Cherry Delight is a timeless dessert that never fails to impress. With its rich graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and luscious cherry topping, it’s the perfect choice for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering, a festive party, or a simple treat for yourself, this dessert is sure to bring smiles. The best part? It’s a no-bake recipe that comes together effortlessly! In just over an hour, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to wow your guests.
Ingredients
Before diving into the preparation, let’s gather the ingredients.
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz (225 g) Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream)
For the Topping:
- 1 can (21 oz / 600 g) cherry pie filling (or homemade cherry filling)
Preparation TIME
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
INSTRUCtionS
Step 1: Make the Crust
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar.
- Mix well until the texture resembles damp sand.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan (or any dish of similar size).
- Place the crust in the refrigerator to firm up while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add vanilla extract and mix to combine.
- Fold in the Cool Whip (or whipped cream) gently until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Spread this creamy filling evenly over the chilled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 3: Add the Cherry Topping
- Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer. Spread it evenly, ensuring every bite will have a burst of cherry flavor.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
Once chilled, slice the Cherry Delight into squares and serve cold. For an added touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves or a dollop of whipped cream. This dessert pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a light fruity drink.
Cherry Delight is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something magical. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this no-bake classic is a staple for every dessert lover. The combination of the buttery graham cracker crust, the velvety cheesecake filling, and the bright cherry topping makes every bite unforgettable. Perfect for those moments when you need a quick yet impressive treat, Cherry Delight is sure to become one of your go-to recipes.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients and create this delightful dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy. It’s guaranteed to delight your taste buds and leave everyone asking for seconds!