Cherry Dessert
Indulge in a delightful cherry dessert that combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the tartness of cherries. This no-bake treat features a crunchy graham cracker crust, making it a perfect dessert for summer gatherings or family celebrations. It's a refreshing finish to any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix graham crackers and melted butter.
- Put the mixture in a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Mix Dream Whip, cream cheese, and remaining ingredients, except the cherries.
- Pour the mixture on top of the graham cracker crust.
- Smooth evenly and top with cherries; refrigerate.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using crushed vanilla wafers instead of graham crackers. If Dream Whip isn't available, you can substitute it with whipped cream or another non-dairy whipped topping. Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the mixture. For a twist, try adding a splash of almond extract to enhance the cherry flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cherry Dessert chilled, garnished with additional whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture. It pairs beautifully with Chocolate Silk Pie for a delightful dessert spread. Consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or with a cup of coffee for a satisfying finish to a meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cherry Dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crust's texture, keep the cherries separate until serving. If you need to reheat, consider warming individual portions in the microwave for a few seconds, but it's best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Dessert contains roughly 482 calories, with 4g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (13% of the Daily Value) and calcium (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 use fresh cherries instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but make sure to pit and slice them before adding to the dessert. Fresh cherries will provide a more intense flavor and a lovely texture, but you might want to add a bit of sugar to sweeten them, as canned cherries are typically in syrup.
How long does this dessert need to chill?
For the best flavor and texture, let the dessert chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the crust to firm up, making it easier to cut and serve.
Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this dessert gluten-free, substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies. Check that all other ingredients, especially the cream cheese and whipped topping, are labeled gluten-free to ensure the entire dessert meets dietary needs.
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).