Classic Cherry Delight : A Delicious Dessert Everyone Will Love!

Name: Classic Cherry Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 7 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 container Cool Whip, 8 ounces; 1 can cherry pie filling, 21 ounces

Posted on January 21, 2026

Trending

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This delicious Classic Cherry Delight comes together in about 15 minutes and is a no-bake treat that’s perfect for warm weather or any occasion! Your family will love this crowd-pleaser, and the best part? You can switch up the flavors or toppings to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” dessert to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Really, it’s that easy and versatile!

Ingredient Breakdown

Before we get started, let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:

7 tablespoons unsalted butter : This adds richness and flavor to the crust.
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 9 whole crackers) : These provide a lovely, buttery base.
3 tablespoons granulated sugar : A touch of sweetness for the crust.
8 ounces cream cheese, softened : For that rich and creamy filling!
1 cup powdered sugar : Because who doesn’t love a little sweetness?
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract : A flavor enhancer you simply cannot skip!
1 container Cool Whip, 8 ounces : This makes the dessert light, fluffy, and easy to mix in.
1 can cherry pie filling, 21 ounces : The showstopper topping that gives this dessert its name!

Ingredient Tips:

Unsalted Butter: If you’re in a pinch, salted butter works too. Just skip adding any extra salt to the crust!
Graham Cracker Crumbs: You can use crushed cookies (like Oreos) for a fun twist!
Cool Whip Substitutes: If you prefer homemade whipped cream, simply whip 1 cup of heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form.

How to Make Classic Cherry Delight

Step 1: Make the Crust (10 minutes)

Melt Butter: In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, melt the 7 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the microwave, usually takes about 30-60 seconds. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t bubble over!
Mix Crust Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Grab a fork and mix them until the crumbs are thoroughly coated. Yum!
Form the Crust: Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure to pack it down nicely, so it forms a solid crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling (5 minutes)

Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes. Then, gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Fold in the Cool Whip: Gently fold in the Cool Whip until there are no streaks. It’s light, fluffy, and utterly irresistible. Take a moment to admire the dreamy texture!

Step 3: Assemble the Delight (5 minutes)

Spread the Filling: Spoon the creamy mixture over the crust, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
Top with Cherry Pie Filling: Finally, pour the cherry pie filling over the cream layer. Spread it evenly so every slice gets a bit of that cherry goodness!

Step 4: Chill Out (At least 2 hours)

Chill in the Refrigerator: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This helps all those layers marry together. You can make it a day ahead for a stress-free dessert!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy : Perfect for Busy Weeknights!

One of the best things about this Classic Cherry Delight is that it comes together in under 30 minutes! With no baking involved, it’s a fantastic solution for those busy weeknight treat cravings or last-minute gatherings!

Minimal Cleanup Required

Honestly, I love how this dessert requires just a couple of bowls and utensils. After you enjoy it, you just have a bit of mixing bowl and maybe a spoon to wash. Minimal cleanup equals happy me!

Customizable

This dessert is endlessly customizable! If cherries aren’t your thing, swap in blueberries, strawberries, or even mixed berries. You could even crush some pineapple to use as a topping instead. The possibilities are just so deliciously endless!

Make-Ahead Friendly

I often make this for family gatherings because it’s a make-ahead winner! Just prepare it the day before, stick it in the fridge, and then you have a delightful dessert ready to go.

Comfort Food : Loaded with Tons of Flavor

Let’s face it, who doesn’t like cream cheese and cherries? This combination is pure comfort food. The creamy filling against the sweet tartness of the cherries creates a flavor that’s loaded with nostalgia and comfort. It reminds me of summers spent with family!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving this Classic Cherry Delight, there’s no right or wrong way! I like to slice it up and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream on top, because why not live your best life? A scoop of vanilla ice cream would be just as fantastic!

Storage

In the Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in the fridge, tightly covered, for up to 5 days. But let’s be real, it might not last that long!
Freezer Friendly: You can freeze this dessert for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving!

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this dessert, served cold is where it’s at! Just take it straight out of the fridge and enjoy!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe for any potluck or family dessert night because it’s quick to prep, and it’s ALWAYS a hit! I’m a real sucker for desserts that bring back that nostalgic kick, and this cherry delight does just that. The best part is, it’s such a breeze to make! Plus, you can use whatever toppings you’ve got lying around, so it’s handy for cleaning out the pantry while still looking like a showstopper!

If you loved this Classic Cherry Delight, be sure to check out my Cherry Crumble Bars, my Chocolate Chip Cloud Cookies, or my Summer Fruit Tart! All of them are quick, easy, and family favorites that’ll hit the sweet spot.

Tips for Success

Perfect for Meal Prep

When you’re prepping for a busy week, making a batch of this dessert ahead of time can save your sanity. Just slice it up and it’s ready for quick snacks or sweet cravings!

Crowd-Pleaser

I can assure you that this dessert will be devoured at any gathering. With how easy it is to make and how incredible it tastes, it’s truly a crowd-pleaser! Plan to leave the leftovers at home or you might find yourself craving another piece!

Don’t Skip the Chilling

I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to let it chill for at least 2 hours, that chilling time is essential for letting the flavors meld together beautifully. Trust me on this!

So there you have it, my delicious, quick, and easy Classic Cherry Delight! Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or craving something sweet on a Tuesday night, this dessert is sure to be a hit. I hope you give it a try and see just how simple and delightful homemade desserts can be. Can’t wait for you to share your thoughts, and happy cooking! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.