Jump to Recipe Print Recipe“Have you ever craved a dessert that brings sunshine into your kitchen, even on the cloudiest days? This No-Bake Cherry Delight Cheesecake is just that—a sweet escape that’s as effortless to make as it is delicious to eat! With its buttery graham cracker crust and a creamy filling topped with vibrant cherry pie filling, this dessert is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for summer gatherings or any celebration. What I love most is that it requires no baking, freeing up your oven for other delights, while still impressing family and friends with its beautiful presentation. Ready to discover how to create this delightful treat that’s destined to become a favorite? Let’s dive into the world of Cherry Delight!” Why is Cherry Delight a Must-Try? Simplicity at its finest: This no-bake dessert is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for both cooking novices and seasoned chefs looking for a quick treat. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: With its luscious cherry topping, this Cherry Delight is sure to impress guests and spark smiles at any gathering. Versatile Options: Feel free to swap the cherry pie filling for other flavors like blueberry or raspberry, ensuring flexibility to cater to your personal taste or seasonal ingredients. Effortless Make-Ahead: Create this dessert in advance, allowing you to enjoy your event without the kitchen hustle at the last minute. You might also love making a batch of Honey Pineapple Salmon as a savory companion for your meal! Light, Creamy Texture: Its airy texture balances the sweetness, making it a refreshing end to any meal—a dessert that feels indulgent without being heavy on the palate. Cherry Delight Ingredients For the Crust • Graham Crackers – Provides a delicious, buttery base; opt for pre-crushed crumbs to save time. • Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the crust perfectly; brown sugar can be used for a richer flavor. • Butter – Binds the crust together; unsalted butter gives you more control over salt levels. For the Filling • Cream Cheese – Creates a smooth, creamy filling; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing. • Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the filling while ensuring a silky texture; no substitutions recommended here. • Vanilla Extract – Adds a layer of flavor; for the best taste, stick to pure vanilla. • Lemon Juice – Optional, but it brings a zesty brightness to the filling. • Frozen Whipped Topping – Makes the filling light and fluffy; you can use homemade stabilized whipped cream if preferred. For the Topping • Cherry Pie Filling – This luscious topping adds sweetness and vibrant color; feel free to swap for other pie fillings like blueberry or strawberry for a twist. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cherry Delight Step 1: Prepare the Crust Start by combining graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Melt unsalted butter and pour it into the bowl, stirring until fully blended. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch pan, then press it down firmly and evenly using the bottom of a measuring cup for a compact crust ready to hold the creamy filling. Step 2: Chill the Crust For the best texture in your Cherry Delight, chill the crust for at least 10 minutes in the freezer or bake it at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. If you choose to bake, allow it to cool completely before moving onto the filling. This cooling step ensures a stable base that won’t crumble under the luscious filling. Step 3: Mix the Filling In a large mixing bowl, beat room temperature cream cheese until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer. Gradually add powdered sugar, pure vanilla extract, and optional lemon juice, continuing to mix until fully combined without any lumps. The Italian texture is crucial for the fluffy, vibrant filling of your Cherry Delight. Step 4: Fold in Whipped Topping Gently fold in the thawed frozen whipped topping to the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Aim for a smooth and airy filling, ensuring no streaks remain. The incorporation of air makes this Cherry Delight light and fluffy, perfectly balancing the creamy richness of the cheesecake. Step 5: Assemble the Dessert Evenly spread the creamy filling over the cooled crust using a spatula. Be sure to level it out to create a beautiful layer. Once the filling is in place, chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set or freeze for one hour if you’re in a hurry. This is where the magic of the Cherry Delight happens! Step 6: Top and Serve Once set, carefully slice the Cherry Delight into squares or rectangles for serving. Just before serving, dollop cherry pie filling generously over each piece, adding a pop of color and sweetness. Serve chilled for the best experience, and watch as it brings smiles to the faces of your family and friends at any gathering! How to Store and Freeze Cherry Delight Fridge: Store your Cherry Delight in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This keeps it fresh and ready to enjoy any time. Freezer: For longer storage, cover the Cherry Delight tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy it, transfer the frozen Cherry Delight to the fridge to thaw overnight before serving. Reheating: This dessert is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary; simply slice and enjoy as is! Cherry Delight Variations & Substitutions Feel free to let your creativity shine and put your own spin on this delightful dessert! Berry Bliss: Swap cherry pie filling for blueberry, raspberry, or mixed berry filling for a fresh twist. The vibrant colors and flavors will brighten your dessert table! Nutty Crisp: Mix crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts into the crust for an extra layer of crunch and flavor. A nutty touch can elevate the overall texture and add a delicious surprise. Chocolate Lovers: For a decadent version, add a layer of chocolate ganache over the crust before adding the filling. The combination of chocolate and cherry will satisfy any sweet tooth! Citrus Zing: Stir in some orange or lime zest into the filling or topping to add a refreshing citrus zing. The bright flavors will enhance the sweetness and make this dessert even more irresistible. Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use coconut whipped topping for a light and creamy profile. This way, everyone can enjoy a slice! Mini Desserts: Make individual servings by using small dessert cups or jars, layering the crust and filling. Perfect for parties, these mini delights are both cute and easy to serve! Savory Cherry Delight: For a unique twist, use tangy goat cheese in the filling for a savory touch that pairs beautifully with the sweet cherry topping. Trust me, your guests will be asking for seconds! Tropical Escape: Switch things up by using coconut whipped topping and fresh tropical fruits like pineapple or mango on top. This light and breezy version will transport you straight to paradise! For other delicious inspiration, give the Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells a try as an exciting main course to accompany your cherry dessert! Happy customizing! Expert Tips for Cherry Delight Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a perfectly smooth filling. Cold cream cheese can result in lumps that are hard to mix fully. No-Bake Option: If you prefer a true no-bake Cherry Delight, skip the baking step for the crust and let it chill in the freezer. This saves time and keeps it perfectly delicious! Dollop with Precision: When adding cherry pie filling, use a spoon or piping bag for beautiful presentation on each slice. A little care in this step elevates the dessert! Customize the Sweetness: Taste the filling before chilling! Adjust the sweetness based on your preference or the tartness of the cherry filling to make it just right for your palate. Chill Time Matters: Don’t rush the chilling process. Allowing the Cherry Delight to set properly enhances the flavors and textures, making each bite more delightful. What to Serve with No-Bake Cherry Delight Cheesecake Treat your loved ones to a complete meal experience by pairing this delightful dessert with some perfect accompaniments! Fresh Berries: Bursting with sweetness and tartness, fresh strawberries or blueberries enhance the fruit flavor profile while adding a refreshing contrast to the creamy cheesecake. Chocolate Drizzle: A silky chocolate drizzle over each slice adds a touch of decadence, balancing the tartness of the cherries and providing an indulgent twist. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast; the creamy ice cream contrasts the chilled Cherry Delight perfectly. Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea will elevate your dessert experience, offering a cozy feel and enhancing the sweet flavors of your Cherry Delight. Mint Leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves not only beautifies your presentation but also adds a refreshing herbal note that complements the cherry topping beautifully. Almond Cookies: Pair with crunchy almond cookies for added texture. Their nutty flavor pairs harmoniously with the creamy dessert, creating a well-rounded plate. Indulge in each bite, savoring the delightful combinations that make your Cherry Delight the star of the meal! Make Ahead Options These No-Bake Cherry Delight Cheesecakes are wonderful for meal prep, allowing you to save time on busy days! You can prepare the crust and filling up to 24 hours in advance; just store the crust in the refrigerator and cover the filling tightly in an airtight container. When you’re ready to assemble, simply spread the filling over the chilled crust, then let it set in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or freeze for 1 hour for quicker serving). The key to maintaining its quality is to avoid topping with cherry pie filling until just before serving, ensuring that your dessert stays fresh and vibrant. Enjoy the convenience of having this delightful dessert ready to impress your guests with minimal last-minute effort! Cherry Delight Recipe FAQs What type of cherries should I use for the pie filling? Using canned or frozen cherries for the pie filling ensures a burst of flavor and sweetness. Look for cherry pie filling that’s rich and thick without excessive liquid. If you prefer fresh cherries, they should be ripe but firm, which typically means they’ll be in season from May to August. How should I store Cherry Delight? Your Cherry Delight should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This keeps the dessert fresh, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it, as mentioned! Can I freeze Cherry Delight, and how? Absolutely! To freeze, cover the Cherry Delight tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, which prevents freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, move the frozen dessert to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight before serving. What if my filling is too sweet or too tangy? If you find your filling is too sweet or tangy once mixed, the best solution is to adjust. For overly sweet filling, consider adding a dash of lemon juice to balance the flavors. Conversely, if it’s too tangy, you can mix in a tablespoon of powdered sugar to enhance sweetness. Can I make this dessert with gluten-free ingredients? Yes! For a gluten-free Cherry Delight, use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust. Make sure to check the labels on your other ingredients, such as powdered sugar and whipped topping, to ensure they’re also gluten-free. Is Cherry Delight suitable for pets? While cherries are safe for many human diets, they can be harmful to pets, particularly the pits. It’s best to keep any cherry-filled desserts away from your furry friends to prevent potential dangers to their health. Irresistible Cherry Delight That’s No-Bake and Crowd-Pleasing Delight in this effortless No-Bake Cherry Delight, a creamy cheesecake topped with vibrant cherry pie filling, perfect for any gathering! Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsChill Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 280 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust2 cups Graham Crackers Opt for pre-crushed crumbs to save time.1/4 cup Granulated Sugar Brown sugar can be used for a richer flavor.1/2 cup Butter Unsalted butter for better control over salt levels.For the Filling8 oz Cream Cheese Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.1 cup Powdered Sugar No substitutions recommended.1 tsp Vanilla Extract Stick to pure vanilla for the best taste.Lemon Juice Optional for zesty brightness.8 oz Frozen Whipped Topping Can use homemade stabilized whipped cream.For the Topping1 can Cherry Pie Filling Feel free to swap for other pie fillings. Equipment Mixing bowlelectric mixerspatula9x13-inch pan Method Step-by-Step InstructionsCombine graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Melt unsalted butter and pour it into the bowl, stirring until fully blended. Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch pan, pressing it down firmly for a compact crust.Chill the crust for at least 10 minutes in the freezer or bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. If baked, let it cool completely.Beat room temperature cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and optional lemon juice, mixing until fully combined and creamy.Gently fold in thawed whipped topping until smooth and airy, making sure no streaks remain.Spread the creamy filling evenly over the cooled crust using a spatula, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.Slice the Cherry Delight into squares or rectangles and top with cherry pie filling before serving. Serve chilled. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 160mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 0.5mg NotesUse room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling. For a no-bake option, skip the baking step for the crust. Adjust sweetness based on preference. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
