Cherry Refrigerator Dessert
A refreshing cherry dessert with layers of graham crackers, sweet sour cherries, and crunchy nuts, perfect for summer gatherings or casual family treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Empty cherries and their syrup into a saucepan and heat to boiling.
- Mix sugar, cornstarch, and salt together.
- Add the mixture all at once to the boiling cherries and cook, stirring briskly for about 5 minutes, until thickened and clear.
- Remove from heat and add butter.
- Arrange 9 whole graham crackers in an 8 x 8 x 2-inch pan as the bottom layer.
- Spread half of the cherry mixture over the crackers and sprinkle with half of the chopped nuts.
- Place another layer of graham crackers over the cherries.
- Spread the remaining cherry mixture over this layer.
- Crumble the remaining 6 graham crackers over the top and sprinkle with the rest of the nuts.
- Chill for 2 hours or overnight.
- Cut into squares and serve with whipped cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker cherry filling, add a bit more cornstarch, or use a mix of fresh and frozen cherries for a deeper flavor. If you're out of graham crackers, crushed vanilla wafers or even shortbread cookies can be tasty alternatives. To elevate your dessert, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the cherry mixture for a hint of nuttiness that complements the nuts used in the recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Cut the dessert into squares and serve chilled, topped with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a delightful contrast. It pairs beautifully with Lemon Poppy Muffins for a brunch or as a light dessert option alongside Jello-Strawberry Salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of Cucumber Mousse Salad to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dessert can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge or allowed to come to room temperature before serving. If you want to enjoy it later, avoid adding whipped cream until serving to maintain its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Refrigerator Dessert contains roughly 2180 calories, with 2g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 224g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 782mg per serving (34% 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 frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before cooking. This will help maintain the right consistency in your cherry filling.
How long can I keep the dessert in the fridge?
The Cherry Refrigerator Dessert can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it's covered well to prevent it from absorbing odors from other foods.
Is there a way to make this dessert healthier?
To make a healthier version, consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. You can also reduce the amount of sugar used or substitute some of the graham crackers with whole grain options for added fiber.
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).