Chilled Cherry Delight
This Chilled Cherry Delight is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings or church picnics. Combining the sweetness of maraschino cherries, the tropical essence of crushed pineapple, and refreshing mandarin oranges, this vibrant frozen dessert is as delicious as it is easy to make. Its creamy texture, enhanced by whipped topping and mini marshmallows, makes it a delightful treat for young and old alike. Just remember to plan ahead, as it needs time to thaw before serving, leaving you with no excuse to forget it at home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Maraschino cherries
1 (16 ounce) jar (drained)
Cherry juice
1/4 cup (reserved from drained cherries)
Cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (softened)
Crushed pineapple
1 (20 ounce) can (drained)
Mandarin oranges
1 (11 ounce) can (drained)
Mini marshmallows
2 1/2 cups (none)
Whipped topping
1 (8 ounce) container (none)
Instructions
1
Drain the maraschino cherries and reserve 1/4 cup of the juice; set aside.
2
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and crushed pineapple. Add the reserved cherry juice and blend on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until smooth and creamy.
3
Gently fold in the drained mandarin oranges and cherries, mixing until evenly incorporated.
4
Carefully add the mini marshmallows and whipped topping, folding gently to maintain the light texture.
5
Spread the mixture evenly into a 13x9x2 baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6
Cover the pan with plastic wrap or a lid and freeze for several hours or until set. It can even be made a day ahead of serving.
7
Before serving, allow to thaw at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes for optimal flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Cherry Delight?
Chilled Cherry Delight is a creamy, vibrant frozen fruit dessert that combines maraschino cherries, pineapple, and mandarin oranges with a whipped topping base.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include maraschino cherries, cream cheese, crushed pineapple, mandarin oranges, mini marshmallows, and whipped topping.
How many ingredients are needed?
This recipe requires a total of 7 simple ingredients.
Do I need to save the juice from the cherries?
Yes, you should reserve 1/4 cup of the maraschino cherry juice to blend into the cream cheese mixture.
What type of pineapple should I use?
The recipe calls for one 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple, which should be drained before use.
Should the cream cheese be softened?
Yes, you should use one 8-ounce package of softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
How long do I need to blend the cream cheese and pineapple?
You should blend the softened cream cheese, crushed pineapple, and reserved cherry juice on medium speed for 3-4 minutes.
How do I incorporate the mandarin oranges and cherries?
Gently fold the drained mandarin oranges and cherries into the cream cheese mixture until they are evenly incorporated.
What is the best way to add the whipped topping and marshmallows?
Carefully fold them in gently to maintain the light, airy texture of the dessert.
What size pan is recommended for this dessert?
A 13x9x2-inch baking pan is the ideal size for spreading the mixture evenly.
How long does Chilled Cherry Delight need to freeze?
It should be frozen for several hours or until it is completely set.
Can I make this dessert in advance?
Yes, it can be made a day ahead of serving, making it great for event planning.
Do I need to thaw the dessert before serving?
Yes, allow it to thaw at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes for the best flavor and texture.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Absolutely, it is described as a crowd-pleaser perfect for family gatherings or church picnics.
What is the texture of Chilled Cherry Delight?
The dessert has a creamy and light texture thanks to the combination of cream cheese, whipped topping, and marshmallows.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that requires no baking.
How many cups of mini marshmallows are used?
The recipe requires 2 1/2 cups of mini marshmallows.
Can I use fresh oranges instead of canned?
The recipe specifically calls for an 11-ounce can of mandarin oranges for their specific size and sweetness.
What should I use to cover the pan?
You can cover the baking pan with plastic wrap or a fitted lid before placing it in the freezer.
Is this a summer dessert?
Yes, it is tagged as a summer dessert and a chilled fruit salad, making it perfect for warm weather.
What color is the final dessert?
The addition of cherry juice gives the cream base a vibrant pink hue complemented by bright orange and red fruit pieces.
Should the mandarin oranges be drained?
Yes, both the mandarin oranges and the maraschino cherries must be drained before being added to the mix.
How do I ensure the top is smooth?
Use a spatula to smooth the top of the mixture once it is spread into the baking pan.
Can kids enjoy this treat?
Yes, the sweetness and marshmallow texture make it a favorite for both young and old alike.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a frozen dessert or a dessert salad.
What size container of whipped topping is needed?
You will need one 8-ounce container of whipped topping.
Does the recipe contain any nuts?
The base recipe provided does not contain nuts, though some variations of 'delight' salads occasionally add them.
Is there any cooking involved?
No, this is a 'no-bake' assembly recipe that relies on freezing to set.
How many jars of cherries are needed?
One 16-ounce jar of maraschino cherries is required.
What is the final step before eating?
The final step is allowing a brief 20-30 minute thaw to reach optimal consistency for slicing and eating.