Cherries Emily
Cherries Emily is a delightful layered dessert featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, creamy cheese filling, whipped vanilla cream, and a topping of sweet cherry pie filling. Perfect for gatherings or special occasions, it combines textures and flavors that appeal to those who love fruity, creamy treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted margarine; press into a 1 1/2-quart oblong Pyrex dish.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 15 minutes.
- Cream the cream cheese and milk until smooth.
- Gradually add sugar to the cream cheese mixture and mix well.
- Spread the cheese and sugar mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans over the cream cheese layer.
- Whip the cream with vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the pecans.
- Chill the dessert until set.
- Spread the cherry pie filling on top of the chilled dessert.
- Chill overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. You can also substitute half of the cream cheese with mascarpone for added creaminess. To enhance the flavor, add a splash of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture. Make sure the cream is well-chilled before whipping to achieve the best volume.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cherries Emily chilled for a refreshing dessert experience. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of Creamy Lemon Pie for a citrusy contrast. Garnish with extra chopped pecans or fresh cherries for a lovely presentation. This dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture of the whipped cream and cherry topping, it’s best not to freeze this dessert. If you need to reassemble, you can always whip a little more cream to freshen it up before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherries Emily contains roughly 561 calories, with 6g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries! Simply pit and slice them, then mix with a bit of sugar and cornstarch. Cook them on the stovetop until they thicken, and then spread over the whipped cream layer. This will give your dessert a fresh, homemade flavor.
How can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Cherries Emily can be made a day in advance. Prepare the crust, cream cheese layer, and whipped cream as instructed, then assemble the dessert without the cherry topping. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Just before serving, add the cherry pie filling for a fresh look.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the cream cheese. For a dairy-free alternative, use a vegan cream cheese spread. Keep in mind that these substitutes may alter the flavor slightly, so adjust the sugar to taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).