Grandma’s Cherry Delight Dessert Recipe

Grandma’s Cherry Delight is a timeless no-bake dessert that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a vibrant cherry pie topping, this dessert is a classic crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or family gatherings, it’s a nostalgic treat that’s as delightful as its name suggests.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Spatula

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped (or 8 oz whipped topping)

For the Topping:

• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust:

• In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until well combined.
• Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the filling.

2. Make the Filling:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
• Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
• Gently fold in the whipped cream or whipped topping until smooth and fluffy.

3. Assemble the Dessert:

• Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
• Top with the cherry pie filling, spreading it out evenly.

4. Chill and Serve:

• Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
• Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Prep Time
20 minutes

Chill Time
4 hours

Total Time
4 hours 20 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, approx. 12 servings)

Calories: ~280

Protein: 3g

Carbohydrates: 30g

Fat: 18g

Fiber: 1g

Sodium: 150mg

Expert Tips

• For a thicker crust, increase graham cracker crumbs to 2 ½ cups.
• Swap cherry pie filling for blueberry, strawberry, or peach for a fruity variation.
• Use homemade whipped cream for an extra creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert can be made up to 2 days in advance.

What if I don’t have graham crackers?

Substitute with digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer crumbs.

Can I freeze it?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Storing & Reheating

Storing: Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days.

Reheating: This dessert is served chilled, so no reheating is needed.

Substitutions & Variations

• For a tangier filling, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture.
• Use chocolate graham crackers for a rich twist.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or coconut on top for extra texture and flavor.

Grandma’s Cherry Delight Dessert Recipe

Grandma’s Cherry Delight is a timeless no-bake dessert that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a vibrant cherry pie topping, this dessert is a classic crowd-pleaser.

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Equipment

• - 9x13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• - Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

• **For the Crust:**
• - 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• - ½ cup unsalted butter melted
• - ¼ cup granulated sugar
• **For the Filling:**
• - 16 oz cream cheese softened
• - 1 cup powdered sugar
• - 1 tsp vanilla extract
• - 1 cup heavy whipping cream whipped (or 8 oz whipped topping)
• **For the Topping:**
• - 1 can 21 oz cherry pie filling

Instructions

 

• **1. Prepare the Crust:**
• - In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until well combined.
• - Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the filling.
• **2. Make the Filling:**
• - In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
• - Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
• - Gently fold in the whipped cream or whipped topping until smooth and fluffy.
• **3. Assemble the Dessert:**
• - Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
• - Top with the cherry pie filling, spreading it out evenly.
• **4. Chill and Serve:**
• - Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
• - Slice into squares and serve chilled.