The moment you take a bite of Cherry Delight, the sweet and tart explosion of cherry filling dances on your tongue, while the creamy layer melts into a blissful concoction that leaves you longing for more. Its vibrant colors and glossy finish make it an eye-catching centerpiece for any gathering, promising to be the star of the dessert table. For more inspiration, check out this more dessert options recipe.
I remember the first time I made Cherry Delight; my friends were skeptical about a dessert named after a fruit that sounds like it belongs in a vintage candy store. But as soon as they took that first bite, their faces lit up with joy! This delightful treat is perfect for summer picnics or cozy winter gatherings and will have everyone clamoring for the recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cherry Delight is incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy days
- The flavor profile combines sweet and tart notes that create a refreshing dessert experience
- With its beautiful layers and vibrant red hue, it’s sure to impress anyone who sees it
- Versatile enough to customize with different fruits or toppings based on your preference
I still chuckle when I think about how my sister couldn’t stop at just one slice; we ended up fighting over the last piece!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Use finely crushed crumbs for a smooth crust that holds together well.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps bind the crust together beautifully.
- Powdered Sugar: Use powdered sugar for a smoother filling; it blends better than granulated sugar.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese creates a rich and creamy layer—don’t skip this!
- Cherry Pie Filling: Choose quality cherry pie filling for the best flavor; homemade works wonders too!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish.
Bake the Crust: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes until lightly golden. This step ensures your crust has a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy layers.
Create the Cream Cheese Layer: In another bowl, blend softened cream cheese with powdered sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy. You want it to be light and airy—just like your favorite cloud!
Add Creamy Delight to Crust: Spread this luscious cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust using a spatula. Make sure every inch is covered so each bite is heavenly!
Top with Cherry Filling: Spoon cherry pie filling generously over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly. The vibrant red cherries will instantly draw everyone’s attention!
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate Cherry Delight for at least 4 hours or overnight if you can resist temptation! Chilling allows flavors to meld harmoniously while setting up perfectly.
Now all you need is a fork (or just your face) to dive into this delightful creation!
Enjoy creating this Cherry Delight as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you!
You Must Know
- Cherry Delight is not just a dessert; it’s a burst of flavor that captures summer
- This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or an indulgent snack
- The sweet cherries combined with creamy textures create a delightful treat that will have everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your crust while the cherries simmer. This sequence ensures both are ready simultaneously, resulting in perfect timing and texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cherries for berries or add a splash of vanilla. These tweaks can elevate your Cherry Delight into something uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently to preserve the delightful texture without turning it into a soggy mess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh, ripe cherries for maximum flavor; frozen can work but may dilute taste
- Ensure your crust is well-chilled before baking to maintain its flaky texture
- Always let your Cherry Delight cool before slicing to prevent messy servings
I once made Cherry Delight for a family reunion, and everyone devoured it! My cousin even asked if I could make it every Sunday—a true testament to its deliciousness! For more inspiration, check out this delicious dinner recipes recipe.
FAQ
What can I substitute for cherries in Cherry Delight?
You can use blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries for a delightful twist.
How long does Cherry Delight last in the fridge?
Cherry Delight stays fresh for up to three days when properly stored.
Can I make Cherry Delight ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate until serving.
Cherry Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 9
Description
Cherry Delight is a stunning dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of cherry filling with a rich, creamy layer over a crunchy graham cracker crust. This delightful treat is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer picnic or a cozy family gathering. Its vibrant colors and luscious texture will make it the star of your dessert table, leaving everyone craving more. Easy to prepare and customizable with different fruits, this Cherry Delight promises to impress both visually and taste-wise.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Instructions
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- 2. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool.
- 3. In another bowl, blend softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- 4. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
- 5. Spoon cherry pie filling on top, spreading it across the cream cheese layer.
- 6. Refrigerate Cherry Delight for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 130g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg