With a simple cheesecake base and store-bought cherry filling, this is a quick and easy no bake dessert. It’s so easy to put together and you’ll love having a make-ahead dessert ready to go at a moment’s notice.
If you’re looking for an easy recipe to share at your next gathering, look no further. This is definitely one of my favorite no-bake desserts. Tangy cream cheese filling, sweet cherries, and a buttery graham cracker crust come together in this Classic Cherry Delight.
Classic Cherry Delight
Cherry Delight is a new-to-me dessert; I didn’t come across this recipe until a couple of years ago. I’ve seen similar no-bake treats, but this one stands out for being especially quick and easy to throw together, using just a handful of ingredients. Bonus points for not including sweetened condensed milk. I love that stuff but it’s definitely a sugar bomb!
I find this to be a great recipe for family gatherings since it can be made the day before and stored in the fridge until needed. I like to serve it quite cold, but it’s also delicious after sitting out a bit. Since it does contain cream cheese, I wouldn’t leave at room temperature for hours so plan accordingly and make sure you have the refrigerator space.
Don’t forget to grease the pan with cooking spray or a bit of shortening to avoid sticking. If the crust does stick, just set the dish on a kitchen towel dampened with warm water to help release it.
About This Recipe
This is one of those recipes I only make for special occasions, even if that just means lots of people to share it with! Yes, it calls for frozen whipped topping, full-fat cream cheese, and plenty of sugar.
And you know what? It’s worth every bite.
It’s definitely not health food, but I think a little bad-for-you dessert is totally worth it now and then! I liked this one so much, I had to make a lemon version too and it did not disappoint.
Ingredients
Key ingredients:
Butter – I used regular salted butter, but unsalted works too if that’s what you have on hand.
Sugar – I used granulated cane sugar in the crust.
Graham crackers – I crushed regular graham crackers with a rolling pin, but pre-made crumbs are totally fine.
Cream cheese – Full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. I am not always brand-loyal but for this, I wholeheartedly recommend sticking with the Philadelphia brand for best results.
Powdered sugar – Regular powdered or confectioners’ sugar is best here as it will dissolve thoroughly in the no-bake filling.
Frozen whipped topping – I used original frozen whipped topping. Any variation or brand should work well.
Vanilla – I used Molina Mexican Vanilla Blend, my go-to for most desserts, but your favorite brand will be perfect.
Cherry pie filling – Use your favorite brand. I used one with extra cherries just for fun.
How to make Classic Cherry Delight
Just a few steps and you’re done!
- Melt the butter and combine it in a medium bowl with graham cracker crumbs and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Mix well.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 8 x 8-inch baking dish. Set aside.
- Add cream cheese to large bowl and beat with a handheld mixer until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix until well combined.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until incorporated; try not to overmix.
- Spread the filling over the crust, then top with cherry pie filling.
- Refrigerate for 3–4 hours or overnight before serving.
- Warm the bottom of the pan with a wrung-out towel soaked in hot water to help loosen the crust for easier slicing and serving.
If you’re in the mood for a super quick and simple baked dessert, my 2-ingredient Chocolate Cake is a longtime favorite and perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
Common Questions
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
I haven’t tested it myself, but I do think it would work well. The consistency might be a little softer so keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free graham crackers and a gluten-free cherry pie filling. Most other ingredients should be naturally gluten-free, but double-check labels just to be sure.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Or freeze individual slices: place them on a baking sheet until fully frozen, then wrap each slice in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
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Classic Cherry Delight
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 stick butter
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tbsp sugar
Filling
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz frozen whipped topping softened
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Melt the butter and combine it in a medium bowl with graham cracker crumbs and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Mix well.
- Lightly spray the bottom of 8 x 8 baking dish with cooking spray, or grease lightly with shortening. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with a handheld mixer until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix until well combined.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until incorporated; try not to overmix.
- Spread the filling over the crust, then top with cherry pie filling.
- Refrigerate for 3–4 hours or overnight before serving.
- If needed, set the pan on a kitchen towel dampened with warm water to help loosen the crust.
Notes
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