Cherry Delight

Cherry delight is a classic dessert found at potlucks and block parties across the country. It’s super easy to make, it uses basic pantry ingredients and it only improves in flavor and texture if you make it ahead of time. No wonder it’s a backyard barbecue all-star!

This is a traditional cherry delight recipe, but you can customize any of the layers and make things as simple and “homemade” as you wish. And if no-fuss, no-muss desserts are your thing, we have a whole collection of no-bake desserts for you to try.

Ingredients for Cherry Delight

• Graham cracker crumbs, confectioners’ sugar and butter: Crush up graham crackers, sweeten them with sugar and bind everything together with melted butter for a rich, crumbly graham cracker crust.
• Cream cheese: Make sure to use a brick of cream cheese (instead of a tub of cream cheese spread) for the best texture.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Use confectioners’ sugar to sweeten the filling and keep it smooth and silky.
• Frozen whipped topping: Thaw frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip) to mix into the cream cheese for a light and fluffy filling.
• Cherry pie filling: A can of bright red, bouncy cherries are a sweet-tart complement to the rich filling.

Directions

Step 1: Make the graham cracker crust

In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, confectioners’ sugar and melted butter. Press the crust into the bottom of a greased 8-inch square pan.

Step 2: Whip up the filling

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the confectioners’ sugar until smooth, then fold in the whipped topping.

Step 3: Layer the ingredients

Dollop the filling over the crust, spread it evenly, then spoon the cherry pie filling over the top. Refrigerate the dessert until it’s set, at least an hour, but four hours or overnight would be even better.

Cherry Delight Variations

• Try different fruit: Cherry is a classic, but any fruit pie filling that tickles your fancy will work. Blueberry, strawberry, peach—they’ll all be delicious when paired with a sweet, dreamy filling.
• Crumble other cookies: Graham crackers aren’t the only cookies that make a fantastic crust. Try vanilla wafers, chocolate wafers or ginger snaps.
• Add flavor to the cream cheese filling: Amp up the flavor in the cream cheese filling by adding vanilla or almond extract. Or sift and fold in 1/3 cup cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
• More layers, please: By increasing the crust and cream cheese filling ingredients by half, you can turn this delightful dessert into cherry yum-yum by sandwiching the cherry filling with another layer of cream cheese and more graham cracker crumbles.

How to Store Cherry Delight

Leftover cherry delight can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to five days. It’s easy to make ahead, and the flavor and texture will be better the day after it’s made.

Can you freeze this cherry delight dessert?

Yes! Make the crust and spread on the cream cheese filling, then let it fully set up overnight in the fridge. Wrap the pan and freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator and add the pie filling.

Cherry Delight Tips

Can I use homemade whipped cream?

You can absolutely use homemade whipped cream. Make sure you whip it until it has firm peaks. The filling won’t be quite as stable as whipped topping, but it will taste fantastic.

How can I make sure my cherry delight comes out of the pan easily?

Greasing the pan well works, but if you’re worried, you can lay a piece of parchment in the pan, with extra overhanging two sides like a sling. Grease the parchment, and when the dessert is set it should lift out for easy cutting. A reader also recommends dipping the bottom of the pan into warm water for a few seconds for easy release.

What if I forgot to take my cream cheese out of the refrigerator?

We’ve got you. Slip that brick into a sealed zip-top bag, squeezing out the air. Immerse it into warm water, and your cream cheese should be ready to go in about 15 minutes. And we have other great tips for how to soften cream cheese too.