Very similar to a cheesecake, this old fashioned cherry delight recipe is a simple sweet treat that everyone loves. Great for potlucks, Christmas, even Valentine's day - bring this cherry delight dessert and it will be the star of the dessert table.
This old fashioned dessert recipe was created way back when times were tough and women had to get creative in the kitchen.
Well, times are tough again, and to be honest, even if they weren't, this recipe knocks it out the park.
Jump to:
- What makes this recipe so yummy
- Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
- Cherry Delight Recipe Instructions
- Recipe variations and substitute ideas
- Recipe troubleshooting
- Necessary gear: equipment
- More dessert recipes I think you'll love
- How to store leftovers
- Mel's kitchen notes
- Melanie Cagle
- Old Fashioned Cherry Delight
- 💬 Comments
What makes this recipe so yummy
I think it's the ease in which you can whip this recipe up, paired with flavors and textures. It's also very versatile - in that you can use any pie filling on top. Blueberry, peaches, strawberries, apple pie filling.
You do you cher!
Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.
Cherry Delight Recipe Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Hint: We LOVE the Graham Cracker base of these cheesecake like desserts, so I like to double up and make that layer nice and extra thick! If you don't like that idea, half the ingredients for the base layer.
Recipe variations and substitute ideas
Following is a list of variations and alternate ideas for substitutes that you could play with in this recipe:
- Graham Crackers - instead of the box of crumbs, you can make your own and use a food processor to create the crumbs.
- Cool Whip - instead of the whipped cream.
- Almond Extract - a little could be added along with the vanilla, or instead of.
- Gelatin - can be used instead of the pudding mix, to firm up the filling.
- Cornstarch - can be used instead of the pudding mix, to firm up the filling. I like to use pudding mix though because it tastes better.
Recipe troubleshooting
A place to see any obvious issues that we encountered when testing this recipe for you:
- Soggy Crust - This can happen if you didn't pack the crumbs down nice and tight, or if your cream cheese layer was not firm enough. A solution could be to pre-bake the crust first.
- Lumpy Filling - this usually occurs when the cream cheese has not come to room temperature first. Also, if you don't sift the powdered sugar, this can create lumps too.
- Runny Filling - this is what I use the pudding mix for. To help set up the filling to remain firm. If you skipped this ingredient, it could be the reason.
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Necessary gear: equipment
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You'll need a couple of mixing bowls and a 13x9" baking dish.
If you don't have a stand mixer, just a hand mixer will be fine for mixing the ingredients.
More dessert recipes I think you'll love
How to store leftovers
This easy dessert recipe can be covered with plastic wrap and then stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. The amount of sugar acts as a good preservative and the fridge will help it stay firm too.
Mel's kitchen notes
Make this recipe more special by making your own cherry pie filling. It's actually easier than you think and you'll get even more kudos.
About The Author
Melanie Cagle
Melanie is a professional cook, food photographer and Cajun food connoisseur. Since 2020 she has been sharing rigorously tested recipes and tutorials right here on this blog.
Her work has been featured on Fox News channels, Yahoo news, Southern Living and more.
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Old Fashioned Cherry Delight
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2-½ Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
- ½ Cup Granulated Sugar
- ⅔ Cup Unsalted Butter melted
- 2 (8 Ounce) Blocks Cream Cheese softened
- 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 teaspoons Lemon Juice
- 2 Tablespoons Vanilla Pudding Mix
- 2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
- 2 (21 Ounce) Cans Cherry Pie Filling
Instructions
- Spray a 13x9" Baking Dish with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the Graham Cracker Crumbs, sugar and melted butter and mix well. Press this mixture into the bottom of the pan, using the back of a mixing cup, or your fingers.2-½ Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs, ½ Cup Granulated Sugar, ⅔ Cup Unsalted Butter
- Add the heavy cream to a mixing bowl and beat until stiff peaks form. Set to the side.2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
- Add the cream cheese to the bowl of your stand mixer and using your paddle attachment whip it up a little. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, and pudding mix and mix well until combined and nice and creamy.2 (8 Ounce) Blocks Cream Cheese, 1 Cup Powdered Sugar, 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract, 2 teaspoons Lemon Juice, 2 Tablespoons Vanilla Pudding Mix
- Add the whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture and fold together.
- Spoon on top of the Graham Cracker Crumbs and level out with the back of a spoon, or with a spatula.
- Pour the cherry pie filling on top and spread out evenly.2 (21 Ounce) Cans Cherry Pie Filling
- Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Notes
Nutrition
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