Cherry Delight Recipe: A Sweet Treat for Any Occasion
This Cherry Delight recipe is a simple yet elegant dessert perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations. It's a crowd-pleaser that's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. This recipe focuses on fresh, vibrant cherries, allowing their natural sweetness and tartness to shine. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes a delightful 9x13 inch pan of Cherry Delight. Adjust as needed for larger or smaller batches.
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cherry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries (if using frozen, thaw and drain well)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended!)
For the Topping:
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy cream, whipped
Instructions: Making Your Cherry Delight
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Make sure it's evenly distributed for a consistent crust.
Step 2: Create the Cherry Filling
- In a large saucepan, combine the cherries, ¾ cup granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract (if using).
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the hot cherry filling over the graham cracker crust. Spread evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is lightly golden.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Topping
- While the Cherry Delight is baking, prepare the topping. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Finish and Chill
- Once the Cherry Delight is baked, let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the cooled cherry filling.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set completely.
Serving Suggestions and Tips for Success:
- Garnish: Before serving, garnish with fresh cherries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment! Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts to the crust or use different extracts like vanilla or orange.
- Make Ahead: This dessert is perfect for make-ahead entertaining. Prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
This Cherry Delight is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its combination of sweet, tart, and creamy textures makes it an unforgettable dessert. Enjoy!
