Classic Cherry Delight

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If you love a no-bake dessert that’s creamy, fruity, and crowd-pleasing, Classic Cherry Delight is your go-to treat. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a sweet and tangy cream cheese filling, and a glossy cherry topping, it’s a nostalgic dessert that never goes out of style. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a cozy Sunday dinner, this layered delight brings both flavor and charm.

This dessert is all about simplicity with flair. The crunch of the crust, the velvety smoothness of the filling, and the juicy burst of cherries create a combination that’s hard to resist. Plus, it can be made ahead and chilled until ready to serve, making it perfect for effortless entertaining.

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What Kind of Crust Works Best for Cherry Delight?

While traditional graham cracker crust is most common, you can experiment with vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even chocolate graham crackers for a unique twist. The key is to ensure a solid, buttery base that complements the creamy filling and cherry topping.

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Ingredients for the Classic Cherry Delight

Graham Cracker Crumbs – These form the buttery, crunchy base that holds the dessert together. Pre-crushed or whole crackers both work; just make sure they’re finely ground.

Granulated Sugar – Used to sweeten the crust and the filling lightly, providing balance without overwhelming the flavors.

Unsalted Butter – Melted and mixed with the crumbs to form the perfect crust. It acts as the binder and adds rich flavor.

Cream Cheese – The heart of the filling. Softened cream cheese gives the dessert its signature creamy texture and tangy taste.

Powdered Sugar – This ensures the filling is smooth and sweet, without any graininess.

Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese mixture, enhancing the overall flavor.

Whipped Topping (like Cool Whip) – Lightens the filling and makes it fluffy, balancing the richness of the cream cheese.

Cherry Pie Filling – The crowning jewel of this dessert. Tart cherries in glossy syrup provide a vibrant finish and classic flavor.

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How To Make the Classic Cherry Delight

Step 1: Build the Buttery Crust

Start by combining graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to compact it. Chill the crust in the fridge while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add in powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until fully incorporated. Gently fold in the whipped topping, being careful not to deflate it, until the mixture is light and airy.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the chilled crust. Smooth out the top with a spatula to create an even surface. Then, carefully spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream layer, distributing the cherries evenly for a beautiful presentation.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the layers to firm up and the flavors to meld beautifully.

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Serving and Storing Classic Cherry Delight

This dessert is best served cold, straight from the fridge. The chilled layers hold together beautifully when sliced, making for clean, photo-worthy servings. For an extra touch, serve each piece with a dollop of whipped cream or a mint sprig on top.

To store, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. While freezing is possible, note that the texture of the cream cheese layer may change slightly upon thawing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make Cherry Delight?

You can prepare it up to 2 days ahead. Just keep it tightly covered and refrigerated until serving time.

Can I use homemade cherry topping?

Absolutely. A quick stovetop cherry compote with fresh or frozen cherries, sugar, and cornstarch makes a great alternative to canned pie filling.

What can I substitute for whipped topping?

Stabilized whipped cream (with a bit of cornstarch or gelatin) can be used in place of store-bought whipped topping.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

Why is my crust falling apart?

You may need more melted butter or firmer pressing when forming the crust. Be sure to chill it thoroughly before adding the filling.

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Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this Classic Cherry Delight, these other desserts from LifeWithJam.com will keep your sweet tooth happy:

• Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for fruity flavor without the fuss.
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs that combine three treats in one bite.
• Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls for a pillowy swirl of berry cream bliss.
• Amish Peanut Butter Cream Pie with silky texture and nostalgic richness.
• Irresistible Blueberry Lime Cheesecake Cupcakes if you want cheesecake with a citrus twist.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add your own twist—maybe an almond extract or a chocolate drizzle?

I love seeing your creations and how you make these recipes uniquely yours. Questions and feedback are welcome—let’s make baking even sweeter together.

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