No-Bake Cherry Delight

Classic No-Bake Cherry Delight | Easy Summer Dessert

ByGloria Recipez December 12, 2024December 12, 2024

As the sun shines through the kitchen window, it lights up the red cherries on the dessert. This classic no-bake Cherry Delight has been a favorite in my family for years. It’s a sweet treat that always makes me happy.

It’s easy to make and has refreshing flavors. It’s great for backyard barbecues, poolside gatherings, and family dinners.

Key Takeaways

Serves 12 with 25-30 minutes of prep time
No-bake dessert with a graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and cherry topping
Ideal for potlucks, dinner parties, and casual summer meals
Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours
Sweet, creamy, and refreshing flavors perfect for warm weather

Introduction to Classic No-Bake Cherry Delight

Cherry Delight, also known as “cherry yum yum,” is a favorite American dessert. It’s loved for its no-bake nature, creamy texture, and bright cherry topping. This retro classic dessert mixes graham crackers, cream cheese, whipped cream, and cherry pie filling. It’s a treat that’s easy to make and loved by all.

History of Cherry Delight Recipe

The Cherry Delight recipe started in the mid-20th century. It was a simple yet tasty cherry dessert recipe that highlighted fresh cherries. It has since become a favorite in community cookbooks and family gatherings, often at potlucks and summer parties.

Why This Summer Dessert Is a Potluck Favorite

Cherry Delight is loved for its ease, make-ahead convenience, and crowd-pleasing nature. It’s a no-bake dessert, so it doesn’t need oven time. This makes it easy to prepare and chill ahead of time. The creamy texture and sweet cherry topping offer a perfect mix of flavors, pleasing everyone at summer gatherings.

“Cherry Delight is a nostalgic and easy-to-make dessert that captures the essence of summer. Its bright, fruity flavor and creamy texture make it a crowd-pleasing favorite for any potluck or backyard bash.”

Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools

To make the classic graham cracker crust, cream cheese filling, and cherry pie filling of No-Bake Cherry Delight, you need a few things. Let’s look at what you’ll need for this easy summer dessert.

Ingredient Checklist

Graham crackers (about 12-13 crackers for 2 cups of crumbs)
Salted butter, melted (8 tablespoons)
Full-fat cream cheese (8 ounces)
Whipped topping (8 ounces)
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Cherry pie filling

Kitchen Tools Needed

9×13 inch baking dish
Food processor or rolling pin (for crushing graham crackers)
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula
Large and medium mixing bowls
Hand or stand mixer
Aluminum foil or parchment paper (for lining the baking dish)

With these ingredients and tools, you’re ready to make the perfect graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and cherry pie topping for your No-Bake Cherry Delight.

Making the Perfect Graham Cracker Crust

The graham cracker crust is key to the easy no-bake dessert, the graham cracker crust. It’s important to get the texture right for a tasty Cherry Delight. Here are the steps to make the perfect crust.

Proper Crumb Texture Tips

To get the right crumb texture, crush the graham crackers finely. You can use a food processor or a ziplock bag with a rolling pin. This makes the crust even and consistent.

Pressing and Setting Techniques

After crushing the graham crackers, mix them with sugar and melted butter. The mix should feel like wet sand. Press it into a 9×9-inch pan with a measuring cup or your hands. Chill the crust while you make the filling to set it.

Butter to Crumb Ratio Guidelines

The right graham cracker crust needs a certain mix. You’ll need 1 3/4 cups of crumbs, 1/3 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of melted butter. This mix makes a strong, tasty base for your easy no-bake dessert.

By using these tips, you’ll make a great graham cracker crust. It will go well with the creamy filling and cherry topping of your Classic No-Bake Cherry Delight.

Creamy Filling Preparation Steps

To make the creamy filling for your Classic No-Bake Cherry Delight, start by softening 8 ounces of cream cheese. Let it sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes. Once it’s soft, mix it with 1 cup of powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy.

