Decadent Southern Cherry Delight
This delightful dessert holds a special place in my heart, as it was lovingly crafted by my mother throughout my childhood. After some time without the cherished recipe, we rediscovered it while sifting through treasured memories. Making this dessert brought back waves of nostalgia, and I was thrilled to find that it tasted just as heavenly as I remembered. Featuring a creamy, luscious filling layered over a buttery graham cracker crust and crowned with a sweet cherry topping, this light yet indulgent treat is perfect for any occasion, be it a family gathering or a cozy dinner with friends. Each bite is a delicious reminder of home and happiness.
8
Servings
275
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Graham cracker crumbs
1 1/2 cups (Crushed)
Butter
1/2 cup (Melted)
Dream Whip mix
1 packet (from a 2-packet box) (Unopened)
Cold milk
1/2 cup (Chilled)
Sugar
3/4 cup (Granulated)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Liquid)
Cream cheese
1 (8 ounce) package (Softened)
Cherry pie filling
1 (22 ounce) can (Opened)
Instructions
1
In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well mixed. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish to form the crust. Set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, add the Dream Whip mix and cold milk. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on high speed until it forms stiff peaks.
3
Once stiff, add the sugar, vanilla extract, and softened cream cheese to the whipped mixture. Beat on medium speed until everything is well combined and smooth.
4
Carefully pour half of the cheesecake mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
5
Spoon half of the cherry pie filling on top, spreading it gently to cover the cheesecake layer.
6
Pour the remaining cheesecake mixture over the cherries, smoothing it out evenly.
7
Finally, top with the rest of the cherry pie filling, spreading it evenly over the top.
8
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, allowing the dessert to set before serving.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
3.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Southern Cherry Delight?
Decadent Southern Cherry Delight is a creamy, no-bake layered dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious cheesecake-style filling, and a sweet cherry topping.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, this is a completely no-bake dessert, making it perfect for warm weather or when you want to save oven space.
How long should I refrigerate the dessert before serving?
The dessert needs to be refrigerated for at least 3 hours to allow the layers to set properly.
What size baking dish should I use?
An 8-inch square baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
What are the ingredients for the graham cracker crust?
The crust is made from 1 1/2 cups of crushed graham cracker crumbs and 1/2 cup of melted butter.
How do I prepare the filling for the Cherry Delight?
The filling is prepared by beating Dream Whip mix with cold milk until stiff peaks form, then mixing in sugar, vanilla extract, and softened cream cheese.
How many calories are in one serving of this dessert?
Each serving contains approximately 275 calories.
Can I use a different type of fruit filling?
Yes, while cherry is traditional, you can substitute it with blueberry, strawberry, or raspberry pie filling.
What is the fat content per serving?
One serving contains approximately 15 grams of fat.
Does the cream cheese need to be softened?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure it blends smoothly into the whipped mixture without lumps.
What is Dream Whip?
Dream Whip is a brand of powdered whipped topping mix that is whipped with milk and vanilla.
How much cherry pie filling is required?
The recipe requires one 22-ounce can of cherry pie filling.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 37.5 grams of carbohydrates.
Can I make this dessert in advance?
Yes, it is an excellent make-ahead dessert since it needs several hours to chill and set.
How much protein does this dessert contain?
There are approximately 3.75 grams of protein per serving.
What type of milk should be used for the filling?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of cold milk to properly whip the Dream Whip mix.
How do you layer the Cherry Delight?
The layers consist of the crust at the bottom, followed by half the cheesecake mixture, half the cherry filling, the remaining cheesecake mixture, and finally the rest of the cherry filling.
What kind of sugar is used in the filling?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of granulated sugar.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, with only 8 ingredients and no-bake instructions, it is considered an easy dessert to prepare.
Can I substitute the Dream Whip with whipped cream?
While the recipe specifically uses Dream Whip for its unique texture, you may be able to substitute stabilized whipped cream, though results may vary.
Does the recipe contain eggs?
No, this particular recipe is egg-free.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be covered with plastic wrap or a lid and stored in the refrigerator.
What is the amount of vanilla extract used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Is the crust baked?
No, the graham cracker and butter mixture is simply pressed into the dish and set aside; no baking is required.
What kind of cream cheese should I use?
A standard 8-ounce package of full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
Can I use a pre-made graham cracker crust?
While you can use a pre-made crust, an 8-inch square dish is recommended to accommodate the specific layering process described in the recipe.
How do I get stiff peaks with Dream Whip?
Use an electric mixer on high speed with very cold milk until the mixture is thick enough to hold its shape when the beaters are lifted.
Why is this recipe called 'Southern'?
This type of layered fruit and cream dessert is a traditional staple at Southern potlucks, reunions, and family gatherings.
Can I freeze this dessert?
While it is best served chilled from the refrigerator, you can freeze it for a firmer, semi-frozen treat; however, the texture of the cherry filling may change slightly upon thawing.