Description
Craving a dessert that’s both heavenly and easy to whip up? Look no further than the Classic Cherry Delight! This timeless recipe combines the sweetness of cherry pie filling with a creamy, decadent filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, this dessert is sure to impress. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to creating this delightful masterpiece.
Ingredients
- Crust:
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 9 whole crackers)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 container cool whip, 8 ounces
- 1 can cherry pie filling, 21 ounces
Instructions
1. Creating the Crust:
- Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a medium-sized bowl. You can do this quickly and easily by microwaving it for around 30 seconds.
- Once melted, add the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar to the bowl. Mix them well until thoroughly combined.
- Take a baking dish (preferably 8 x 8 inches) and spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, firmly pat down the crumb mixture into the bottom of the dish to form the crust. Set it aside while you prepare the filling.
2. Crafting the Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Use a mixer to beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and free of any lumps.
- Next, incorporate the powdered sugar and pure vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Now, gently fold in the cool whip using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want the cool whip and cream cheese to blend harmoniously.
- Once the filling is ready, spread it evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust using a spoon or offset spatula.
3. Adding the Finishing Touch:
- Take the cherry pie filling and spoon it over the top of the cream cheese filling.
- Carefully spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the surface of the dessert, ensuring every bite is bursting with cherry goodness.
- With the layers perfectly assembled, cover the dish and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. For optimal results, leaving it overnight allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Remember to refrigerate any leftovers to preserve the freshness of this delectable treat.
Notes
- Serving Suggestions: When serving Classic Cherry Delight, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs on top for an extra touch of indulgence. You can also garnish each slice with a fresh cherry for a visually appealing presentation.
- Chill Before Serving: For the best texture and flavor, make sure to refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours before serving. Chilling allows the filling to set properly, resulting in a creamy and luxurious consistency that perfectly complements the crunchy graham cracker crust and sweet cherry topping.
- Portioning: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to slice through the layers cleanly. This helps to maintain the integrity of the dessert’s structure, ensuring each serving is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
- Storage: Store any leftover Classic Cherry Delight in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for up to 3-4 days, although it’s likely to be devoured long before then! Just be sure to cover it securely to prevent any odors from permeating the dessert.
- Freezing: While Classic Cherry Delight is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual slices for later enjoyment. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. Thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best results.
- Refreshing Leftovers: If the dessert loses its firmness after refrigeration, simply pop it back into the fridge for a while to firm up again. The flavors will still be delightful, and it’ll be just as enjoyable as when it was freshly made.
