Description: This No-Bake Cherry Delight is a simple, yet elegant dessert perfect for any occasion. It features a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy, tangy filling, and a sweet cherry topping. It’s easy to make and requires no oven, making it ideal for warm weather or when you need a quick and impressive treat.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 stick (8 Tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
- 12 full-size graham crackers (or 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs)
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
For the Filling & Topping:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp finely grated lemon zest
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
Preparation:
Step 1: Prep & Line Pan
Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper as a sling so it overhangs all sides by ~2 inches. This makes lifting the dessert easy later.
Step 2: Make the Crust
Melt butter (40–60 seconds in microwave).
Blend graham cracker pieces (or crumbs) with sugar and salt in a food processor until finely ground, then mix in melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand.
Step 3: Press the Crust
Press mixture firmly into the pan, reaching corners. Chill while making the filling.
Step 4: Make the Filling
Beat softened cream cheese with sugar and salt until creamy (2–3 min). Add lemon zest, cold heavy cream, and vanilla. Beat low until combined, then medium-high until medium peaks form (~2 min).
Step 5: Assemble
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Top with the cherry pie filling, spreading it out.
Step 6: Chill & Serve
Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. When ready to serve, use the parchment sling to lift the dessert out of the pan, set it on a cutting board, and slice into 12 even portions—wiping the knife between each cut for neat edges.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This No-Bake Cherry Delight is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- Ease of Preparation: With no baking required, this recipe is incredibly simple to make. It’s perfect for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a quick and hassle-free dessert option.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The creamy, tangy filling paired with the sweet cherry topping and the crunchy graham cracker crust creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Customizable: The recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. You can use different types of pie filling, add extracts, or even experiment with different crusts.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, attending a potluck, or simply craving a sweet treat, this No-Bake Cherry Delight is a perfect choice.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dessert can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making it a convenient option for busy schedules.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled, directly from the refrigerator.
- Garnish with whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Add a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs or chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup or caramel sauce for added decadence.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
Tips:
- Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Cold Heavy Cream: Use cold heavy cream for the filling to ensure it whips up properly and creates a light and fluffy texture.
- Even Crust: Press the graham cracker crust firmly and evenly into the pan for a stable base.
- Chill Time: Allow the dessert to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to set properly.
- Clean Slices: Wipe the knife between each cut for neat, clean slices.
- Chocolate Graham Crackers: Use chocolate graham crackers for a twist.
- Filling Swap: Swap cherry for blueberry, peach, or strawberry filling.
- Add extract: Almond extract adds a nutty depth.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours (chill time)
Nutrition Information: (per serving, approximate)
Please note: These values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 250mg
Conclusion:
This No-Bake Cherry Delight is a delightful dessert that is as easy to make as it is delicious. With its creamy filling, sweet cherry topping, and crunchy graham cracker crust, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. The flexibility to customize it with different flavors and toppings makes it a recipe you’ll return to time and time again. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about No-Bake Cherry Delight:
Q1: Can I use a different type of crust?
A: Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of graham crackers, you can use other cookie crumbs like Oreo crumbs (without the filling) or vanilla wafer crumbs. You can also use a pre-made shortbread crust or even a brownie base for a richer dessert.
Q2: Can I use a low-fat cream cheese?
A: While you can use low-fat cream cheese, keep in mind that it might affect the texture of the filling. Full-fat cream cheese provides a richer and creamier consistency. If you do use low-fat, make sure it is well-softened to avoid any lumps.
Q3: Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
A: Yes, this is a great dessert to make ahead of time! In fact, it’s recommended to chill it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and the filling to set properly. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Q4: Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
A: Yes, you can! If you prefer to use fresh cherries, you’ll need to pit them and cook them down with some sugar and a thickening agent like cornstarch to create a cherry compote. Let it cool completely before adding it to the top of the dessert.
Q5: Can I freeze this dessert?
A: While you can technically freeze it, the texture of the cream cheese filling may change slightly after thawing. It might become a bit grainy. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
