If you’re in the mood for a homemade treat that’s both joyfully simple and downright irresistible, this Cherry Delight Recipe is about to steal your heart (and your taste buds). With a buttery graham cracker crust, a cloudlike, creamy filling, and that dazzling crown of cherry pie topping, every bite is pure celebration. Whether you’re gearing up for a family picnic, a special holiday, or just want to treat yourself to something sweet after dinner, this dessert delivers—easy, nostalgic, and a breeze to make ahead.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about what goes into the Cherry Delight Recipe. Every ingredient here has a purpose: some bring that signature creamy, tangy flavor, while others add crunch, sweetness, or that must-have cherry pop of color. The magic lies in how simply and harmoniously they come together.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The base of our dessert, offering a golden, slightly sweet crunch that ties everything together.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Helps the crumb crust stick and gives it that rich, melt-in-your-mouth taste.
- Granulated sugar: Just a touch to sweeten the crust and enhance its golden color when baked (if you choose to bake!).
- Cream cheese (softened): Adds a luscious, tangy depth while keeping the filling thick and creamy.
- Powdered sugar: Blends seamlessly into the creamy filling for smooth sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: A dash brings warmth and rounds out the other flavors beautifully.
- Whipped topping (such as Cool Whip): The secret to a wonderfully light and airy filling.
- Cherry pie filling: The star of the show! Adds bright cherry flavor, gorgeous color, and loads of juicy personality.
How to Make Cherry Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Start by combining your graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. The mixture should resemble damp sand, easy to press but not soggy. Empty it into a 9×9-inch pan and press down firmly with the back of a spoon or your fingertips, making sure you get even coverage in all corners. For a bit of extra crunch and stability, consider baking the crust for about 8 minutes at 350°F—just let it cool before moving on.
Step 2: Chill the Crust
Once the crust is pressed in, pop it in the fridge. Giving it a quick chill while you work on the filling helps everything set tightly, so each slice will hold up like a pro when it’s time to serve.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling
In a separate bowl, whip your softened cream cheese until it’s ultralight and smooth—no lumps wanted here. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until every bit is incorporated and dreamy. Then, gently fold in the whipped topping with a spatula, turning the mixture into a fluffy, light cloud you’ll want to sneak a spoonful of (no judgment).
Step 4: Assemble
Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over your chilled crust, smoothing all the way to the edges for a perfect base. Next comes the bright, glossy cherry pie filling. Dollop it on top and use a spatula or spoon to spread it out, letting those vibrant cherries shine.
Step 5: Chill to Set
The hardest part: waiting! Cover your masterpiece and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can. This step is key to firming up the layers and letting the flavors blend into dessert perfection.
How to Serve Cherry Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Take your Cherry Delight Recipe to the next level by dressing it up before serving. A gentle dusting of powdered sugar makes it look like a frosty winter wonderland, while dollops of extra whipped topping or a sprinkling of graham cracker crumbs add flair. For an elegant twist, try a few fresh mint leaves or shaved white chocolate on top—guaranteed to turn heads.
Side Dishes
Since this dessert is sweet, creamy, and light, it shines alongside strong coffee, bold black tea, or even a glass of chilled dessert wine. If you’re serving a buffet, pair it with contrasting textures—think crisp sugar cookies or a tart fruit salad for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Cherry Delight Recipe isn’t just for squares and slices! Try assembling it in individual mason jars for picnics or parties, layering up the crust, filling, and cherries for a totally portable treat. Or, go fancy and use parfait glasses for a dinner party, allowing each guest their own little showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Cherry Delight Recipe fresh, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it’ll stay delightful for up to 4 days, keeping its creamy layers just as tasty.
Freezing
Craving Cherry Delight even longer? Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap tightly (without the cherry topping if possible) and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then add the cherry topping just before serving for the best texture and appearance.
Reheating
No reheating required—just slice and enjoy straight from the fridge. If you’ve frozen it, let it thaw gently in the fridge, and it’s ready to serve. Thanks to its creamy, no-bake style, this dessert is always best chilled.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cherry pie filling for this recipe?
Absolutely! A homemade cherry pie filling makes the Cherry Delight Recipe even more special and allows you to adjust the sweetness or add a hint of almond if you like. Just be sure it’s cooled before adding to the creamy layer.
What can I substitute for the whipped topping?
If you prefer to skip commercial whipped topping, freshly whipped cream works wonderfully! Whip 1 cup of cold heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form, then gently fold it in as you would with Cool Whip.
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Yes—simply use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust. Everything else in the Cherry Delight Recipe is naturally gluten-free, so the swap is seamless and nobody will taste the difference.
What’s the best way to slice neat squares?
For tidy slices, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between each cut. Chilling the dessert overnight also helps the layers stay firm so every piece looks picture-perfect.
Can I try other fruit toppings?
Definitely! While cherry is the classic, blueberry, strawberry, or even mixed berry pie filling all work beautifully. Try different flavors throughout the year for fun twists on your go-to Cherry Delight Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about sharing this Cherry Delight Recipe with family and friends—the luscious layers, the cheerful cherries, and the memories that come with every bite. If you’ve been searching for a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both easy and unforgettable, this is the one. Whip up a pan and see how quickly it disappears!
Print
Cherry Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (or 8 minutes if baking the crust)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (or Baking optional for crust)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of creamy, sweet, and tart flavors with this easy-to-make Cherry Delight recipe. A luscious cream cheese layer sits atop a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a generous layer of cherry pie filling. Perfect for a no-fuss dessert that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Filling:
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until combined. Press firmly into a 9×9-inch pan to form the crust. Chill in the refrigerator.
- Make the Filling: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mix until smooth. Fold in whipped topping until light and fluffy.
- Assemble: Spread cream cheese mixture over chilled crust. Top with cherry pie filling, spreading to the edges.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Notes
- For a firmer crust, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes and let cool before adding the filling.
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with blueberry or strawberry for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
