Cherry Cheese Squares
Delightful cherry cheese squares combine creamy pudding, crunchy graham crackers, and sweet cherry topping for a cool, fruity dessert perfect for gatherings or family treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange 9 graham cracker halves in the bottom of an 8 x 8-inch or 7 x 9-inch pan, cutting to fit if needed.
- Beat the cream cheese until very soft. Gradually add 1/2 cup of cold milk, blending until smooth.
- Add the remaining milk and the lemon instant pudding mix. Beat well until combined.
- Fold in the whipped topping, reserving some for garnish.
- Spread half of the pudding mixture over the cracker layer.
- Add another layer of graham crackers, then spread the rest of the pudding mixture on top.
- Chill the assembled dessert for 30 minutes.
- Cut into squares.
- Top with cherry pie filling and garnish with reserved whipped topping.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping. You can substitute the lemon pudding mix with vanilla if you prefer a milder flavor. Additionally, feel free to use any fruit pie filling you like, such as blueberry or strawberry, to switch up the taste profile. This dessert is also great for potlucks or summer gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Cherry Cheese Squares as a delightful dessert after a summer meal or alongside a cup of coffee or tea. They pair beautifully with a fresh fruit salad or can be complemented by a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, consider adding a sprig of mint on top for garnish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the graham crackers from getting soggy, it’s best to add the cherry pie filling just before serving. If you need to reheat, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, but it is best enjoyed chilled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Cheese Squares contains roughly 263 calories, with 6g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (17% of the Daily Value), calcium (14% of the Daily Value), and protein (12% of the Daily Value).
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 make Cherry Cheese Squares ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Cherry Cheese Squares a day in advance. Just follow the recipe instructions and chill them in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Remember to add the cherry pie filling right before serving to maintain the texture of the graham crackers.
Can I use a different type of pudding mix?
Absolutely! While the lemon pudding mix gives a nice tangy flavor, you can substitute it with vanilla or even cheesecake pudding mix for a different taste. Just make sure to adjust the flavor of the pie filling accordingly to create a harmonious dessert.
How do I know when the dessert is set properly?
After chilling, the dessert should feel firm to the touch and hold its shape when cut into squares. If it's still too soft, give it an additional 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator. The pudding mixture should be creamy but not runny for the best texture.
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).