Cherries On Snow Christmas Dessert
Cherries On Snow is a delightful Christmas dessert featuring a creamy, lemon-flavored filling atop a crunchy graham cracker crust, perfect for festive gatherings and sweet tooths.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
- Press mixture into the bottom of an 8-inch spring-form pan.
- Line the sides of the pan with waxed paper.
- Soften unflavored gelatin in cold water.
- Heat milk and stir in the gelatin, heating until the gelatin melts completely.
- Set the gelatin mixture aside to cool before filling the crust.
- Prepare whipped topping according to package instructions.
- Combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon peel until smooth.
- Fold in whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust and chill until set.
- Serve chilled, garnished with fresh cherries or as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and a sugar substitute in place of powdered sugar. If you don't have graham crackers, crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits make a great substitute for the crust. Ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved by heating it gently, and don't skip the chilling time to allow the dessert to set properly.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert pairs beautifully with fresh cherries on top, but you can also use other fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a colorful presentation. For a festive touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It makes a lovely end to a holiday meal or as part of a dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dessert can be made a day in advance for convenience. However, avoid freezing as the texture may change once thawed. To serve, simply remove from the fridge and slice to enjoy cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherries On Snow Christmas Dessert contains roughly 638 calories, with 3g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 57g fat.
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 flavored gelatin instead of unflavored?
Using flavored gelatin will alter the taste and color of the dessert. It's best to stick with unflavored gelatin for the classic taste of Cherries On Snow. If you want a flavor boost, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture instead.
How long does it take for the dessert to set?
Typically, the dessert should chill in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours to set properly. For best results, prepare it the night before serving to allow it ample time to firm up without any rush.
Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
Yes, you can create a dairy-free version by using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and coconut cream in place of whipped topping. Ensure that the gelatin is also plant-based if you're strictly avoiding dairy products.
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).