Here’s a recipe for a Classic Cherry Delight—a creamy, layered dessert with cherries, cream, and a sweet crunchy base. Perfect for gatherings or a simple treat.
🍒 Classic Cherry Delight (Serves 6–8)
⏱ Time
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Prep: 20 minutes
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Chill: 2–3 hours
Ingredients
Base
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1 cup crushed graham crackers (or vanilla wafer crumbs)
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3 tablespoons butter, melted
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2 tablespoons sugar
Cream Layer
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8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
Cherry Layer
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1 can (21 oz / 595 g) cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries cooked with sugar)
Directions
1. Prepare the Base
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Mix crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar.
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Press mixture into the bottom of a 9×9-inch (or similar) dish.
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Chill in the fridge while preparing the cream layer.
2. Make the Cream Layer
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In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
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Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
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In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to soft peaks.
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Fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently.
3. Assemble the Dessert
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Spread cream mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
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Spoon cherry pie filling evenly on top.
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Optional: sprinkle chopped nuts or shaved chocolate for garnish.
4. Chill
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Refrigerate 2–3 hours until set.
5. Serve
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Cut into squares and serve cold.
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Can be topped with extra whipped cream or fresh cherries.
Tips for Perfect Cherry Delight
✔ Use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth cream layer
✔ Gently fold whipped cream to keep it airy
✔ Chill for a few hours for easy slicing and firm layers
✔ For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon almond extract to cream layer
Variations
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Chocolate Cherry Delight: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between cream and cherries
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Mini Desserts: Make in individual cups for portion control
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Berry Mix: Use a combination of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries instead of cherries
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers or nut crust