Classic Cherry Delight Dessert (Printable)
Creamy no-bake layered dessert with sweet cherries, cream cheese filling, and buttery graham cracker crust.
# What You'll Need:
→ Crust
01 - 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
→ Cream Cheese Layer
04 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 cup powdered sugar
06 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
07 - 1 1/2 cups whipped topping or whipped cream
→ Cherry Topping
08 - 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish to create a solid crust layer.
02 - In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth and free of lumps. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until fully incorporated and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is uniform and airy.
03 - Spread the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust using a spatula, ensuring complete coverage to the edges of the dish.
04 - Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer. Gently spread to create an even topping, being careful not to mix the layers.
05 - Cover the dish securely with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the dessert to set completely. The dessert is ready to serve once firm and chilled.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The creamy layer hits that perfect spot between rich and airy
- Zero oven time means your kitchen stays cool
02 -
- Press the crust harder than you think you need to, or it'll crumble when you serve it
- The cream cheese layer must be completely cold before adding the cherries or they'll bleed pink streaks through the white
03 -
- Run your knife under hot water between every slice for clean edges
- Let the dish sit at room temperature for five minutes before serving so the crust isnt rock hard