Easy Cherry Delight Dessert: A Classic No-Bake Treat That’s Perfect for Any Occasion

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When you need a dessert that’s guaranteed to be a hit but also incredibly simple to prepare, nothing compares to Easy Cherry Delight Dessert. This vintage, crowd-pleasing recipe has been passed down for generations and continues to be a staple at potlucks, summer barbecues, holiday gatherings, and family celebrations. It’s the kind of dessert that looks impressive yet takes minimal effort — and delivers maximum flavor.

Cherry Delight combines three irresistible layers:

  1. A buttery graham cracker crust
  2. A silky, creamy cheesecake-style filling
  3. A glossy cherry topping

The combination of buttery crunch + creamy sweetness + tart cherry topping creates a nostalgic flavor experience many of us grew up loving. Whether you’ve had this dessert made by your grandmother, tasted it at a picnic, or are discovering it for the first time, this recipe retains all the classic charm while being quicker and easier than ever.

One of the biggest appeals of this dessert is that it’s no-bake, making it ideal for warm weather when you don’t want to heat the kitchen. But it’s equally perfect during the holidays, when ovens are full and you need a reliable “set it and chill it” dessert that serves a crowd.

Let’s dive into everything that makes this Easy Cherry Delight so beloved — from the ingredients and instructions to tips, fun variations, serving suggestions, and more.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cherry Delight

1. No Baking Required

This dessert sets beautifully in the refrigerator — no oven needed.

2. Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert

You can prep it 24 hours in advance, and it actually gets better the longer it chills.

3. Feeds a Crowd

Every pan makes enough for potlucks, family dinners, or celebrations.

4. Ultra-Creamy Filling

Light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet — similar to a no-bake cheesecake.

5. Budget-Friendly

Uses simple, affordable, pantry and fridge staples.

6. Adaptable & Customizable

You can easily swap the topping, crust, or filling flavors.

Ingredients

For the Crust

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 8 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed

For the Topping

  • 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

Instructions

1. Make the crust.
Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into an 8×8 or 9×9-inch dish. Chill while preparing filling.

2. Mix the filling.
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat again. Fold in whipped topping gently until fluffy.

3. Spread the filling.
Smooth cream cheese mixture over the chilled crust.

4. Add cherry topping.
Spoon cherry pie filling evenly over the cream layer.

5. Chill.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight, to fully set.

6. Slice and serve.
Cut into squares and enjoy cold.

Easy Cherry Delight Dessert

A classic no-bake layered dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and sweet cherry topping.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 9 squares
Course: Dessert, No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.33 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
Filling
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 8 oz whipped topping thawed
Topping
  • 21 oz cherry pie filling

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish
  • Hand mixer
  • Rubber spatula

Method
 

  1. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, then press into an 8×8 or 9×9 dish.
  2. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and vanilla.
  3. Fold in whipped topping until fully combined.
  4. Spread filling over the crust.
  5. Top with cherry pie filling and refrigerate at least 4 hours.

Notes

Chill overnight for the cleanest slices. Double the filling layer for extra creaminess.

Tips for the Perfect Cherry Delight

Press the crust firmly.

Use the bottom of a glass to compact the crumbs so the crust doesn’t fall apart.

Use softened cream cheese.

It prevents lumps and creates a smooth filling.

Chill long enough.

Refrigeration helps the layers bond and slice cleanly.

Fold gently.

When adding the whipped topping, folding helps the filling stay light and airy.

Make it thicker.

Double the filling layer for a taller, richer dessert.

Variations

Blueberry Delight

Swap cherry pie filling for blueberry.

Strawberry Delight

Use strawberry pie filling and add fresh slices on top.

Pineapple Delight

Add drained crushed pineapple to the filling and top with whipped cream.

Chocolate Cherry Delight

Add a thin layer of melted chocolate or chocolate chips over the crust.

Lemon Delight

Add 2 tbsp lemon juice to the filling for a bright, tangy twist.

Oreo Crust Version

Use crushed Oreo cookies instead of graham crackers.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled with:

  • Whipped cream
  • Fresh cherries
  • A sprinkle of graham crumbs
  • Shaved white chocolate

Perfect for:

  • Potlucks
  • Summer BBQs
  • Birthday parties
  • Weeknight sweets
  • Valentine’s Day
  • Holiday gatherings

Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions

Refrigerate:

Keeps 3–4 days, covered.

Freezer:

Not recommended once assembled (the topping gets icy).
But the crust + filling freezes beautifully — just add topping fresh.

Make-Ahead:

Make 24 hours ahead for best sliceability.

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