Cherry Delight: A Simple Yet Stunning Dessert Recipe
This Cherry Delight recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. It's surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal baking skills, yet delivers a burst of fresh cherry flavor and a delightful textural contrast. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this stunning dessert!
What You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up. Here's what you'll need for this delectable Cherry Delight:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cherry Filling:
- 2 (15 ounce) cans cherry pie filling (can use fresh cherries if desired - see notes below)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your filling)
For the Topping:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
Instructions:
Follow these simple steps to create your Cherry Delight masterpiece:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar.
- Add melted butter: Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press into pan: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your hands to ensure an even layer.
- Bake (optional): For a crispier crust, bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes. Let cool completely.
Preparing the Cherry Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a bowl, gently combine the cherry pie filling, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and sugar. Taste and adjust sugar as needed.
Creating the Cream Cheese Topping:
- Beat cream cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- Whip the heavy cream: In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Assembling the Cherry Delight:
- Spread filling: Spread the cherry filling evenly over the cooled crust.
- Top with cream cheese mixture: Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the cherry filling.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- Fresh cherries: If you prefer to use fresh cherries, you can pit about 4 cups of cherries and simmer them with a little sugar and lemon juice until slightly softened before adding them to the crust.
- Chocolate crust: For a richer dessert, try using chocolate graham crackers for the crust.
- Other fruit fillings: This recipe can be adapted to use other fruit fillings, such as blueberry or raspberry.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh cherries or chocolate shavings before serving for an extra touch of elegance.
This Cherry Delight is a fantastic dessert to make ahead of time, ensuring you have a delicious treat ready when you need it. Enjoy!
