Cherry Delight is the kind of dessert that makes your taste buds sing and your heart do a little happy dance. Imagine biting into a fluffy, creamy concoction where the tartness of cherries meets the sweetness of whipped cream, all nestled within a buttery crust. Cranberry Cheesecake Fluff Each spoonful is a delightful experience, bursting with flavor, and let’s be honest, it looks like summer on a plate. Cozy Pumpkin Dinner Rolls Quick Cinnamon Rolls Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Cake Whether it’s a family gathering or simply a Tuesday night craving, this dessert is sure to make any occasion feel special.
Growing up, my grandmother would whip up Cherry Delight every Fourth of July. The vibrant red cherries reminded us of fireworks, and each bite was like a joyful explosion of flavor in our mouths. It became our family tradition: we’d set up lawn chairs in the backyard, plates piled high with this cherry goodness as we laughed under the stars. Trust me; you’ll want to recreate these moments in your kitchen!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cherry Delight is easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients
- Its sweet-tart flavor profile tantalizes your taste buds while its vibrant colors make it visually stunning
- Perfect for summer gatherings or cozy evenings at home, it’s versatile enough to adapt to various fruits
You won’t believe how quickly this dessert comes together! Just grab some simple ingredients and get ready for the ultimate cherry experience.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cherries: Look for plump, juicy cherries that are bright red for the best flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: A sweetener that balances the tartness of the cherries perfectly.
- Whipped Cream: Use heavy cream for fluffiness; nothing says indulgence like real whipped cream!
- Butter: Unsalted butter works best; it enhances flavors without adding extra salt.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: For a crunchy base that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives that luscious texture everyone loves.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Create the Crust: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine crushed graham crackers with melted butter until crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into a pie dish and bake for 10 minutes until golden brown.
Prepare the Cherry Filling: While the crust cools, rinse and pit fresh cherries. In a saucepan over medium heat, cook them with sugar until they soften and release their juices. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Mix the Creamy Layer: In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in whipped cream and vanilla extract while continuing to mix until fluffy and well-combined.
Assemble Your Delight: Spread half of the creamy mixture onto the cooled crust followed by half of your cherry filling. Repeat layers until all components are used up, finishing with whipped cream on top.
Chill Out!: Cover your Cherry Delight with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This allows all those delightful flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serve & Enjoy!: Once chilled, slice into squares and serve! Watch your friends’ eyes light up as they enjoy this sweet treat—it’s pure joy on a plate!
Cherry Delight holds a special place in my heart; I remember my family’s delighted faces when I served it for dessert last summer—it was an instant hit!
Now go ahead and create your own delicious memories with this recipe; I promise it’ll become just as cherished in your household!
You Must Know
- The Cherry Delight recipe is not just about taste; it’s a delightful mix of texture and sweetness
- The vibrant cherries create a juicy explosion, while the creamy layers add richness
- This dessert is perfect for family gatherings or as a sweet treat after dinner
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven and preparing the crust while the cherries simmer on the stovetop. This sequence saves time and ensures everything is ready for assembly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a unique twist. You can also experiment with different nuts in the crust for added crunch and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Cherry Delight in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven to maintain its delicious texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor and sweetness; frozen will work but might alter texture
- Make sure to thoroughly mix your cream cheese to avoid lumps, ensuring smoothness throughout
- Lastly, let it sit before serving to enhance flavors and make cutting easier
Sharing this Cherry Delight recipe reminds me of my cousin’s wedding where I brought this dessert. Everyone kept raving about it, even stealing extra slices! For more inspiration, check out this avocado chicken salad recipe.
FAQ
What type of cherries should I use for Cherry Delight?
Fresh sweet cherries yield the best flavor, but frozen can work too if necessary.
Can I make Cherry Delight ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance; flavors develop beautifully overnight.
How do I know when my Cherry Delight is done baking?
It’s ready when golden brown on top and set in the center; check with a toothpick!
Cherry Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Cherry Delight is a refreshing dessert that combines the tartness of fresh cherries with creamy whipped cream, all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for summer gatherings or cozy nights at home, bringing a burst of flavor and vibrant color to any occasion. With minimal ingredients and a simple assembly process, you can create this delightful dish in no time. Your family and friends will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into a pie dish and bake for 10 minutes until golden.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, cook the cherries with ¾ cup sugar for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in whipped cream and vanilla extract until fluffy.
- Layer half of the creamy mixture onto the cooled crust followed by half of the cherry filling. Repeat layers and finish with whipped cream on top.
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 120g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For added flavor, try mixing in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. Swap out nuts in the crust for added crunch.