Classic Cherry Delight

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines creamy goodness with the delightful sweetness of cherries, then look no further than Classic Cherry Delight. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a family gathering, or simply craving a tasty treat, this dessert is sure to impress. With its buttery crust, luscious cream cheese filling, and the burst of flavor from the cherry pie filling, Classic Cherry Delight is an irresistible indulgence.

Who is this Recipe For?

Classic Cherry Delight is a versatile dessert that appeals to a wide range of taste buds. It’s suitable for all dessert enthusiasts who appreciate a balanced combination of flavors and textures.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results every time. It’s a dessert that both kids and adults will love, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings or potluck parties.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s make sure you have all the necessary kitchen equipment on hand. To prepare Classic Cherry Delight, you will need the following:

1. Medium microwave-safe bowl
2. Mixer
3. Large mixing bowl
4. 8 x 8 baking dish (sprayed with cooking spray)
5. Spoon or offset spatula

Classic Cherry Delight Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 9 whole crackers)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 container (8 ounces) Cool Whip
• 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling

Instructions

Preparing the Crust:

1. Start by melting the unsalted butter. Place 7 tablespoons of butter in a medium bowl and microwave for about 30 seconds or until fully melted.
2. Into the melted butter, stir in 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs along with 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Mix well to ensure that the crumbs are fully coated with the butter and sugar mixture.
3. Take an 8 x 8 baking dish and lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Then, transfer the graham cracker mixture into the dish.
4. Using your hands or the back of a spoon, firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the dish to form an even crust. Set aside while you prepare the filling.

Making the Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, add 8 ounces of softened cream cheese. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until it becomes smooth and free of any lumps.
2. To the cream cheese, add 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Continue to mix until these ingredients are well incorporated.
3. Gently fold in an 8-ounce container of Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture. Mix until just combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain the lightness of the Cool Whip.
4. Carefully spread the cream cheese filling over the prepared graham cracker crust, ensuring an even layer. A spoon or an offset spatula works great for this step.
5. For the final layer, spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer. Spread it out evenly, covering the cream cheese filling completely.

Chilling:

1. Place the baking dish in the refrigerator and let the Cherry Delight set for at least 2 hours. For best results, leaving it overnight is recommended as it allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up nicely.
2. Serve chilled. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Enjoy your Classic Cherry Delight, a perfect blend of creamy filling, crunchy crust, and the delightful tang of cherry pie filling!