Description
Cherry Delight is a no-bake cheesecake dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy, fluffy cheesecake filling made with cream cheese and whipped heavy cream, and a sweet cherry pie topping. This easy-to-make treat sets in the refrigerator, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers
- ½ cup salted butter (melted)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Topping
- 1 large can cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the crust.
- Prepare crust: Combine the crushed graham crackers, melted salted butter, and granulated sugar in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter and sugar. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of an 11×7-inch baking dish to create the crust layer.
- Bake crust: Place the prepared crust in the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes. Once baked, remove it and allow the crust to cool completely before adding the filling.
- Whip cream: Pour the heavy whipping cream into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric hand mixer, beat the cream until it thickens and forms small, soft peaks.
- Make cheesecake filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with the powdered sugar until smooth and well combined. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated, creating a light and fluffy cheesecake filling.
- Assemble cheesecake layer: Pour the cheesecake filling onto the cooled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly and gently over the crust surface.
- Add topping: Evenly spread the cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer, covering it completely.
- Chill and set: Cover the assembled dessert and place it in the refrigerator to chill and set for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.
- Serve: Once chilled and set, cut the Cherry Delight into squares and serve chilled for a delicious, refreshing dessert.
Notes
- The crust can be pre-baked to prevent sogginess and ensure a firm base.
- For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cheesecake filling.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with other fruit pie fillings like blueberry or strawberry if desired.
- Chilling time is essential for the dessert to set properly and achieve the best texture.
