Easy No-Bake Cherry Delight with Cream Cheese

By: Casey Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:07:32 GMT Irresistible Desserts
Casey, recipe creator at Cooking with Casey
Casey

Casey shares simple, delicious recipes and inspiring stories, making cooking fun and accessible for all.

Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 20:07:32 GMT

Read it →
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.

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.
A close-up of a cheesecake topped with a glossy cherry layer and fresh cherries on a gray plate.

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.

4.60 from 123 votes

Cherry Delight Dessert

Prep Time:
20 Minutes
Cook Time:
~
Total Time:
20 Minutes
Servings:
12
A slice of creamy cheesecake topped with glossy cherry glaze and fresh cherries on a decorative plate.

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

Ingredients

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened.
  • 1 cup powdered sugar.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold.
  • 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling.

Instructions

1.

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

2.

2. Press Crust: Press mixture firmly into a 9x13-inch dish.

3.

3. Chill Crust: Chill crust in fridge while making filling.

4.

4. Beat Cream Cheese: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.

5.

5. Add Sugar And Vanilla: Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla.

6.

6. Whip Heavy Cream: In separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream until soft peaks form.

7.

7. Fold Whipped Cream: Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture.

8.

8. Spread Filling: Spread filling evenly over crust.

9.

9. Add Cherry Topping: Top with cherry pie filling.

10.

10. Chill Dessert: 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