Description
Cherry Delight is a no-bake cheesecake dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cream cheese and whipped cream filling, topped with sweet cherry pie filling. This refreshing and easy-to-make dessert is perfect for gatherings and can be prepared ahead of time by chilling in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers
- ½ cup salted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
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 the Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees ℉ to prepare for baking the crust.
- Prepare the Crust: Combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a bowl. Mix until well combined, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of an 11×7-inch baking dish.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 5 to 7 minutes until set. Remove and allow it to cool completely before adding the filling to prevent melting.
- Whip the Cream: Pour the heavy whipping cream into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric hand mixer, beat it until it thickens and small peaks form, indicating stiff but not dry peaks.
- Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Filling: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until evenly incorporated, creating a light and airy filling.
- Assemble Filling: Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled graham cracker crust and gently spread it out evenly.
- Add Topping: Evenly spread the cherry pie filling over the cheesecake filling layer.
- Chill: Cover the assembled dessert and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow it to set properly.
- Serve: Once chilled and set, cut into squares and serve your delicious Cherry Delight.
Notes
- Ensure the crust is completely cooled before adding the filling to avoid melting the whipped cream.
- For best results, chill the dessert overnight to enhance flavor and firmness.
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit toppings such as blueberry or strawberry for variation.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for a richer texture.
- Graham cracker crumbs can be made by crushing graham crackers in a food processor or by placing them in a plastic bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
