No-Bake Cherry Delight Recipe is a refreshingly simple dessert that delivers a luscious swirl of creamy filling, crunchy graham crust, and vibrant cherry topping—all without turning on the oven. Ready in just 25–30 minutes of prep, this show-stopping treat chills for a few hours and yields 12 luscious servings. You’ll love the sweet-tart cherry topping contrasted with a silky cream cheese layer, set on a perfectly buttery graham base. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply craving a cool, indulgent dessert, this no-bake delight is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This No-Bake Cherry Delight wins hearts with its effortless prep, rich flavors, and eye-catching presentation. A silky-smooth cream cheese layer offers a luscious contrast to the buttery crunch of the graham cracker base. The cherry pie filling adds a burst of fruity sweetness that’s both comforting and celebratory. No oven? No problem—this dessert comes together with minimal effort, ideal for both experienced bakers and kitchen novices alike.
Ingredients
Here’s your ingredient list, rewritten clearly by category:
For the Crust
- 1 stick (8 Tbsp) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 12 full-size graham crackers (about 6.5 oz) or 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
For the Filling/Topping
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp finely grated lemon zest (about half a lemon)
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
Step-by-Step: How to Make No-Bake Cherry Delight
- Prep & Line Pan
Line an 8×8 ‑inch pan with parchment paper as a sling so it overhangs all sides by ~2 inches. This makes lifting the dessert easy later. - Make the Crust
- Melt butter (40–60 sec in microwave).
- Blend graham cracker pieces (or crumbs) with sugar and salt in a food processor until finely ground, then mix in melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press mixture firmly into the pan, reaching corners. Chill while making the filling.
- Make the Filling
- Beat softened cream cheese with sugar and salt until creamy (2–3 min).
- Add lemon zest, cold heavy cream, and vanilla. Beat low until combined, then medium-high until medium peaks form (~2 min).
- Assemble
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Top with the cherry pie filling, spreading it out.
- Chill & Serve
- Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
- When ready to serve, use the parchment sling to lift the dessert out of the pan, set it on a cutting board, and slice into 12 even portions—wiping the knife between each cut for neat edges.
Helpful Tips
- Let cream cheese reach room temperature for smooth blending.
- Use cold heavy cream directly from the fridge for best whipping volume.
- Press crust firmly to prevent crumbling when sliced.
- Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat squares.
- Chill time is crucial—don’t rush it!
Substitutions And Variations
- Crust: Try chocolate graham crackers for a deeper flavor.
- Filling flavor: Add ¼ tsp almond extract instead of part of the vanilla for a nutty note.
- Fruit toppings: Swap cherry filling for blueberry, peach, or strawberry pie filling.
- Crust alternative: Use crushed Biscoff or digestive biscuits for a twist.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The cream cheese base stays creamy, and crust stays crisp—ready to relive the bliss with each slice.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (12 servings):
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 30.2 g (Saturated Fat: 18 g)
- Carbohydrates: 42.7 g (Sugars: 20.3 g; Fiber: 0.8 g)
- Protein: 3.6 g
- Sodium: 316 mg
(Percent Daily Values vary based on diet.)
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish each square with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of softly whipped cream for a touch of extra decadence.
- Serve with fresh berries to brighten the plate visually and flavor-wise.
Frequently Asked Questions About No-Bake Cherry Delight
Q: Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with vegan cream cheese and coconut cream or plant-based whipping cream. Make sure the pie filling and crust are vegan-friendly. You’ll still get creamy texture—with a dairy-free twist—perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Q: Can I prepare it ahead for a party?
A: Yes, it’s perfect for ahead-of-time prep. Make it the day before, refrigerate overnight, and slice just before serving for clean edges. The flavors meld beautifully with extra rest time.
Q: Why did my crust crumble when slicing?
A: Ensure you press the crust firmly into the pan and chill it thoroughly. Use parchment sling for easy removal and wipe your knife between cuts to preserve the slice shape.
Q: Can I reduce sugar?
A: You can reduce both crust and filling sugar by up to 25%. Keep some sweetness so the cherries don’t taste too tart—but feel free to adjust to your preference.
If you love this no-bake cherry delight, you’ll want to learn more about these cherry cheesecake brownies with fresh cherries
Conclusion
No-Bake Cherry Delight is one of my favorite go-to desserts—it’s easy, stunning, and delicious. I love how the silky filling, crisp crust, and sweet-tart cherries come together effortlessly. Thank you for reading and trying this recipe! It warms my heart when friends and family enjoy this dessert as much as I do. I hope this bring smiles to your table, and that you cherish both the ease and flavor it offers. Happy cooking, and thanks for being part of this food-loving community—here’s to many more scrumptious, no-fuss baking adventures!
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No-Bake Cherry Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
No-Bake Cherry Delight Recipe delivers creamy, fruity bliss in every bite—featuring a silky filling, cherry topping, and graham cracker crust. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any time you need a crowd-pleasing dessert without the oven. Try it today!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 stick (8 Tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
12 full-size graham crackers (or 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs)
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
¾ tsp kosher salt
For the Filling & Topping:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ tsp kosher salt
2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
1½ tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp finely grated lemon zest
1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Prep & Line Pan
Line an 8×8 ‑inch pan with parchment paper as a sling so it overhangs all sides by ~2 inches. This makes lifting the dessert easy later. - Make the Crust
- Melt butter (40–60 sec in microwave).
- Blend graham cracker pieces (or crumbs) with sugar and salt in a food processor until finely ground, then mix in melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press mixture firmly into the pan, reaching corners. Chill while making the filling.
- Make the Filling
- Beat softened cream cheese with sugar and salt until creamy (2–3 min).
- Add lemon zest, cold heavy cream, and vanilla. Beat low until combined, then medium-high until medium peaks form (~2 min).
- Assemble
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Top with the cherry pie filling, spreading it out.
- Chill & Serve
- Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
- When ready to serve, use the parchment sling to lift the dessert out of the pan, set it on a cutting board, and slice into 12 even portions—wiping the knife between each cut for neat edges.
Notes
Use chocolate graham crackers for a twist.
Swap cherry for blueberry, peach, or strawberry filling.
Almond extract adds a nutty depth.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes Chill Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 20.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 42.7 g
- Protein: 3.6 g