Of course! “Classic Cherry Delight” is a beloved no-bake dessert that’s a staple at potlucks and family gatherings. It features a crunchy crust, a sweet and creamy middle layer, and a vibrant cherry topping.
Here is the classic recipe, along with some tips and variations.
Classic Cherry Delight
This recipe is incredibly easy and requires no baking, making it perfect for hot days or when you need a quick, impressive dessert.
Yields: 9×13 inch pan (about 12-15 servings)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4+ hours (or overnight)
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
· 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 15-16 full sheets)
· 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
· 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
· 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
· 1 cup powdered sugar
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
For the Topping:
· 2 (21 oz) cans cherry pie filling (or your favorite fruit pie filling)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crust:
· In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moist and the mixture resembles wet sand.
· Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. A flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup helps to press it down tightly.
· Place the crust in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the next layer. - Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
· In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy (about 1-2 minutes).
· Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat again until the mixture is completely smooth and no lumps remain. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
· Using a spatula, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the mixture is uniform and no white streaks remain. - Assemble the Dessert:
· Remove the crust from the refrigerator. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
· Carefully spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, spreading it into an even layer. - Chill and Set:
· Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the layers to firm up perfectly, making it easy to slice and serve.
Tips for the Perfect Cherry Delight:
· Room Temperature is Key: Ensure your cream cheese is truly soft. This is the most important step for avoiding a lumpy cream cheese layer.
· Press the Crust Firmly: A well-packed crust won’t fall apart when you slice into the dessert.
· Don’t Over-mix the Cream Layer: Once you add the whipped topping, fold gently. Over-mixing can deflate the topping and make the layer less fluffy.
· Drain the Pie Filling (Optional): If you prefer a less juicy topping, you can drain some of the liquid from the cherry pie filling before spreading it on.
· Make it Your Own: This recipe is highly adaptable! See variations below.
Popular Variations:
· Lemon Cherry Delight: Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese layer for a bright, zesty twist.
· Chocolate Cherry Delight: Substitute the graham cracker crust with a crust made from crushed chocolate wafer cookies or Oreos (with the filling removed).
· Different Fruit Toppings: While cherry is classic, this dessert is fantastic with blueberry pie filling, apple pie filling, or sliced fresh strawberries (tossed with a little sugar to draw out their juices).
· Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the graham cracker crust mixture.
· Lighter Version: Use reduced-fat or fat-free cream cheese and light whipped topping.
Enjoy this timeless, crowd-pleasing dessert