Background: What Is Cherry Delight No Bake Dessert?
Cherry delight is a classic American layered dessert that feels like a cross between a no bake cheesecake and a chilled cherry pie. It usually starts with a crumbly graham cracker crust, followed by a fluffy cream cheese filling, and a glossy layer of cherry pie filling on top. The whole pan chills in the refrigerator until firm enough to cut into neat squares. (Southern Living)
Many home cooks in the United States know some version of this dessert from potlucks, holidays, or church suppers. It relies on everyday grocery store ingredients, comes together in about 20 minutes of active time, and then quietly chills until dessert. That combination of convenience, make-ahead ease, and familiar flavor is why cherry delight continues to show up on American dessert tables. (Amish Heritage)
Although some recipes bake the graham cracker crust briefly, others skip the oven entirely and rely on chilling to set the crust. In this version, you get both options. If you want a truly no bake cherry delight, you can simply press the crust firmly into the pan and chill it before adding the filling. If you like a crisp, toasty base, you can give the crust a short trip through the oven and still keep the rest of the dessert no bake. (Southern Living)
This recipe is sized for a small baking dish, which works well for most households. It is easy to double for a larger gathering or to fit a 9 x 13 inch pan for parties, school events, or workplace potlucks.
Why Cherry Delight No Bake Dessert Works for U.S. Home Kitchens
Cherry delight fits neatly into the way many home cooks in the United States already cook and bake.
Short prep time suits busy schedules. You can put the layers together between other tasks and let the refrigerator do the rest of the work.
The ingredients are widely available. Graham crackers, cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and canned cherry pie filling are standard items in most American supermarkets. (Southern Living)
The dessert is flexible. You can keep it very simple or adjust the sweetness, thickness of the crust, or topping to suit your taste and your region. The recipe also tolerates modest substitutions if you do not want to make an extra trip to the store.
From a practical standpoint, cherry delight is easy to transport. The pan travels well to neighborhood gatherings, family events, or office parties. Once chilled and set, the squares hold their shape and cut cleanly, as long as you use a sharp knife and wipe the blade between cuts. (Southern Living)
Key Tips Before You Make Cherry Delight Dessert at Home
Choose the right pan for cherry delight no bake dessert
This recipe is designed for an 11 x 7 inch baking dish, which yields about 10 generous servings. You can use a similar-sized glass or metal pan.
If you only have an 8 x 8 or 9 x 9 inch pan, the layers will be slightly thicker, and the dessert may take a little longer to chill firm. A 9 x 13 inch pan will give thinner layers and more servings; in that case, consider increasing the crust and filling by about 50 percent to keep the proportions comfortable.
Plan enough chilling time for cherry delight
Even though this is a quick-prep dessert, it needs plenty of refrigeration time.
- The crust should cool completely if you choose the baked option.
- The assembled dessert needs at least 2 hours in the refrigerator to set, and 4 hours or overnight gives the cleanest slices. (Southern Living)
If you are preparing cherry delight for a holiday or weekend gathering, plan to make it earlier in the day or the night before.
Use the right dairy products for the cream cheese layer
For the cream cheese filling to set properly and hold its shape in the pan, use:
- Full-fat brick cream cheese, softened at room temperature. Spreadable cream cheese from a tub is softer and may not set as firmly. (Insanely Good Recipes)
- Heavy whipping cream, not half-and-half. Heavy cream whips to stiff peaks and helps create a light but stable filling.
- Regular sour cream, which adds tang and helps balance the sweetness of the cherry topping.
Allow the cream cheese to soften on the counter for about 30 to 45 minutes before you start. Cold cream cheese tends to form lumps and is harder to beat smooth.
Cherry Delight No Bake Dessert Ingredients (U.S. and Metric)
The following amounts make approximately 10 servings in an 11 x 7 inch pan.
Cherry delight crust, filling, and cherry topping
| Ingredient | U.S. Amount | Metric Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Graham cracker crumbs | 2 cups | 240 g |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) | 85 g |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup | 50 g |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon | 3 g |
| Heavy whipping cream | 1/2 cup | 120 ml |
| Cream cheese, softened | 2 packages (8 oz each) | 454 g total |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup | 120 g |
| Powdered (confectioners’) sugar | 1 cup | 120 g |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | 5 ml |
| Cherry pie filling | 1 can (21 oz) | 595 g |
These measurements are based on standard U.S. cup and spoon volumes and commonly accepted approximate gram conversions for baking ingredients. Minor variations in crumb texture or packing will not significantly affect the outcome. (Southern Living)
Step-by-Step Instructions: How To Make Cherry Delight No Bake Dessert
Step 1: Prepare the graham cracker crust for cherry delight
- Lightly grease an 11 x 7 inch baking dish or line it with parchment or foil, leaving some overhang to help lift the dessert out later.
- In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Pour the melted unsalted butter over the crumb mixture. Stir with a fork or spatula until every crumb looks evenly moistened. The mixture should resemble damp sand and hold together when pressed between your fingers. (Southern Living)
- Transfer the crumb mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Use your hands, the back of a spoon, or the bottom of a small measuring cup to press the crumbs firmly and evenly across the bottom of the pan. Pay attention to the corners and edges so they are not thinner than the center.
At this point, you can choose the no bake option or the lightly baked option.
No bake crust option
- Place the pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
- Allow at least 20 to 30 minutes of chilling so the butter firms up and the crumb layer sets.
This option keeps your kitchen cooler and avoids turning on the oven. The crust will be slightly softer but still hold together as long as it is well packed and chilled thoroughly.
Lightly baked crust option
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (about 180°C). (Southern Living)
- Bake the crust for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges look lightly golden and the crust smells toasty.
- Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack.
- Let the crust cool completely, about 45 minutes, before adding the filling.
Baking the crust gives it a deeper flavor and a firmer texture, which some home cooks prefer, especially in warm climates or crowded refrigerators.
Step 2: Whip the cream for the cherry delight filling
- Pour the heavy whipping cream into a medium mixing bowl.
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the cream on medium-high speed until it reaches stiff peaks. This usually takes about 1 minute. (Southern Living)
- Stop the mixer as soon as the whipped cream holds peaks that stand upright when you lift the beaters. Overbeating can make the cream grainy and eventually turn it into butter.
Set the whipped cream aside while you prepare the cream cheese mixture.
Step 3: Make the smooth cream cheese filling
- Place the softened cream cheese and sour cream in a large mixing bowl.
- Beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps, pausing to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. This should take about 1 minute.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Beat again on medium speed until the mixture looks light and creamy, about 2 minutes. The filling should be thick but not stiff, with a smooth, glossy texture. (Southern Living)
If you notice any small lumps, keep mixing on low and scrape the bowl again until they disappear. Lump-free filling makes cleaner slices and a better mouthfeel.
Step 4: Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture
- Use a rubber spatula to gently fold half of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Work from the bottom of the bowl upward, turning the bowl as you go, until the mixture looks mostly blended.
- Add the remaining whipped cream and repeat the folding motion until no streaks remain. (Southern Living)
Folding, rather than stirring vigorously, keeps the filling light and airy. Avoid overworking the mixture; once it looks even, stop.
Step 5: Assemble the cherry delight no bake dessert
- Make sure the crust is fully cooled if you baked it, or well chilled if you used the no bake option.
- Spoon the cream cheese filling over the crust.
- Spread the filling evenly with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, taking care not to disturb the crumb layer underneath. Aim for a level surface so the cherry topping distributes evenly.
- Open the can of cherry pie filling and gently spoon it over the cream cheese layer.
- Spread the cherries to the edges with a light hand. Try to avoid pressing too hard into the creamy layer beneath. (Southern Living)
Once the pan is assembled, cover it with plastic wrap or a lid.
Step 6: Chill, slice, and serve cherry delight dessert
- Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, preferably 4 hours or longer. The filling needs time to firm up so the squares hold their shape when sliced. (Southern Living)
- When you are ready to serve, remove the pan from the refrigerator.
- If you lined the pan with parchment or foil, lift the entire block out onto a cutting board. If not, you can cut directly in the pan.
- Use a sharp knife to cut into about 10 squares. For cleaner slices, dip the knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts.
- Serve the cherry delight cold, straight from the refrigerator.
No Bake vs Lightly Baked Crust: Which Is Best for Cherry Delight?
Both crust methods work well in American home kitchens; the choice depends on your preference and your schedule.
- The no bake crust sets entirely by chilling. It is convenient in warm months when you do not want the oven on. The texture is softer but still holds together if the crumbs are firmly pressed and well chilled.
- The lightly baked crust has a deeper toasted flavor and a firmer bite. It is a good option when you need the dessert to stand up in warm rooms or on crowded buffet tables.
If you are unsure which way to go, consider your kitchen temperature, refrigerator space, and how long the dessert will sit out at serving time. For long events or outdoor gatherings, the lightly baked crust usually travels better. For weeknight desserts at home, the no bake version is often more than sufficient.
How To Adjust Cherry Delight for Different Pans and Portions
Cherry delight is forgiving when it comes to pan size and serving count, which helps when you are cooking for a range of household sizes.
- For a 9 x 9 inch pan, use the same ingredient amounts. You will get slightly thicker layers and around 9 to 12 smaller squares.
- For a 9 x 13 inch pan, increase the crust and filling amounts by about half. For example:
- 3 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 9 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream and 3 packages of cream cheese if you prefer a taller filling layer
As long as the crust is fully covered and the filling layer is at least about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick, the dessert will cut and serve well.
If you need only a small batch, you can cut the recipe in half and use an 8 x 8 inch pan. Keep an eye on the chill time; smaller, thinner layers may set a little faster.
Flavor and Texture Adjustments for Cherry Delight No Bake Dessert
Cherry delight is easy to adapt while keeping its basic character.
Control the sweetness of cherry delight
- For a slightly less sweet dessert, you can reduce the powdered sugar in the filling to about 3/4 cup.
- If your cherry pie filling tastes very tart, you can leave the filling as is to balance the crust and cream cheese layer. If it tastes fairly sweet, cutting the powdered sugar a bit often works well.
Taste the cream cheese mixture before folding in the whipped cream. Adjusting the powdered sugar at this stage is straightforward.
Add gentle flavor variations
Without changing the overall recipe, you can introduce a few subtle flavor changes that work well in many American kitchens:
- Use almond extract in place of part of the vanilla extract for a cherry-and-almond profile.
- Add a teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a brighter flavor.
- Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon into the crust mixture before adding the butter for a warm, spiced note. (Southern Living)
These small adjustments keep the dessert familiar while making it feel a little tailored to your taste.
Adjust the crust-to-filling ratio
Some home cooks like a thick crust, while others prefer more filling.
- For a prominent crust, increase the graham cracker crumbs to 2 1/2 cups and the butter to about 8 tablespoons (1 stick), keeping the sugar and salt the same.
- For a thinner crust, reduce the crumbs to 1 1/2 cups and the butter to 4 tablespoons.
Whichever ratio you choose, keep the crumbs evenly packed and properly chilled (or baked and cooled) so the base stays stable when sliced.
How To Store Cherry Delight Dessert Safely
Refrigerating cherry delight in American home kitchens
Cherry delight is a refrigerated dessert. After serving, return any leftovers to the refrigerator as soon as practical.
- Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap, foil, or a fitted lid.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Over time, the crust may soften slightly and the layers may settle a bit, but the dessert will still taste good. (Southern Living)
Cherry delight should not sit at room temperature for extended periods, especially in warm weather. As a general guideline, try to limit time out of the refrigerator to about 2 hours total.
Freezing cherry delight for longer storage
If you want to keep cherry delight longer, you can freeze it:
- Chill the dessert thoroughly in the refrigerator first so it firms up.
- Cut into squares if you prefer to freeze individual portions, or leave the pan whole.
- Wrap the pan or individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to about 2 months. (Southern Living)
To serve, transfer the wrapped dessert to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. The texture may soften slightly, but a well-wrapped cherry delight holds up better than many other cream cheese desserts in the freezer.
Food Safety and Handling for Cherry Delight No Bake Dessert
Cherry delight contains dairy products that require proper handling in American home kitchens:
- Keep cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream refrigerated until you are ready to use them.
- Do not leave the assembled dessert at room temperature for long periods, particularly in hot or humid climates.
- If you are transporting cherry delight, use an insulated bag or cooler with ice packs when possible.
If the dessert has been left out at room temperature for several hours in warm weather, it is safer to discard any leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cherry Delight No Bake Dessert
Can you make cherry delight no bake dessert ahead of time?
Yes. Cherry delight is an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can assemble the entire pan, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. In fact, many home cooks prefer the texture and flavor after the dessert has chilled at least 8 hours. The layers set more firmly, and the flavors meld. (Southern Living)
If you want to break up the prep even more, you can prepare the crust and cream cheese filling up to two days in advance. Keep them refrigerated separately, then assemble and top with cherry pie filling on the day you plan to serve.
Can you use whipped topping instead of heavy cream?
Many cherry delight recipes use whipped topping in place of freshly whipped cream. It is shelf-stable in the freezer section and easy to fold into the cream cheese mixture. If you prefer to use whipped topping:
- Replace the 1/2 cup heavy cream with about 1 cup of thawed whipped topping.
- Skip the whipping step and fold the whipped topping directly into the cream cheese mixture. (Amish Heritage)
Freshly whipped heavy cream gives a slightly richer flavor and more delicate texture, but both options can work well in U.S. home kitchens.
Can you make cherry delight dessert without graham crackers?
Yes. While graham crackers are traditional in American cherry delight recipes, you can use other crisp cookies with similar results. Options that usually work include:
- Plain vanilla cookies
- Chocolate wafer cookies
- Gingersnap-style cookies
Crush the cookies to fine crumbs and use them in the same quantity as graham cracker crumbs. If the crumbs taste very sweet, you can reduce the added sugar in the crust slightly. (Southern Living)
Can you change the fruit topping in cherry delight?
The dessert is called “cherry delight” because of the cherry pie topping, but the basic structure works with other canned pie fillings or thick fruit toppings. Common alternatives include blueberry, strawberry, or mixed berry fillings. (Southern Living)
If you change the fruit, keep the same quantity (about 21 ounces) so the layer thickness stays similar. The overall sweetness and tartness will vary slightly depending on the fruit you use.
Why is my cherry delight filling too soft?
A few common issues can cause a soft or runny cream cheese layer:
- The cream cheese was not fully softened and did not blend smoothly.
- The cream was under-whipped or over-whipped.
- The dessert did not chill long enough before slicing.
To correct it next time, make sure the cream cheese reaches room temperature, whip the cream only to stiff peaks, and allow at least 4 hours of chilling before cutting.
Why does my graham cracker crust crumble when sliced?
If the crust breaks apart easily, it may not have been packed tightly enough, or it may not have had enough time to chill and set.
Press the crumbs firmly into the pan, especially in the center, and allow ample chilling time before adding the filling. If you use the baked crust option, make sure it cools completely before spreading on the cream cheese layer, so the melted butter can firm up again.
Is cherry delight no bake dessert suitable for small households?
Yes. Even if you are cooking for one or two people, cherry delight works well as a make-ahead dessert. It keeps in the refrigerator for several days, and the leftovers can be portioned and frozen for later. Cutting the recipe in half and using a smaller pan is also an option if you prefer fewer servings at once.
Bringing Cherry Delight No Bake Dessert Into Your Regular Recipe Rotation
Cherry delight fits seamlessly into many American home cooking routines. It uses familiar ingredients, relies on common kitchen tools, and offers flexibility in preparation. Whether you choose the fully no bake crust or the lightly baked version, you end up with a chilled dessert that feels special without demanding much effort.
Once you are comfortable with the basic method, you can adjust the crust thickness, sweetness level, and subtle flavor accents to match your household’s taste. With a little planning for chilling time, cherry delight becomes a dependable dessert for weeknights, holidays, and any gathering where a cool, creamy, cherry-topped treat is welcome.
