Cherry Delight
Cherry Delight is a classic crowd-pleaser that’s sweet and simple. It’s made with a buttery graham cracker crust, amazing cream cheese filling, and luscious cherry pie topping. This easy no-bake dessert recipe is perfect for sharing with your loved ones and is a great make ahead treat for potlucks, holidays and other celebrations!
Not only is Cherry Delight a great no-bake dessert for summer, but it’s also a major favorite to bring to potlucks, for serving during the holidays (especially Christmas and Valentine’s Day) and is a family favorite we love to enjoy for really any celebration.
When it’s 90 degrees out, the last thing you want to do is run the oven for an hour to bake a cake or a pie. So you end up sticking to ice cream and fresh fruit – both very tasty, but you can get tired of them after a while.
Cherry Delight is the perfect solution!
Looking for more delicious no-bake desserts? This recipe was inspired by our popular chocolate delight and cream cheese pie. Both are must try recipes!
This was so good! I made this for my Bunco party and everyone raved about it. There wasn’t a slice left!
— Dana
Ingredients needed
This incredibly easy cherry delight recipe is made with just 5 basic ingredients, plus the crust and topping. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
- Crust. You can buy a pre-made graham cracker crust to save time, but I prefer a homemade graham cracker crust. And it’s actually very simple to make with graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and sugar.
- Cream cheese. Make sure you use a block of real cream cheese, not cream cheese spread. We like Philadelphia’s cream cheese best. You will want the cream cheese softened to room temperature, so it’s easy to mix with the other ingredients.
- Cool Whip. You’ll need one 8-ounce container. Do not try to replace the Cool Whip with another whipped topping, such as whipped cream in a can. Cool Whip will yield the BEST results.
- Confectioners’ sugar. Powdered sugar is used to sweeten the cream cheese filling.
- Lemon juice. This gives the dessert a tiny amount of tartness, but doesn’t make it overly lemony. It’s a really delicious addition!
- Vanilla extract. For an extra boost of flavor!
- Can of cherry pie filling. Any pie filling will actually work for the topping, but cherry is definitely my favorite. See more topping options below.
How to make this recipe
Not only is the ingredient list short and sweet, but making this cherry delight is a breeze! Here’s a quick rundown of the simple process:
- Crust. Make or buy a graham cracker crust (my favorite!). I love a good homemade graham cracker crust and this one is so easy, I recommend just making it yourself. Combine all of the crust ingredients in a large bowl, then press the graham cracker mixture into a 9×9″ baking dish or 9-inch pie plate. Allow the crust to set in the fridge for about an hour.
- Cream cheese filling. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream cheese until fluffy. Then, stir in the Cool Whip, confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice and vanilla with the cream cheese until smooth.
- Assemble the dessert. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust. Pour the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese mixture and spread in an even layer.
- Refrigerate. Place the dessert in the refrigerator until firm, at least one hour or overnight. The longer it is refrigerated, the better it will set up.
- Serve. Enjoy and try not to eat the whole cherry delight! Easier said than done!
Expert tips
- Graham crackers. For the crust, you can buy graham cracker crumbs from the grocery store (you’ll find them down the baking aisle), or make your own by pulsing 10 full sheets of graham crackers in your blender or food processor.
- Cream cheese. Allow the cream cheese to fully soften to room temperature, so it is easy to mix and the filling doesn’t end up lumpy.
- Cool Whip. Be sure to place the Cool Whip in the refrigerator to thaw completely before mixing, this usually takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. Or leave it out at room temperature for about an hour.
- Refrigeration time. For best results, be sure to refrigerate the cherry delight for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better. The longer you refrigerate the dish, the sturdier it will be and easier to slice. Do not freeze to set it. It will be difficult to slice and the filling and texture won’t be as smooth.
- Slicing. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut into slices for serving. For extra neat slices, wipe your knife clean with a paper towel between each cut.
Frequently asked questions
Cherry delight is an amazing dessert with layers of cherries, creamy cheesecake filling, and a crumbly, buttery graham cracker crust. And you can make it without so much as touching your oven. After a good hour or so in the fridge, it comes out cool, creamy, fruity, and so delightful. This dessert makes the perfect end to a summer meal or special occasion treat that you MUST try!
Yes, this can be frozen and enjoyed later! Once the cream cheese filling has been added over the crust, wrap the dessert in plastic wrap. For the best texture, allow the dessert to set in the refrigerator for about 6 hours before transferring it to the freezer. Before freezing, we recommend wrapping aluminum foil around the plastic wrap for extra freezer protection. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator or on the countertop, add the cherry topping, slice and enjoy!
Variations
I’m pretty fond of cherry delight served with a topping of cherry pie filling, but there are lots of tasty ways to get creative with this treat. Here are a few ideas:
- Oreo Delight! Try using Oreo cookies for the crust, instead of graham crackers, and then top it with Oreo crumbles and cookies. Sounds amazing! This Oreo addition could be done with or without the cherry pie filling. You can find the Oreo crust recipe in this Oreo Pie post.