Then, add 2 cups of cold heavy whipping cream and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mix. Beat until you get medium peaks. To make it easier, you can use 8 ounces of pre-made whipped topping instead of whipping the cream.

For a hint of citrus, mix in 1/2 teaspoon of lemon zest. This adds a nice touch to the sweetness of the cherry topping.

Make sure to mix all the ingredients well. But don’t overmix, as it can make the cream cheese filling too thick or grainy. You want it smooth and spreadable, blending well with the graham cracker crust and cherry whipped topping.

Ingredient	Amount
Cream cheese	8 ounces
Powdered sugar	1 cup
Heavy whipping cream	2 cups
Vanilla extract	1 1/2 teaspoons
Lemon zest (optional)	1/2 teaspoon

“The secret to a truly decadent cream cheese filling lies in striking the perfect balance between richness and lightness.”

Assembly and Cherry Topping Tips

Are you ready to put together your classic no-bake cherry pie filling treat? Follow these simple steps for a stunning make-ahead dessert that will impress everyone.

Layering Best Practices

Begin by spreading the creamy cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust. Make sure to cover the edges for a smooth, professional finish.

Cherry Pie Filling Application

Then, add a generous 21-ounce can of cherry pie filling on top. Smooth it out for an even layer. The bright red cherries will look amazing against the creamy base.

Chilling and Setting Time

Cover your dessert and chill it for at least 4 hours. Or, for the best results, refrigerate it overnight (up to 24 hours). This lets the flavors mix and the dessert set right.

To get clean, professional slices, lift the dessert out of the pan using the parchment paper or foil. Cut it neatly, wiping your knife between cuts. This cherry pie filling treat can stay in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for any event as a make-ahead dessert.

Conclusion

The no-bake Cherry Delight is a favorite dessert for many. It’s easy to make and tastes great. It’s perfect for any occasion, from summer barbecues to holiday parties.

This dessert is loved for its creamy filling, crunchy crust, and sweet cherry topping. It’s a classic that everyone enjoys. It’s also great for weeknight dinners, making it a family favorite.

Making the classic no-bake Cherry Delight is simple and won’t break the bank. It’s a quick and impressive easy summer dessert. You can make it in no time, perfect for last-minute events.

You can also customize it to your liking. Try adding blueberries, tropical flavors, or chocolate for a twist. This makes it even more special.

Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or attending a family event, this dessert is a hit. It’s a timeless favorite that everyone will love. Its layers of graham cracker, creamy filling, and cherry topping are irresistible.

FAQ

What is Classic No-Bake Cherry Delight?

Classic No-Bake Cherry Delight is a dessert from America. It has a graham cracker crust, a creamy filling, and a cherry pie topping. It’s easy to make and serves 12 people, ready in 25-30 minutes.

What are the main ingredients in Cherry Delight?

The main ingredients are graham crackers, cream cheese, and whipping cream. You also need cherry pie filling, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract. You can add lemon zest and almond extract too.

Why is Cherry Delight a popular potluck and summer dessert?

Cherry Delight is loved for its no-bake nature and creamy texture. It’s easy to make ahead and serves many people. This makes it perfect for potlucks and summer gatherings.

How do you make the graham cracker crust for Cherry Delight?

To make the crust, crush 1 3/4 cups of graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix them with 1/3 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of melted butter. Press this mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.

How do you prepare the creamy filling for Cherry Delight?

Soften 16 ounces of cream cheese at room temperature for 45 minutes. Beat it with 3/4 cup of sugar until smooth. Add 2 cups of cold heavy whipping cream and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Beat until medium peaks form.

For a lighter version, use 8 ounces of cream cheese and 1 cup of confectioner’s sugar. Fold in 8 ounces of whipped topping.

How do you assemble and chill the Cherry Delight?

Spread the creamy filling over the crust. Top with 21-ounce can of cherry pie filling. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

For cleaner cuts, lift the dessert out of the pan using parchment paper or foil before slicing.

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