Description
This No-Bake Cherry Delight is a wonderfully effortless dessert perfect for various occasions. Featuring a luscious layering of creamy cheesecake and vibrant cherry topping atop a crispy graham cracker base, it captures the quintessence of simple yet irresistible sweet treats. Without the need for baking, this dessert is not only convenient but also a crowd-pleaser, ensuring a delightful end to any meal or a sweet treat at gatherings.
Ingredients
The recipe involves a few key components divided into three sections:
- For the crust:
- 1 package graham crackers
- 6 tbsp salted butter, melted
- For the cheesecake:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and at room temperature
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Cherry filling:
- 1- 21 oz can cherry pie filling
Step-by-step Directions
1. Make the crust:
Begin by crushing the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a rolling pin inside a ziplock bag. Aim to achieve about 1 ½ cups of crumbs, setting aside 2 tbsp for topping later. Mix the melted butter with the crumbs and press the mixture firmly into the base of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Make the cheesecake:
In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with ½ cup of sugar until smooth using a hand or stand mixer. In another bowl, whisk the heavy whipping cream with vanilla extract and 3 tbsp of sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until it is well combined.
3. Assemble the dessert:
Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust. Evenly lay out the cherry pie filling on this layer, and then top with the remaining cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumbs on top. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 3 hours to set properly.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves approximately 12 people and requires about 20 minutes of active preparation time, with an additional minimum of 3 hours for chilling in the refrigerator.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Store the No-Bake Cherry Delight in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- As it’s a no-bake dessert with a cheesecake element, freezing is also an option. Freeze in a covered container for up to 1 month for best quality. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- There is no need for reheating, as this dessert is best served chilled.
Conclusion
The No-Bake Cherry Delight is an ideal recipe for those who seek a delicious, visually appealing dessert that does not require extensive preparation or baking skills. Its ability to be prepped ahead of time makes it perfect for gatherings, ensuring you have a sumptuous treat everyone will enjoy without the last-minute hassle. Delight in the creamy, tangy layers of cheesecake and cherries with the satisfying crunch of a graham cracker crust anytime with this foolproof recipe.
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No-Bake Cherry Delight
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This No-Bake Cherry Delight is a wonderfully effortless dessert perfect for various occasions. Featuring a luscious layering of creamy cheesecake and vibrant cherry topping atop a crispy graham cracker base, it captures the quintessence of simple yet irresistible sweet treats. Without the need for baking, this dessert is not only convenient but also a crowd-pleaser, ensuring a delightful end to any meal or a sweet treat at gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 package graham crackers
- 6 tbsp salted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and at room temperature
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1– 21 oz can cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Make the crust: Begin by crushing the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a rolling pin inside a ziplock bag. Aim to achieve about 1 ½ cups of crumbs, setting aside 2 tbsp for topping later. Mix the melted butter with the crumbs and press the mixture firmly into the base of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the cheesecake: In a mixing bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with ½ cup of sugar until smooth using a hand or stand mixer. In another bowl, whisk the heavy whipping cream with vanilla extract and 3 tbsp of sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until it is well combined.
- Assemble the dessert: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust. Evenly lay out the cherry pie filling on this layer, and then top with the remaining cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle the reserved graham cracker crumbs on top. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 3 hours to set properly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes