Cherry Dream
Cherry Dream is a luscious layered dessert featuring cherry pie filling, creamy cheese, crunchy walnuts, and a graham cracker crust, perfect for special occasions or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt margarine and add to crushed graham crackers mixed with sugar. Mix well.
- Press the cracker mixture into a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Bake at 325°F for 8 to 10 minutes and then remove from oven.
- In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add milk and vanilla to the cream cheese, mixing well.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
- Stir in chopped walnuts.
- Fold in the defrosted whipped topping until well combined.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the baked crust.
- Top with cherry pie filling.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a gluten-free version, substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cookies. If you prefer a richer flavor, try using butter instead of margarine. To save time, you can use store-bought cherry pie filling. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy blending. This dessert is delightful served with a dollop of whipped cream or alongside Hearty Breakfast Pizza.
Serving Suggestions
This Cherry Dream is perfect for summer gatherings or holiday celebrations. Serve it chilled, garnished with additional chopped walnuts or a sprig of mint for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside Brown-Bag S'Mores for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the whipped topping may change. When ready to enjoy, simply serve chilled directly from the refrigerator for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Dream contains roughly 580 calories, with 11g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. It also contributes 10g 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 a different type of fruit filling?
Absolutely! While cherry pie filling is traditional, you can substitute it with other fruit fillings like blueberry, strawberry, or even a mixed berry blend for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the consistency is similar for the best results.
What can I use instead of nondairy whipped topping?
If you're looking for a dairy option, you can use regular whipped cream in place of nondairy whipped topping. Alternatively, homemade whipped cream made from heavy cream can be a delicious substitute, adding a fresh taste to your dessert.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, Cherry Dream can be made a day in advance, making it a great option for parties. Just prepare the dessert as directed, chill it, and it will be ready to serve the next day. This allows the flavors to develop even more!
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).