Description
Sweet summer memories dance through this classic cherry delight recipe, blending nostalgic comfort with rich fruit flavors. Creamy layers and juicy cherries promise a delectable dessert that welcomes you to savor each delightful spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 ounces (226 grams) Cool Whip or whipped cream
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Topping Ingredients:
- 21 ounces (595 grams) cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Create a robust graham cracker foundation by blending crumbs with sugar and melted butter until thoroughly moistened and cohesive.
- Use firm pressure to compact the crumb mixture evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring a solid, uniform base.
- Chill the prepared crust in the refrigerator while transitioning to the filling preparation.
- Utilize an electric mixer to transform cream cheese into a silky, smooth texture with no visible lumps.
- Incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract into the cream cheese, blending until completely integrated and glossy.
- Tenderly fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, creating a light, airy filling with delicate peaks.
- Extract the chilled crust from the refrigerator and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly, covering the entire graham cracker layer.
- Delicately distribute cherry pie filling across the cream cheese surface, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
- Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing flavors to harmonize and texture to set firmly.
- When ready to serve, slice into neat squares and optionally embellish with additional whipped cream or fresh cherries for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Chill the crust before adding filling to prevent a soggy bottom and ensure a crisp, stable base for your dessert.
- Use room temperature cream cheese to achieve a smoother, lump-free filling that blends effortlessly with other ingredients.
- Opt for low-fat cream cheese and whipped topping to create a lighter version of this classic dessert without compromising flavor.
- Experiment with alternative fruit toppings like blueberry or strawberry pie filling to customize the dessert to your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Refrigerating
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 327 kcal
- Sugar: 29 g
- Sodium: 144 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg