Classic Cherry Delight: A Timeless Dessert That’s Sweet, Simple, and Irresistible
When you’re craving a dessert that’s light, refreshing, and wonderfully sweet but not overwhelmingly so, Classic Cherry Delight is the perfect choice. This no-bake, layered treat comes together with minimal effort and is ideal for any occasion, from casual weeknight meals to holiday gatherings. The beauty of this dessert lies in its simplicity: just three layers, each with its own distinct texture and flavor, melding together into something truly special. And with a preparation time of only 30 minutes, it’s a quick yet satisfying way to end a meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (Default to prep + cook)
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Refrigerate
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter – The butter provides richness and helps hold the graham cracker crumbs together. It also contributes to the slightly sweet, buttery flavor of the crust.
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs – The graham crackers provide a crunchy, slightly sweet base that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. You can crush the graham crackers by hand or use a food processor to make the crumbs fine and even.
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar – A bit of sweetness to enhance the flavor of the graham crackers and help them hold together when pressed into the dish.
For the Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened) – The cream cheese gives the filling its creamy, tangy texture and flavor, making it rich without being overly heavy. Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – Adds sweetness to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese and gives the filling a smooth, creamy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Vanilla enhances the flavor of the filling, giving it a subtle warmth and depth.
- 1 container Cool Whip (8 ounces) – The Cool Whip provides lightness and airiness to the filling, making it fluffy and smooth.
For the Topping:
- 1 can cherry pie filling (21 ounces) – The star of the show, the cherry pie filling brings a burst of bright, fruity flavor. The tanginess of the cherries complements the sweetness of the filling perfectly, creating a balanced dessert.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by melting the butter. In a medium bowl, microwave the butter for 30 seconds or until fully melted. Next, add the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar to the melted butter. Stir well to combine, making sure the butter evenly coats the crumbs. This mixture will form the base of your dessert, so be sure it’s well-mixed and moist.
Now, take a baking dish (an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan works perfectly) and spray it with cooking spray. Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the pan, making sure it’s evenly spread across the entire base. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to press the crumbs down firmly. This ensures the crust holds its shape and doesn’t fall apart when served. Set the crust aside while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until fully combined. The mixture should be creamy and free of lumps.
Once the cream cheese mixture is smooth, fold in the Cool Whip. Be gentle while folding to maintain the airy texture of the whipped topping. Once combined, the filling will be light, fluffy, and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Dessert
Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the graham cracker crust. Use a spoon or an offset spatula to smooth it out, making sure it’s level and covers the entire crust.
Next, spoon the cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese filling. Carefully spread it evenly, making sure the cherries are distributed across the entire surface. You can add extra cherries or juice if desired to suit your taste.
Step 4: Refrigerate and Serve
Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours, though it’s best if you let it chill overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set. Once chilled, cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Customizing the Crust:
While the graham cracker crust is classic, you can switch things up by using other cookies or crackers for the base. Try using vanilla wafer cookies, shortbread cookies, or chocolate cookies for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to crush them finely and adjust the butter to ensure the crust holds together.
Flavor Variations:
While cherry is the traditional topping for this dessert, you can experiment with other fruit toppings to suit the season or your personal preferences:
- Blueberry or Raspberry Delight: Swap the cherry pie filling for blueberry or raspberry pie filling for a different fruity twist.
- Strawberry Delight: Fresh strawberries or strawberry pie filling can give this dessert a sweet, vibrant flavor.
- Mixed Berries: Combine a mix of berries, like blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries, for a burst of fruity goodness.
Dairy-Free or Vegan:
If you’re looking for a dairy-free or vegan version of this dessert, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese and use coconut or almond milk-based whipped topping. For the crust, you can use dairy-free butter.