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cherry delight dessert on a small plate with a bite on a fork

Cherry Delight

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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! 
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Diet Gluten Free
Prep Time 15 minutes
Refrigeration time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 9 servings
Calories 370
Author Kim

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 9x9-inch pan or 9-inch pie dish.
    Stirring together graham cracker crust ingredients.
  • 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.
    Mixing cream cheese and Cool Whip for the filling.
  • Spread cream cheese mixture over graham cracker crust.
    spread cheesecake layer 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.
    add cherry pie filling over cream cheese layer
  • Cut into squares and serve!

Video

Notes

*I typically buy graham cracker crumbs from the grocery store (you’ll find them down the baking aisle). You can make your own by pulsing 10 full sheets of graham crackers in your blender or food processor.
**To save time, you can use an already made store-bought (9-inch) graham cracker crust. You could even try an Oreo crust, which would be delicious.
Storing leftovers. Will keep well, covered in the refrigerator, for up to about 5 days.
Make ahead. This dessert can be made up to 2 days in advance. If making in advance, cover and refrigerate before adding the cherry topping. You can also make just the crust 2 days ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before adding the filling. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 370kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 248mg | Potassium: 154mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 728IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 1mg