Easy No-Bake Cherry Delight with Cream Cheese

Featured in Irresistible Desserts.

Cherry Delight is a beloved no-bake dessert that combines three amazing layers. A buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and sweet cherry topping make this dessert perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Casey
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:07:32 GMT
A slice of creamy cheesecake topped with glossy cherry glaze and fresh cherries on a decorative plate. Pin it
A slice of creamy cheesecake topped with glossy cherry glaze and fresh cherries on a decorative plate. | cookingwithcasey.com

I've been making this Cherry Delight for years and it never disappoints. My grandmother first taught me this recipe and I've kept it exactly the same. It's a wonderful no-bake dessert with layers of buttery graham cracker crust topped with velvety cream cheese and sweet cherries. I love serving this at our family get-togethers because it's so easy to make and everyone always asks for seconds.

The Story Behind My Cherry Delight

There's something magical about this dessert. I think it's the way the cream cheese filling gets all fluffy and light while the cherry topping adds that perfect sweetness. My kids help me make it now and they love crushing the graham crackers. It's become our go-to dessert for summer parties because it's so refreshing and I don't have to turn on the oven.

What You'll Need to Make It

  • For the Base: You'll need graham crackers crushed into crumbs, melted butter and regular sugar. I usually buy whole crackers and crush them myself.
  • For the Middle Layer: Grab cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla and heavy cream. Make sure the cream cheese is soft before starting.
  • For the Top: One can of cherry pie filling does the trick. I like using the premium kind with whole cherries.
A close-up of a cheesecake topped with a glossy cherry layer and fresh cherries on a gray plate. Pin it
A close-up of a cheesecake topped with a glossy cherry layer and fresh cherries on a gray plate. | cookingwithcasey.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make Cherry Delight ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it up to 24 hours in advance. The dessert actually tastes better when it has time to set in the fridge overnight.

→ Can I use a different fruit topping?

You can swap the cherry topping with any pie filling you like. Blueberry and strawberry work great as alternatives.

→ How long does Cherry Delight last in the fridge?

When covered properly, it stays fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge. The graham cracker crust might soften slightly over time.

→ Can I freeze Cherry Delight?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just wrap it well and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

→ Why is my cream cheese filling lumpy?

Lumpy filling happens when the cream cheese isn't soft enough. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing for best results.

Cherry Delight Dessert

A simple no-bake dessert featuring graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet cherry topping. Perfect for summer gatherings.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Casey


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (12 squares)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 cups graham cracker crumbs.
02 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted.
03 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
04 8 oz cream cheese, softened.
05 1 cup powdered sugar.
06 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
07 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold.
08 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until well combined.

Step 02

Press mixture firmly into a 9x13-inch dish.

Step 03

Chill crust in fridge while making filling.

Step 04

Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.

Step 05

Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla.

Step 06

In separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream until soft peaks form.

Step 07

Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture.

Step 08

Spread filling evenly over crust.

Step 09

Top with cherry pie filling.

Step 10

Cover and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

  1. Best served cold.
  2. Can be made a day ahead.
  3. Keeps in fridge for up to 5 days.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Mixing bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream cheese, heavy cream).
  • Wheat (graham crackers).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 310
  • Total Fat: 19 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Protein: 3 g