Description
Cherry Delight is a classic no-bake dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling and finished with a luscious cherry pie topping. Perfect for gatherings, this chilled dessert requires minimal baking and is sure to impress with its sweet and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers
- ½ cup salted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Topping
- 1 large can cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the crust.
- Prepare Crust: In a bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly until all crumbs are moistened. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an 11×7-inch baking dish, forming a compact crust layer.
- Bake Crust: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the crust for 5 to 7 minutes until it is lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow the crust to cool completely before proceeding.
- Whip Cream: Pour the heavy whipping cream into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric hand mixer, beat the cream until it thickens and small peaks form, indicating soft peak consistency.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Gently fold in the whipped cream until fully incorporated without deflating the mixture.
- Assemble Filling: Pour the cheesecake filling onto the cooled graham cracker crust. Using a spatula, spread the filling evenly over the crust, smoothing the surface.
- Add Cherry Topping: Evenly spread the cherry pie filling across the top of the cheesecake filling, ensuring full coverage for a beautiful presentation.
- Chill and Set: Cover the assembled dessert with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight to allow the cheesecake filling to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve: Once chilled and firm, cut the Cherry Delight into squares and serve cold for a refreshing and delightful treat.
Notes
- Make sure the crust is completely cooled before adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy whipping cream for the best texture and flavor.
- For easier slicing, chill the dessert overnight.
- Cherry pie filling can be substituted with other fruit toppings like blueberry or strawberry if desired.
