Step into a world of simple, nostalgic sweetness with Grandma’s Cherry Delight! This beloved layered dessert is a symphony of textures and flavors, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy, sweet cream cheese layer, vibrant cherry pie filling, and a fluffy whipped topping. It’s an incredibly easy, mostly no-bake treat that’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you crave a taste of comforting sweetness.
Why I Love This Recipe
Grandma’s Cherry Delight is a true classic, and I absolutely adore it for its uncomplicated charm and irresistible layers. What I love most is the way each component plays a perfect role: the crisp, buttery graham cracker crust provides a delightful foundation, followed by that luscious, tangy-sweet cream cheese filling that’s smooth and delightful. Then comes the burst of fruity sweetness from the cherry pie filling, all crowned with a light and airy whipped topping. It’s a dessert that feels celebratory but requires minimal effort, especially since it’s mostly no-bake. It’s a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings back so many wonderful memories!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Grandma’s Cherry Delight:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12-14 full sheets)
- 1/2 cup melted butter (unsalted recommended)
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- Dash of milk (about 1-2 tablespoons)
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 8 oz. package of Cool Whip (thawed) or Dream Whip (prepared according to package directions)
Swaps and Notes
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: You can buy pre-made graham cracker crumbs or crush whole graham crackers in a food processor or by hand.
- Butter: Unsalted melted butter is recommended for the crust.
- Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is completely softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for richness.
- Powdered Sugar: Sift your powdered sugar before mixing to prevent lumps in the cream cheese layer.
- Milk (Cream Cheese Layer): A dash of milk helps achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency for the cream cheese mixture. Adjust as needed.
- Cherry Pie Filling: A standard 21-ounce can of cherry pie filling works perfectly. You can also make your own. Other fruit pie fillings like blueberry or strawberry can be substituted for variety.
- Cool Whip/Dream Whip: Cool Whip is convenient and easy. If using Dream Whip (a powdered mix), prepare it according to package directions. Homemade whipped cream can also be used, but it might be less stable over time.
Directions
Let’s get this delicious Grandma’s Cherry Delight assembled!
- Prepare Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the 2 cups graham cracker crumbs and 1/2 cup melted butter. Stir well with a fork until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a medium-sized baking dish (an 8×8 or 9×13 inch dish, depending on desired thickness of layers).
- Bake Crust (Optional but Recommended): Place the dish with the pressed crust in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. This brief bake helps set the crust and makes it sturdier. Remove from oven and let the crust cool completely at room temperature before proceeding. This can also be a no-bake crust by simply chilling it for 30 minutes in the fridge to set.
- Make Cream Cheese Layer: While the crust cools, in a separate bowl, combine the 8 oz. softened cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, and a dash of milk (start with 1 tablespoon). Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and lump-free. Adjust milk if needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Assemble Cream Cheese Layer: Once the crust is completely cooled, carefully spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- Add Cherry Topping: Gently spoon the entire can of cherry pie filling over the cream cheese mixture, spreading it evenly to cover the layer.
- Add Whipped Topping: Finally, add the 8 oz. package of thawed Cool Whip (or prepared Dream Whip) to the very top, spreading it evenly across the cherry pie filling layer.
- Chill: Cover the baking dish loosely with plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably longer (even overnight), to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Slice and serve chilled.
Tips for Success
- Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free cream cheese layer.
- Press Crust Firmly: A well-pressed crust will hold together better.
- Cool Crust Completely: Don’t spread the cream cheese layer onto a warm crust, or it will melt and become messy.
- Chill Time is Key: Allow ample time for the dessert to chill. This helps all the layers set beautifully and allows the flavors to fully develop.
- Drain Pineapple (if subbing): If substituting with pineapple pie filling, ensure the pineapple is very well drained to prevent a watery dessert.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Grandma’s Cherry Delight is a fantastic standalone dessert, perfect for:
- Potlucks & Picnics: Easy to transport and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Family Gatherings: A simple yet impressive dessert for any family meal.
- Holiday Dessert: A refreshing alternative to heavier holiday fare.
- Any Sweet Craving: Delicious as a light dessert after dinner.
- For other incredibly popular, easy, and family-friendly desserts, consider our This Big Family Banana Pudding Is My Favorite Classic Dessert To Feed A Crowd or our This Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake Is My Favorite No-Bake Summer Dessert.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This layered dessert stores well, making it great for making ahead!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight.
- Freezing: While possible, freezing may affect the texture of the Cool Whip and cream cheese layers, potentially making them a bit watery or icy upon thawing. It’s generally best enjoyed fresh or from refrigeration. If you do freeze, cover tightly with plastic wrap then foil and consume within 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the sweet, creamy, and easy nature of this layered dessert, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free dessert recipes:
- For another incredibly indulgent sweet treat, try our These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
- If you’re a fan of rich, classic brownies, you can’t go wrong with The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made (And I’ve Made A Lot).
- For a delightful no-bake fall dessert, our This Pumpkin Delight Dessert Is My Favorite No-Bake Fall Treat is a winner.
Final Thoughts
This Grandma’s Cherry Delight recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dessert to your table with minimal effort. It’s perfect for any occasion that calls for a sweet, refreshing, and nostalgic treat.
Give this recipe a try and let this delightful dessert become a new family favorite! What’s your go-to easy, no-bake dessert for gatherings? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy baking!
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