Classic Cherry Delight

Classic Cherry Delight Recipe

This is a delicious, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just when you’re craving something sweet and refreshing! It’s made with layers of creamy filling, a crunchy crust, and topped with a bright, sweet cherry topping. Here’s a detailed recipe for you to follow.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 graham crackers)

• ¼ cup sugar

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cherry Topping:

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (you can use other fruit pie fillings like blueberry or strawberry too)

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Directions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

1. 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.

2. Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust. Make sure it’s tightly packed so it holds together.

3. Chill the crust in the fridge for at least 10 minutes to firm up before adding the filling.

2. Make the Creamy Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).

2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Continue to beat for another 1-2 minutes until well combined.

3. Gently fold in the whipped topping (Cool Whip) using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whipped topping too much—just fold until everything is evenly combined and smooth.

3. Assemble the Dessert:

1. Once the crust has chilled and firmed up, spread the creamy filling evenly over the crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top layer.

2. Spoon the cherry pie filling (or another fruit pie filling) evenly over the cream layer. If you want a prettier presentation, you can swirl the cherry topping into the cream filling a little bit, or just leave it on top as a layer.

4. Chill and Serve:

1. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 2-4 hours, or even overnight. This helps the flavors to set and the layers to firm up.

2. Once chilled and ready to serve, slice it into squares and enjoy!

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Tips:

• Graham Cracker Substitutes: If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use any cookies that crush easily (like digestive biscuits or shortbread) for the crust.

• Fruit Variations: While cherries are classic, you can easily switch up the topping with other fruit pie fillings like blueberry, strawberry, or peach.

• Make it a bit healthier: You can use light cream cheese and sugar-free whipped topping to cut down on calories, though the flavor will be a bit different.

Enjoy your Cherry Delight! It’s the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fruity sweetness.