If you’re longing for a dessert that feels like a warm hug and bursts with vibrant flavors, this Cherry Delight Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a luscious, creamy concoction layered over a buttery graham cracker crust and topped with sweet, jewel-toned cherry pie filling. Every bite is a perfect balance of tangy cream cheese, fluffy whipped cream, and that irresistible cherry glisten on top. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, this Cherry Delight Cake Recipe is sure to bring smiles and requests for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the first step toward creating a dessert that’s both approachable and unforgettable. Each element plays a vital role, from the crisp graham cracker crust that offers a sturdy base to the fluffy cream cheese filling that gives a dreamy texture, finishing with the sweet cherry topping adding a pop of color and flavor.
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs: Provides a crunchy, buttery foundation that complements the creamy filling brilliantly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust ingredients together while adding rich, buttery notes.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances the tartness of the cream cheese and cherries.
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened: The star of the filling that lends a velvety creaminess and slight tang.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling smoothly without any grittiness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile with a warm, aromatic touch.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks (or 8 oz whipped topping): Adds lightness and fluffy texture to the filling, making each bite melt in your mouth.
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling: Bright, juicy cherries piled on top provide a beautiful finish and fruity burst.
How to Make Cherry Delight Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by mixing the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. This combo creates that perfect cookie-cum-butter base that is both crunchy and slightly sweet. Once mixed, press it firmly into a 9×13-inch dish to form an even layer. Chilling the crust for 20 to 30 minutes helps it set up nicely, ensuring it holds together when you add the filling.
Step 2: Make the Filling
Next, beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until it’s smooth and creamy — this is where the magic really begins. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue mixing until fully combined. The powdered sugar sweetens the cream cheese without any graininess, and vanilla adds a subtle warmth. Gently fold in the whipped cream to keep the filling light and fluffy, perfect for that melt-in-your-mouth experience everyone will love.
Step 3: Assemble the Dessert
Spread the creamy filling evenly over your chilled graham cracker crust. This layer provides a luscious, velvety center that contrasts wonderfully with the crisp base. Then, generously spoon the cherry pie filling on top, spreading it out evenly to ensure every slice has bright cherry goodness crowning it.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the assembled cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or better yet, overnight. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the dessert to firm up for clean slicing. When you’re ready, cut into squares and serve chilled — each slice a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fruity flavors.
How to Serve Cherry Delight Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flair, consider a dollop of fresh whipped cream on each serving to emphasize the dessert’s light texture. A few fresh cherries or a sprinkle of toasted almonds can add delightful pops of color and crunch, making your Cherry Delight Cake Recipe look as fantastic as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk, balancing the sweetness and complementing the creamy texture. If you want to serve it at a special occasion, a light, fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can round out the dessert spread beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering individual portions in clear dessert cups or mason jars for a charming and portable presentation. You could even add a drizzle of chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top to add texture and visual interest. The Cherry Delight Cake Recipe is versatile enough to shine in both casual and elegant settings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After serving, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. The Cherry Delight Cake Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, maintaining its creamy texture and fresh flavor.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep the cake longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cake securely with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 1 month; just thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving to preserve its beautiful texture.
Reheating
This cake is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t recommended. However, allowing frozen cake to thaw slowly in the refrigerator ensures it regains its delicious softness while maintaining all the luscious flavors that make the Cherry Delight Cake Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! If you have fresh cherries on hand, you can cook them down with a little sugar and lemon juice to mimic the pie filling texture, adding a fresher, homemade touch to your Cherry Delight Cake Recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with a gluten-free alternative, like gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies. This swap won’t compromise the taste or texture of your Cherry Delight Cake Recipe.
Can I make the cream cheese filling ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just fold in the whipped cream fresh before assembling the cake to keep the filling light and airy.
What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use an equal amount of whipped topping. While not quite the same, it still provides the necessary fluffiness for the filling in the Cherry Delight Cake Recipe.
How long does this dessert need to chill before serving?
It’s best to chill the Cherry Delight Cake Recipe for at least 4 hours to allow it to set properly, but chilling it overnight will give the best flavor and texture development.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Delight Cake Recipe is a true treasure for anyone who loves a fuss-free dessert that feels both special and comforting. With its creamy layers, crunchy crust, and bright, glossy cherry topping, every forkful is pure joy. Don’t hesitate to make this for your next gathering or simply treat yourself—once you try it, it just might become one of your favorite go-to sweets.
Print
Cherry Delight Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cherry Delight recipe is a luscious no-bake dessert featuring a crisp graham cracker crust layered with a smooth, creamy cream cheese filling and topped with sweet cherry pie filling. Perfect for gatherings and easy to prepare ahead, this dessert offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks (or 8 oz whipped topping)
Topping
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar thoroughly. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form the crust layer. Place the crust in the refrigerator and chill for 20–30 minutes to firm up.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until the mixture is smooth, light, and fluffy.
- Assemble the Dessert: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Next, carefully spoon and spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer to create a beautiful topping.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the assembled dessert and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to set properly. Once chilled, slice the dessert into squares and serve cold for a refreshing and sweet treat.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use a low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping instead of heavy cream.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with any other fruit pie filling of your choice, such as blueberry or strawberry.
- This dessert should be stored covered in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days for best freshness.
- If you prefer a firmer crust, you can bake the graham cracker crust at 350°F for 8-10 minutes before chilling, though it is optional.
