Cherry Delight is a classic crowd-pleaser that’s sweet and simple. It’s made with a buttery graham cracker crust, amazing cream cheese filling, and luscious cherry pie topping. This easy no-bake dessert recipe is perfect for sharing with your loved ones and is a great make-ahead treat for potlucks, holidays and other celebrations!

Slice of cherry delight dessert on a white plate.

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Not only is Cherry Delight a great no-bake dessert for summer, but it’s also a major favorite to bring to potlucks, for serving during the holidays (especially Christmas and Valentine’s Day) and is a family favorite we love to enjoy for really any celebration.

When it’s 90 degrees out, the last thing you want to do is run the oven for an hour to bake a cake or a pie. So you end up sticking to ice cream and fresh fruit – both very tasty, but you can get tired of them after a while.

Cherry Delight (also known as cherry yum yum) is the perfect solution! This layered cherry dessert is completely no-bake with a whipped cheesecake filling spread over a graham cracker crust and topped with cherry pie filling. With its shiny, fruity top, creamy, fluffy filling and perfectly sweet & salty crust, it’ll be a hit with everyone. 

Looking for more delicious no-bake desserts? This recipe was inspired by our popular chocolate delight, blueberry yum yum, strawberry delight and cream cheese pie. They are all must try recipes!

This was so good! I made this for my Bunco party and everyone raved about it. There wasn’t a slice left!

— Dana
A slice of cherry dessert that has been bitten into.

Ingredients needed

This incredibly easy cherry delight recipe is made with just 5 basic ingredients, plus the crust and topping. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

  • Crust. You can buy a pre-made graham cracker crust to save time, but I prefer a homemade graham cracker crust. And it’s actually very simple to make with graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and sugar.
  • Cream cheese. Make sure you use a block of real cream cheese, not cream cheese spread. We like Philadelphia’s cream cheese best. You will want the cream cheese softened to room temperature, so it’s easy to mix with the other ingredients.
  • Cool Whip. You’ll need one 8-ounce container. Do not try to replace the Cool Whip with another whipped topping, such as whipped cream in a can. Cool Whip will yield the BEST results.
  • Confectioners’ sugar. Powdered sugar is used to sweeten the cream cheese filling.
  • Lemon juice. This gives the dessert a tiny amount of tartness, but doesn’t make it overly lemony. It’s a really delicious addition!
  • Vanilla extract. For an extra boost of flavor!
  • Can of cherry pie filling. Any pie filling will actually work for the topping, but cherry is definitely my favorite. See more topping options below.

Variations

I’m pretty fond of cherry delight served with a topping of cherry pie filling, but there are lots of tasty ways to get creative with this treat. Here are a few ideas:

  • Oreo Delight! Try using Oreo cookies for the crust, instead of graham crackers, and then top it with Oreo crumbles and cookies. Sounds amazing! This Oreo addition could be done with or without the cherry pie filling. Follow the measurements and instructions for the Oreo crust recipe from my Oreo Pie.
  • Toppings. Cherry pie filling pairs really well with the tang of the cream cheese layer, but some other toppings that would be delicious are fresh berries, chocolate drizzle, salted caramel drizzle, or any other canned fruit pie filling, such as strawberry, raspberry or blueberry.
  • Double the recipe. Serving a crowd? Doubling the ingredients to make two desserts works well. I would recommend using a very large spoon to fold in the two containers of Cool Whip, when you get to that step in the instructions.

How to make this recipe

Not only is the ingredient list short and sweet, but making this cherry delight is a breeze! Here’s a quick rundown of the simple process:

Mixing graham cracker crumbs with melted butter in a bowl.

Step 1: Make or buy a graham cracker crust (my favorite!). I love a good homemade graham cracker crust and this one is so easy, I recommend just making it yourself. Combine all of the crust ingredients in a large bowl, then press the crumb mixture into a 9×9″ baking dish or 9-inch pie plate. Allow the crust to set in the fridge for about an hour.

Cream cheese mixed with Cool Whip, powdered sugar and lemon juice.

Step 2: Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream cheese until fluffy. Then, use a spatula to stir in the Cool Whip, confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice and vanilla with the cream cheese until smooth.

Spreading cream cheese filling over graham cracker crust.

Step 3: Assemble the dessert. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust.

Cherry pie filling over a cheesecake filling in a pan.

Step 4: Pour the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese mixture and spread in an even layer. Place the dessert in the refrigerator until firm, at least one hour or overnight. The longer it is refrigerated, the better it will set up.

Slice of cherry dessert on a white plate.

Step 5: Slice and serve. Enjoy and try not to eat the whole cherry delight! Easier said than done!

