Classic Cherry Delight
With a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy and tangy filling, and a luxurious cherry pie topping, Cherry Delight is a well-liked, nostalgic treat. This no-bake dessert is ideal for get-togethers, potlucks, or any time you’re in the mood for something simple and sweet. This comprehensive recipe will assist you in making the ideal Classic Cherry Delight.
Components:
For the Crust of Graham Crackers:
- Graham cracker crumbs, two cups (200 g) (approximately fifteen full sheets)
- ½ cup (115 g) melted unsalted butter
- 50 g or ¼ cup of granulated sugar
For the Filling of Cream Cheese:
- 16 ounces (450 grams) of room-temperature softened cream cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy whipping cream or 1 box (such as Cool Whip) of whipped topping
- 125 grams (one cup) powdered sugar
- A tsp (5 ml) of extract vanilla
Regarding the Cherry Topping:
- One can (equivalent to 21 oz or 595 g) of cherry pie filling (or handmade, if desired)
Guidelines:
1. Make the crust for the Graham Crackers:
- Break apart the Graham Crackers: If you are starting with whole Graham Crackers, put them in a plastic bag that can be sealed and use a rolling pin to crush them into little pieces. As an alternative, you may crush them in a food processor.
- Mix the ingredients for the crust: Melted butter, granulated sugar, and graham cracker crumbs should all be combined in a medium-sized mixing dish. Mix the mixture thoroughly until it takes on the consistency of moist sand.
- In the pan, press the crust firmly. Line the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking dish or pan of a similar size with the graham cracker mixture. Press it down firmly with the bottom of a glass or the back of a spoon to form a compact layer.
- Cool the Crust: While you make the cream cheese filling, put the crust in the fridge to cool.
2. Ready the Filling with Cream Cheese:
- Beat the Cream: Using an electric mixer set to medium-high speed, beat the heavy cream in a large mixing basin until firm peaks form. Omit this step if you’re using whipped topping.
- Combine the sugar and cream cheese: Cream cheese that has softened and powdered sugar should be combined in a another bowl and beaten until smooth and creamy. Once added, thoroughly blend by mixing in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate the whipped cream. Using a spatula, carefully fold the whipped cream (or whipped topping) into the cream cheese mixture. Take care not to overmix since you want the texture to stay airy and delicate.
3. Put the Cherry Delight together:
- Disperse the Filling of Cream Cheese: Using a spatula, evenly spread and smooth the cream cheese filling over the cold graham cracker shell.
- Put the cherry topping on top: Over the cream cheese layer, spoon the cherry pie filling, spreading it evenly to cover the whole surface.
- Cool the Dessert: To help the layers firm and the flavors combine, cover the pan with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours, but preferably overnight.
4. Present the Cherry Joy:
- Cut and Present: Cherry Delight should be served chilled after being sliced into squares or rectangles. It is recommended to eat the dessert chilled.
Success Advice:
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: To guarantee a smooth, lump-free filling, make sure your cream cheese has softened to room temperature.
- Homemade Cherry Topping: You can use sugar, corn flour, and fresh or frozen cherries to make your own cherry pie filling, if you’d rather.
- Chilling Time: The dessert’s flavour is improved and the layers are helped to set correctly by chilling it for a few hours or overnight.
Changes:
- Mixed Berry Delight: To make a mixed berry version, swap out the cherry pie filling for blueberries, strawberries, or a blend of your favorite berries.
- Chocolate Delight: For a chocolaty twist, sandwich a layer of chocolate custard or ganache between the cream cheese filling and the crust.
- Nutty Crust: To give the graham cracker crust more texture and flavour, mix in finely chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts.
In summary
- A classic dessert that is incredibly tasty and simple to prepare is classic cherry delight. It is a crowd-pleaser that works well for any event because to its layers of creamy filling, sweet cherry topping, and buttery graham cracker shell. This dessert is sure to make everyone happy, whether you’re serving it at a family get-together or just enjoying a slice at home. Taste of the past with our traditional no-bake Cherry Delight!