Desserts have always been a favorite part of any meal. No matter how stuffed you are after your meal, there’s always room for a sweet treat. Cherry Delight is one such dessert that will leave you craving for more. This dessert is not only delicious, but it’s also easy to make and perfect for all seasons.
Cherry Delight is a classic dessert that has been around for generations. It’s a layered dessert that consists of a graham cracker crust, a layer of sweetened cream cheese, a layer of cherry pie filling, and a final layer of whipped cream. The dessert is easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or even as a sweet snack.
The first layer of Cherry Delight is the graham cracker crust. The crust is made by combining graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. The mixture is then pressed into a 9×13 inch baking dish and baked in the oven for 10 minutes. The result is a crunchy and flavorful crust that serves as the perfect base for the layers to come.
The second layer of Cherry Delight is the cream cheese layer. Cream cheese is whipped together with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it’s light and fluffy. The mixture is then spread evenly over the graham cracker crust. This layer is what gives Cherry Delight its creamy texture and adds a touch of sweetness to the dessert.
The third layer of Cherry Delight is the cherry pie filling. The cherry pie filling is poured over the cream cheese layer and spread evenly. The filling is made by cooking fresh or canned cherries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice until it thickens. The cherry pie filling gives Cherry Delight its fruity flavor and adds a pop of color to the dessert.
The final layer of Cherry Delight is the whipped cream. Whipping cream is whipped together with sugar and vanilla extract until it forms stiff peaks. The whipped cream is then spread over the cherry pie filling, covering it completely. This layer adds a light and airy texture to the dessert and balances out the sweetness of the other layers.
Once all the layers are assembled, Cherry Delight is chilled in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. The dessert can be served straight from the refrigerator, making it the perfect dessert for hot summer days. It’s also a great dessert for winter holidays, as the cherry filling gives it a festive red color.
Cherry Delight is a versatile dessert that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can use different types of fruit pie fillings, such as blueberry, apple, or peach, instead of cherry. You can also add chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to the graham cracker crust for added crunch. You can even drizzle chocolate sauce over the whipped cream for a decadent touch.
Cherry Delight is not only delicious, but it’s also a dessert that can be made in advance, making it perfect for busy schedules. You can prepare the dessert a day or two before your event and chill it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it. This makes Cherry Delight a great dessert for dinner parties or family gatherings, as you won’t have to spend time preparing it on the day of the event.
In conclusion, Cherry Delight is a classic dessert that has stood the test of time. It’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for all seasons. Whether you’re looking for a dessert for a summer barbecue or a winter holiday party, Cherry Delight is sure to impress your guests. So, next time you’re looking for a sweet treat, give Cherry Delight a try, and you won’t be disappointed!
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Cherry Delight:
For the crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cream cheese layer:
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
For the cherry layer:
- 1 can (21 oz.) cherry pie filling
For the whipped cream layer:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Optional:
- Chopped nuts (such as almonds or pecans) for garnish
- Chocolate sauce for drizzling over the whipped cream layer.
Here are the directions to make Cherry Delight:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Press the graham cracker mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, making sure to spread it evenly. Use a flat surface, like the bottom of a measuring cup, to press the crust firmly into the dish.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Remove the dish from the oven and let the crust cool.
- In another mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust, making sure to spread it evenly.
- Pour the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, again making sure to spread it evenly.
- In yet another mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the cherry layer, making sure to spread it evenly.
- Optional: sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the whipped cream layer.
- Optional: drizzle chocolate sauce over the whipped cream layer.
- Chill the Cherry Delight in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
- When you’re ready to serve, cut the dessert into squares and enjoy!
