🧾 Ingredients (Serves 8)
Crust / Base:
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1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed digestive biscuits)
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1/4 cup melted butter
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2 tablespoons sugar
Cream layer:
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8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Cherry layer:
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1 can (21 oz / 595 g) cherry pie filling
Optional garnish:
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Chocolate shavings, extra whipped topping, or fresh cherries
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the crust:
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Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl.
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Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking dish.
2. Make the cream layer:
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In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
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Add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
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Fold in the whipped topping gently until fully incorporated.
3. Assemble the dessert:
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Spread the cream mixture evenly over the prepared crust.
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Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream layer, spreading gently.
4. Chill:
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Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours (or overnight) to allow layers to set and flavors to meld.
5. Serve:
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Cut into squares and garnish with additional whipped topping, chocolate shavings, or fresh cherries if desired.
🌟 Tips & Variations
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Crust alternative: Use crushed vanilla wafers or chocolate cookies for a different flavor.
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Fruit variation: Substitute cherry filling with blueberry, strawberry, or mixed berry pie filling.
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Lighter version: Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat whipped topping.
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Layering: For a prettier presentation, use a glass trifle dish to see the layers.
This Classic Cherry Delight is creamy, sweet, and slightly tart from the cherries—a simple but crowd-pleasing dessert that doesn’t require baking.
If you like, I can also give you a quick 5-minute microwave version for last-minute dessert cravings. Do you want me to?