- Toppings. Cherry pie filling pairs really well with the tang of the cream cheese layer, but some other toppings that would be delicious are fresh berries, chocolate drizzle, salted caramel drizzle, or any other canned fruit pie filling, such as strawberry, raspberry or blueberry.
- Double the recipe. Serving a crowd? Doubling the ingredients to make two desserts works well. I would recommend using a very large spoon to fold in the two containers of Cool Whip, when you get to that step in the instructions.
Make-ahead options
Because of the necessary refrigeration time, cherry delight is a great make-ahead dessert! You can make it up to 2 days in advance. Cover and refrigerate before adding the topping. You can also make just the crust up to 2 days ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate up to 2 days before adding the cream cheese filling and then the topping.
Storing leftovers
This cherry delight recipe is great leftover! It will keep well, covered, in the refrigerator for up to about 5 days. You can also transfer slices to an airtight container and store in the fridge. I seriously doubt it will last that long, though!
You will not be disappointed by this easy Cherry Delight dessert – it’s so simple and a total crowd pleaser! I also love that it can be made days ahead of time, so on the day of your party all you need to do is slice, serve and enjoy!
More dessert recipes you’ll love
Looking for more dessert recipes? You’ll love these other favs:
If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
Cherry Delight
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs* , (10 full graham cracker sheets)
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar , (I use slightly less than 1/4 cup)
For the filling
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed
- 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling , (or other favorite pie filling)
Instructions
- Combine all crust ingredients and firmly press with fingers into a 9×9-inch pan or 9-inch pie dish.
- Using a stand or hand-held electric mixer, whip softened cream cheese until fluffy. Stir in the Cool Whip, confectioners' sugar, lemon juice and vanilla with the cream cheese until smooth.
- Spread cream cheese mixture over graham cracker crust.
- Pour cherry pie filling over cream cheese mixture and spread in an even layer. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or overnight. I chill mine overnight for best results. The longer this dessert is refrigerated, the better it will set up.
- Cut into squares and serve!
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
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absolutely delicious I know I’m used to naked when I was a teenager and so did my sister. great choice for a get together
This was so good! I brought this to a Christmas potluck and everyone was asking for the recipe! Plus, it was SO easy!
Hello Kim, I’m from Australia, I don’t think we have Cool Whip cream here. Could I substitute it with cream?
Thank you for the recipe, I hope to make it for Christmas.😃.
Kindest Regards,
Kaz
This might work best. https://www.365daysofbakingandmore.com/stabilized-whipped-cream
Do you have whipped cream?
I loved this desert, I made it for the first time this 2023 Thanksgiving. It was the only pie eaten during Thanksgiving dinner although we had two others types of pies this is because everyone wanted to try it. It just disappeared from the pie pan My guest and family enjoyed it so much. It was so good that I made it again two days later on Sunday.
P.S. I love the lemon juice that is part of the recipe.
Thanks for sharing the recipe.
This makes me SO happy to hear!! I’m so glad that your whole family really enjoyed!
So easy! So good! I knew it was a winner when my husband said I could have one piece and he would take care of the rest! We haven’t even finished this one yet and he’s asking when I’m going to make another! Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Awww…. that makes me so happy! Thanks so much for taking time to leave a comment!
Can You sub boxed cool whip if tubs are not available
I’ve never seen or heard of boxed Cool Whip, but if it’s the same consistency as the tub variety, that should work fine.
Had the same thing before, but I added chopped pecans to the whip cream filling it was delicious.
Love that idea!
I made this with cherries of my cherry tree. They are Rainer cherries, so nice and sweet, but not real red. No one cared. It was fantastic.
That sounds fabulous! So happy you enjoyed!
Made this for Xmas Eve with pre made graham cracker crust – Everyone loved it, no leftovers! I’m definitely going to make my own crust next time!
Super thrilled to hear! Thanks so much for your comment!
This is the best cherry dessert EVER! Been making this for 20 years +! And oh yummy yummy, I’m excited! Lol I suppose as long as they want it, I’ll make it!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
It really is so good! Happy Thanksgiving!
This was delicious but it’s way too much for just my husband and me
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Glad you enjoyed! I haven’t tried freezing it, so I can’t say for sure. Let us know if you do.
My mother made this and we all loved it ! Back then people called it yum yum pie . She made cherry sometimes and blueberry sometimes. Cherry was my favorite
Yum Yum Pie is a great name for this!! 🙂
Made this for Easter and it was such a hit, I’m planning to make it again for Mother’s Day!
This was so good! I made this for my Bunco party and everyone raved about it. There wasn’t a slice left!
I made this to take to a funeral dinner. It went over so well. I had 1 person tell that they wanted me to make a whole pan of it for their birthday. So, easy enough to understand. I had the ingredients on hand. Will definitely make again. & again I’m guessing. Thank you!
That makes me so happy!! Thanks so much for taking time to leave a comment!