Cherry Delight Dessert Recipe

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (minimum)
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 12 generous slices
Calories: Approximately 485 kcal per serving

A Note From the Chef

There’s a reason this Classic Cherry Delight has been a staple at potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday tables for generations. It’s the dessert that looks like you fussed for hours but secretly comes together with minimal effort. With a buttery, crunchy graham cracker crust, a luxuriously smooth and tangy cream cheese middle layer, and a vibrant, sweet-tart cherry topping, every bite is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. This is a no-bake recipe, making it the perfect cool and refreshing treat for a warm summer day or a make-ahead marvel for a busy week.

The “delight” truly is in its simplicity. It’s a forgiving recipe that welcomes variations, so feel free to make it your own!

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Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 15 full-sheet graham crackers, finely crushed)

• 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• A pinch of salt

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 16 ounces (452g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold

For the Cherry Topping:

• 1 (21-ounce / 595g) can cherry pie filling (or your favorite fruit pie filling)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh whipped cream

• Chocolate shavings

• A few fresh cherries (when in season)

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Required Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish (or a 9-inch springform pan for a taller, more elegant presentation)

• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer

• Medium mixing bowl

• Small saucepan (for melting butter)

• Spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Crush the Graham Crackers: If you’re not using pre-crushed crumbs, place whole graham crackers in a sturdy zip-top bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into fine, even crumbs. You can also pulse them in a food processor. The key is to ensure there are no large pieces for a cohesive crust.

2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the finely ground graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir with a fork until all the crumbs are thoroughly moistened and the mixture resembles wet sand.

3. Press into Pan: Transfer the mixture to your ungreased 9×13 inch baking dish. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or a flat glass to press the crumbs firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan. Pressing firmly is crucial to prevent a crumbly crust.

4. Set: Place the crust in the refrigerator to set and cool while you prepare the filling. This should take about 10-15 minutes.

Time & Intensity: This step takes about 10 minutes and is of Low Intensity. It’s simple and hands-on.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling

1. Whip the Cream: In a clean, chilled mixing bowl, pour in the cold heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer with the whisk attachment, beat on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the whisk out, the cream will stand straight up. Be careful not to over-whip, or you’ll make butter! Once whipped, set this aside for a moment.

2. Cream the Cheese: In another large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the electric mixer (using the paddle attachment if you have one) on medium speed until it is completely smooth and lump-free. This should take about 2 minutes.

3. Sweeten and Flavor: Add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat on low speed initially to avoid a sugar cloud, then increase to medium until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.

4. Fold it Together: Now, gently add the whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture. Using a spatula, fold the whipped cream in. This means you cut through the center of the mixture, scrape along the bottom of the bowl, and fold it over on top. Rotate the bowl and repeat. This technique preserves the air bubbles in the whipped cream, keeping the filling light and fluffy. Continue until no white streaks remain.

Time & Intensity: This step takes about 15 minutes and is of Medium Intensity. The key is careful folding to maintain the airy texture.

Step 3: Assemble the Delight

1. Spread the Filling: Retrieve the chilled crust from the refrigerator. Pour the creamy filling mixture over the crust.

2. Smooth the Top: Use your spatula to spread the filling into an even layer, ensuring it reaches all the edges. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to settle the filling and remove any air pockets.

3. Add the Cherry Topping: Open the can of cherry pie filling. Spoon the cherries and their glossy sauce evenly over the entire surface of the cream cheese layer. You can create decorative swirls or simply spread it out—it will look beautiful regardless.

4. The Final Chill: Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and carefully transfer it to the refrigerator. It is essential to chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is highly recommended. This extended chilling time allows the layers to set firmly, making it easy to cut clean, beautiful slices.

Time & Intensity: Assembly is quick, taking about 5 minutes, and is of Low Intensity. The waiting is the hardest part!

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Serving and Storage

• Serving: For the cleanest slices, you can briefly dip a sharp knife in warm water and wipe it dry before cutting. Slice into 12 squares and serve cold.

• Storage: Keep any leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days.

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Chef’s Tips & Variations

• Room Temperature is Key: Ensuring your cream cheese is truly soft at room temperature is the #1 secret to a smooth, lump-free filling. Take it out at least 2 hours before you start.

• Crust Variations: Feel free to use crushed vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or even chocolate graham crackers for the crust for a different flavor profile.

• Filling Flavor Boost: Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the cream cheese filling for a bright, zesty kick that pairs wonderfully with the cherries.

• Topping Freedom: Don’t love cherries? This dessert is incredibly versatile. Use blueberry, strawberry, apple, or peach pie filling. Fresh berries macerated with a little sugar also work beautifully.

• Lighter Option: You can use reduced-fat cream cheese and cool whip instead of heavy cream for a lighter version, though the texture and richness will be slightly different.

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Nutrition Information

Please note: This is an estimated nutritional calculation based on the ingredients used. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredient brands and measurements.

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of recipe)

• Calories: 485 kcal

• Total Fat: 32g (41% DV)

  • Saturated Fat: 19g (95% DV)

• Cholesterol: 95mg (32% DV)

• Sodium: 250mg (11% DV)

• Total Carbohydrates: 46g (17% DV)

  • Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% DV)

  • Sugars: 32g

• Protein: 5g

• Calcium: 75mg (6% DV)

• Iron: 1mg (6% DV)

% Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This Cherry Delight is an indulgent dessert, best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Its richness means a small slice is deeply satisfying!

We hope you love this timeless, effortless dessert as much as we do. It’s more than a recipe; it’s a bite of creamy, cheerful nostalgia. Enjoy!