Cherry Dessert Or Blueberry Dessert
A sweet and creamy dessert featuring fruit filling atop a crunchy graham cracker crust, perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers with cherry or blueberry flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix crushed graham crackers, melted oleo, and sugar together.
- Pat this mixture on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and mix well.
- Fold in Dream Whip until well combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust.
- Top with cherry pie filling or blueberry pie filling.
- Chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using low-fat cream cheese and sugar substitutes. If you can't find Dream Whip, you can whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form as a substitute. Adding a splash of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture enhances flavor. For added crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts over the filling before chilling. This dessert is reminiscent of Rosalie's Millionaire Pie, offering a delightful balance of creaminess and fruit.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dessert chilled for the best flavor and texture. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. Consider serving alongside a light salad or fresh fruit to balance the richness. This dish is perfect for gatherings and can be a crowd-pleaser at summer barbecues, similar to how you might serve Cherry Graham Pie.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so there's no need to reheat it. If the crust becomes soggy over time, you can add a fresh layer of crushed graham crackers on top before serving to revive the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Dessert Or Blueberry Dessert contains roughly 462 calories, with 8g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (23% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 631mg per serving (27% 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 use fresh fruit instead of pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries or blueberries instead of canned pie filling. Simply prepare the fruit by cooking it down with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to thicken, creating a homemade topping that's fresh and delicious. This adds a healthier twist to the dessert while maintaining its flavor.
How long does this dessert need to chill?
For optimal results, chill the dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving. This allows the ingredients to set properly and the flavors to meld together. If you're short on time, aim for a minimum of 2 hours for it to firm up enough to slice.
What can I do if the crust is too crumbly?
If the crust is too crumbly, try adding a bit more melted oleo or a small amount of water to help bind the graham cracker crumbs together. Press the mixture firmly into the pan to create a solid base. If you prefer a firmer crust, you can bake it in the oven for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
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).