Chic Cherry Delight Recipe: Sweet Elegance in Every Bite

Sweet summer afternoons call for a delectable cherry delight that dances with vibrant flavors.

Ripe, juicy cherries merge perfectly in this classic dessert to create a mouthwatering treat.

Each spoonful promises a burst of rich, sweet goodness that melts on your tongue.

The smooth texture and deep red hue make this dessert a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.

Fresh ingredients blend harmoniously to craft a dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness of summer cherries.

With just a few simple steps, you can transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Prepare to savor every delightful bite of this irresistible cherry sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2-4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 390 kcal

Servings: 8

What Makes Cherry Delight So Delightful

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a crispy, sweet foundation that adds delightful texture and classic dessert backdrop.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients together and creates a rich, golden base.
• Sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps the crust hold its shape when chilled.

• Melted Butter: Ensures crumbs stick together and creates a smooth, cohesive crust surface.
• Sugar: Acts as a natural binding agent that helps stabilize the crust mixture.

• Refrigerator: Allows crust to firm up and develop a perfect compact texture for serving.

Tools for Layering Cherry Dessert

• 9×9-inch baking dish: Perfect for creating an even crust and holding the dessert.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining graham cracker crust ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps ensure precise ingredient measurements.
• Spatula or spoon: Great for mixing and pressing down the crust mixture.
• Refrigerator: Needed to chill and set the crust before adding other layers.

Easy Steps to Cherry Delight Perfection

• Create Crumbly Base Transform graham cracker crumbs into a delectable foundation by blending them with melted butter and a touch of sweetness. Mix thoroughly until the texture resembles damp sand, ensuring every crumb is perfectly coated.
• Pack and Compact Press the crumbly mixture firmly into the bottom of your baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or your fingertips to create a solid, even layer that will serve as the perfect platform for your cherry delight.
• Chill and Solidify Pop the prepared base into the refrigerator and let it rest for a quick 15-20 minutes. This cooling period helps the butter solidify, creating a sturdy and crisp foundation that will hold your dessert together beautifully.

Mix & Match Tips for Cherry Dessert Lovers

• Crumb Crust Perfection: Press the graham cracker mixture gently but firmly to create an even, compact base that won't crumble when serving.
• Chilling Secret: Refrigerate the crust for at least 20 minutes to help it set completely, preventing a soggy bottom and ensuring a crisp texture.
• Dietary Swap Options: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version, or use almond flour for a low-carb alternative.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the crust a day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator to save time when assembling the final dessert.

Serving Cherry Delight in Style

• Dessert Plate Presentation: Slice the Cherry Delight into neat squares and arrange on a white ceramic plate with a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
• Fresh Fruit Accent: Garnish each serving with fresh cherries or a few mint leaves to enhance visual appeal and add a burst of natural color.
• Creamy Companion: Serve alongside a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the graham cracker base and create a delightful texture contrast.
• Temperature Tip: Allow the dessert to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly and maximize flavor enjoyment.

Tips for Chilling or Freezing Cherry Layers

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Wrap the cherry delight tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Smart Storage Window: Enjoy your dessert within 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, keeping the crust crisp and flavor vibrant.
• Temperature Control Tip: Always store at consistent 40°F or below to ensure food safety and preserve the dessert's delicate texture and taste.
• Freezing Option: For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, allowing future dessert enjoyment with minimal preparation.

Elegant Cherry Delight Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade cherry delight delivers a sweet symphony of tangy cherries and creamy textures. Dessert enthusiasts will savor each spoonful of this classic American treat that promises pure culinary comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (475 ml / 16 fl oz) graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup (113 g / 4 oz) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup (50 g / 1.8 oz) granulated sugar
• 1 package (226 g / 8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (120 g / 4.2 oz) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 container (226 g / 8 oz) Cool Whip
• 1 can (595 g / 21 oz) cherry pie filling

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers into ultra-fine particles, guaranteeing a seamless, uniform texture that will serve as the dessert’s foundational layer.
2. Binding Mixture: Blend crushed graham crackers with melted butter and sugar, mixing intensely until the combination achieves a cohesive, moldable consistency reminiscent of slightly moistened earth.
3. Base Formation: Carefully distribute the crumb mixture across the baking vessel, strategically pressing and sculpting with fingertips or utensil to construct a compact, level platform that will anchor the entire confection.
4. Chilling Stage: Refrigerate the constructed base for a precise duration, allowing the components to interlock and solidify, transforming the crumbly mixture into a sturdy, crisp architectural foundation that will support subsequent layers with elegant stability.

Notes

• Crumb Consistency Matters: Pulse graham crackers in a food processor for ultra-fine, uniform crumbs that create a smoother, more professional-looking dessert base.
• Butter Binding Technique: Ensure melted butter is evenly distributed to help crumbs stick together, preventing crumbly or dry crust that falls apart when serving.
• Firm Pressing Method: Apply gentle, consistent pressure when forming the crust to create a compact, stable foundation that holds its shape when sliced.
• Chilling Optimization: Refrigerate crust for exactly 15-20 minutes to achieve the perfect texture – firm enough to slice cleanly but not overly hard or brittle.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-4 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 346
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 185 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 47 mg