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.
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.