10. How can I make this more festive for the holidays?
    Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling, or top it with festive red and green sprinkles for a holiday twist!