There’s something utterly magical about the moment you take that first bite of Cherry Delight. The sweet, juicy cherries burst in your mouth, mingling with a creamy base that feels like a hug for your taste buds. With each spoonful, you’ll find yourself floating on a cloud of nostalgia, reminiscent of summer picnics and family gatherings where dessert was always the star of the show. For more inspiration, check out this more dinner inspirations recipe.
Picture this: it’s a warm sunny day, and you’ve just finished a delightful meal with friends. As laughter fills the air, someone brings out a dish of Cherry Delight. Suddenly, everyone’s eyes light up like kids in a candy store. You can almost hear the collective “oohs” and “aahs” as people dig in. That’s the power of this recipe – it transforms any occasion into a celebration!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cherry Delight is not only easy to whip up but also incredibly satisfying with its deliciously sweet flavor profile
- Its vibrant red hue makes it visually stunning at any gathering
- You can easily adapt this recipe to suit various dietary preferences without compromising taste
- Perfect for potlucks or family dinners, it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
My grandma used to make Cherry Delight every Fourth of July, and I swear we’d fight over who got the last scoop!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cherries: Choose plump, ripe cherries for the best flavor; they should be firm and shiny.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy texture that holds everything together.
- Whipped Cream: Opt for fresh whipped cream instead of store-bought for that light and airy feel.
- Granulated Sugar: A little sweetness helps balance the tartness of the cherries nicely.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor and adds depth to your delight.
- Graham Cracker Crust: You can either buy one or easily make it from crushed graham crackers mixed with butter.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Crust: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into a pie dish to form your crust.
Bake the Crust: Place your pie crust in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool completely before adding any filling; this step is crucial for preventing sogginess.
Create the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract gradually while mixing to combine flavors effectively.
Add Whipped Cream: Gently fold in freshly whipped cream to lighten up your mixture. This will give your Cherry Delight that airy texture we all crave!
Assemble the Dessert: Pour the cream cheese mixture over your cooled crust evenly. Then layer sliced fresh cherries on top; their vibrant color makes everything pop visually!
Chill Before Serving: Cover your creation with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight if possible. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld beautifully together.
Enjoy making this delightful dessert that will undoubtedly steal hearts at any gathering!
You Must Know
- Cherry Delight is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of sweet, tangy flavors
- The vibrant color and aroma will make everyone swoon
- Perfect for summer picnics or cozy family dinners, this dish will quickly become a favorite for any occasion
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your crust first to allow it to cool while you mix the filling. This order ensures everything comes together seamlessly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cherries for blueberries or peaches if you’re feeling adventurous. Adding a splash of almond extract can elevate the flavor wonderfully.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain that delightful texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Cherry Delight, always choose ripe cherries for the best flavor impact
- A pinch of salt enhances sweetness, creating a balanced taste
- Letting the dessert sit allows flavors to meld beautifully before serving
Creating this Cherry Delight brings back memories of my grandma’s kitchen, where laughter and delicious aromas filled the air as we baked together. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dinner recipes recipe.
FAQ
What can I substitute for cherries in Cherry Delight?
You can use blueberries, raspberries, or even mixed berries for a delightful twist.
How do I make my Cherry Delight crust flaky?
Use cold butter and don’t overwork your dough for that perfect flakiness.
Can I freeze Cherry Delight?
Yes, freeze it after baking, wrapped well to preserve its freshness and flavor.
Cherry Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Cherry Delight is a nostalgic dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe cherries with a creamy, dreamy filling. This easy recipe transforms any gathering into a celebration, making it the perfect treat for summer picnics or cozy family dinners. Each bite offers a burst of flavor that will leave everyone wanting more!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whipped cream (fresh)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until combined. Press into a pie dish to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Gradually add vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in whipped cream for an airy texture.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust and layer with fresh cherries.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg