Why Make This Recipe

Everyone loves a sweet treat, and Classic Cherry Delight is a favorite for many reasons. This dessert is easy to make, requires no baking, and combines the rich flavors of cream cheese with the bright sweetness of cherries. It is perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply as a comforting dessert at home. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will enjoy!

How to Make Classic Cherry Delight

Ingredients:

7 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 9 whole crackers)
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 container Cool Whip, 8 ounces
1 can cherry pie filling, 21 ounces

Directions:

Crust: First, melt the butter in a small saucepan. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, and granulated sugar. Mix well until all the crumbs are coated with butter.
Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure it is evenly spread and firmly packed. Set aside.
Filling: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined and creamy.
Gently fold in the Cool Whip until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Spread this cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust in the baking dish.
Finally, pour the cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer. Spread it evenly to cover the filling.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.

How to Serve Classic Cherry Delight

To serve Classic Cherry Delight, slice it into squares and use a spatula to lift individual pieces from the dish. It’s delightful on its own but can also be accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or fresh cherries on top for an extra touch. This dessert is best served chilled!

How to Store Classic Cherry Delight

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh. Classic Cherry Delight can be kept in the fridge for up to five days.

Tips to Make Classic Cherry Delight

Make sure to soften the cream cheese before mixing to ensure a smooth texture.
For an extra crunch, you can add chopped nuts to the crust mixture.
Feel free to use other fruit toppings, like blueberries or strawberries, instead of cherry pie filling for a different twist.

Variation

If you’re looking for a different flavor, you can replace the cherry pie filling with other fruit pie fillings, such as blueberry or peach. You can also experiment by adding a layer of chocolate pudding between the cream cheese layer and the fruit layer for a chocolate version!

FAQs

1. Can I make Classic Cherry Delight ahead of time?
Yes, it’s a great dessert to prepare a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

2. Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes! If you prefer fresh cherries, just pit and slice them, and mix them with a little sugar to create a syrup before layering them on top.

3. Is there a gluten-free version of the crust?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free crust by using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed nuts mixed with butter.