Expert tips

  • Graham crackers. For the crust, you can buy graham cracker crumbs from the grocery store (you’ll find them down the baking aisle), or make your own by pulsing 10 full sheets of graham crackers in your blender or food processor.
  • Cream cheese. Allow the cream cheese to fully soften to room temperature, so it is easy to mix and the filling doesn’t end up lumpy.
  • Cool Whip. Be sure to place the Cool Whip in the refrigerator to thaw completely before mixing, this usually takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. Or leave it out at room temperature for about an hour.
  • Refrigeration time. For best results, be sure to refrigerate the cherry delight for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better. The longer you refrigerate the dish, the sturdier it will be and easier to slice. Do not freeze to set it. It will be difficult to slice and the filling and texture won’t be as smooth.
  • Slicing. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut into slices for serving. For extra neat slices, wipe your knife clean with a paper towel between each cut.

Frequently asked questions

What is cherry delight?

Cherry delight is an amazing dessert with layers of cherries, creamy cheesecake filling, and a crumbly, buttery graham cracker crust. And you can make it without so much as touching your oven. After a good hour or so in the fridge, it comes out cool, creamy, fruity, and so delightful. This dessert makes the perfect end to a summer meal or special occasion treat that you MUST try!

Can you freeze cherry delight?

Yes, this can be frozen and enjoyed later! Once the cream cheese filling has been added over the crust, wrap the dessert in plastic wrap. For the best texture, allow the dessert to set in the refrigerator for about 6 hours before transferring it to the freezer. Before freezing, we recommend wrapping aluminum foil around the plastic wrap for extra freezer protection. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator or on the countertop, add the cherry topping, slice and enjoy!

Can I make this in a 8×8-inch pan?

Yes, this will work in an 8×8-inch dish! It will just be a tad bit thicker. To make it in a 9×13-inch pan, you will need to double the recipe.

Make-ahead options

Because of the necessary refrigeration time, cherry delight is a great make-ahead dessert! You can make it up to 2 days in advance. Cover and refrigerate before adding the topping. You can also make just the crust up to 2 days ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate up to 2 days before adding the cream cheese filling and then the topping.

Storing leftovers

This cherry delight recipe is great leftover! It will keep well, covered, in the refrigerator for up to about 5 days. You can also transfer slices to an airtight container and store in the fridge. I seriously doubt it will last that long, though!

Cherry delight in a pan with slices taken out.

You will not be disappointed by this easy Cherry Delight dessert – it’s so simple and a total crowd pleaser! I also love that it can be made days ahead of time, so on the day of your party all you need to do is slice, serve and enjoy!

More dessert recipes you’ll love

Looking for more dessert recipes? You’ll love these other favs:

If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

Slice of cherry delight dessert on a white plate.
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Cherry Delight

Yield: 9 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Refrigeration time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cherry delight is a classic crowd-pleaser that’s sweet and simple. It’s made with a buttery graham cracker crust, amazing cream cheese filling, and luscious cherry pie topping. This easy no-bake dessert recipe is perfect for sharing with your loved ones and is a great make ahead treat for potlucks, holidays and other celebrations! 
Author: Kim

Ingredients

For the crust

  • 1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs* , (10 full graham cracker sheets)
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup sugar , (I use slightly less than 1/4 cup)

For the filling

  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed
  • 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling , (or other favorite pie filling)

Instructions 

  • Combine all crust ingredients and firmly press with fingers into a 9×9-inch pan or 9-inch pie dish.
  • Using a stand or hand-held electric mixer, whip softened cream cheese until fluffy. Stir in the Cool Whip, confectioners' sugar, lemon juice and vanilla with the cream cheese until smooth.
  • Spread cream cheese mixture over graham cracker crust.
  • Pour cherry pie filling over cream cheese mixture and spread in an even layer. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or overnight. I chill mine overnight for best results. The longer this dessert is refrigerated, the better it will set up.
  • Cut into squares and serve!

Notes

*I typically buy graham cracker crumbs from the grocery store (you’ll find them down the baking aisle). You can make your own by pulsing 10 full sheets of graham crackers in your blender or food processor.
**To save time, you can use an already made store-bought (9-inch) graham cracker crust. You could even try an Oreo crust, which would be delicious.
  • Storing leftovers. This will keep fresh, covered in the refrigerator, for up to about 5 days.
  • Make ahead. This dessert can be made up to 2 days in advance. If making in advance, cover and refrigerate before adding the cherry topping. You can also make just the crust 2 days ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before adding the filling. 
Photos by Molly at Yes to Yolks
Author: Kim
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 370kcal, Carbohydrates: 50g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 50mg, Sodium: 248mg, Potassium: 154mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 23g, Vitamin A: 728IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 71mg, Iron: 1mg

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