Mom'S Cherry Delight
A creamy cherry delight with a graham cracker crust, layered with sweet cream cheese mixture and topped with cherry pie filling, perfect for gatherings and dessert lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix crushed graham crackers, powdered sugar, and margarine until well combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch pan to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat together Cool Whip, milk, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the pan.
- Spread cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer.
Tips & Substitutions
For a firmer crust, consider chilling the graham cracker mixture for 30 minutes before pressing it into the pan. If you don’t have margarine, unsalted butter works as a great substitute. To enhance the flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. This dessert can also be customized with different fruit toppings or flavors, similar to Peg's Cherry Cheese Pie.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful dessert is perfect for gatherings and pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream. Serve it alongside a light fruit salad for a refreshing contrast. For an added kick, consider serving it with a slice of Jame's Key Lime Pie for a flavorful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat, use the microwave in short intervals to avoid melting the cream cheese layer too much. This dessert is best enjoyed cold, so chilling it again before serving may enhance its flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Cherry Delight contains roughly 2332 calories, with 3g protein, 530g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is a good source of iron (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 cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries for a more natural taste. Just pit and slice the cherries, then mix them with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to create a sauce-like consistency before spreading them over the cream cheese layer.
How can I make this dessert gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies. Just ensure that all ingredients, including the Cool Whip, are labeled gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish a day ahead. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious when served.
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).