There’s something incredibly special about grandma’s recipes, isn’t there? They hold the magic of our childhood, the warmth of family gatherings, and the simple joy of homemade goodness. One of my all-time favorites is my grandma’s cherry delight dessert recipe. This delightful treat brings back memories of bustling kitchens filled with laughter and the sweet aroma of cherries. I remember making this dessert together with my cousins, each of us taking turns mixing and layering. It’s a dish that not only tastes heavenly but also carries the love and tradition of family. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to share it with your loved ones too!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups of cherry pie filling: Use your favorite brand or homemade for that extra burst of flavor!
- 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs: This will create the delightful crust that holds everything together. You can crush them yourself or buy pre-made crumbs for convenience.
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted: This adds richness and helps bind the crust. Just melt it in the microwave or on the stove—super easy!
- 1 cup of whipped cream: You can use store-bought or whip your own. Either way, it adds a light and airy texture to the dessert.
- 1 cup of cream cheese, softened: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature—this helps it mix smoothly with the other ingredients.
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar: This sweetens the cream cheese layer without any grit. It’s the secret to that smooth, creamy filling!
How to Prepare the grandmas cherry delight dessert recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into creating this cherry delight! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial to ensure your crust bakes perfectly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs and 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter. Stir until the crumbs are well coated and resemble wet sand. Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch baking dish. This is your crust, and you want it to be nice and compact. Bake it in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, just until it’s golden and fragrant. Once it’s done, let it cool while you prepare the filling.
In another bowl, beat 1 cup of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. This is where the magic starts to happen! Now, gently fold in 1 cup of whipped cream to this mixture. Be careful here! You want to keep that light and fluffy texture, so fold gently until just combined.
Now, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over your cooled crust. Take your time with this step—it’s all about that smooth finish. Then, pour 2 cups of cherry pie filling on top, spreading it out evenly. It’s starting to look delicious, isn’t it?
Finally, cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling time is essential; it allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes slicing easier. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly quick to prepare—perfect for those busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
- The delightful combination of creamy filling and sweet cherry topping is simply irresistible.
- Every bite brings a wave of nostalgia, reminding you of cherished family moments.
- No baking skills required, making it accessible for cooks of all levels.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds!).
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings or crust variations!
Tips for Success
To make sure your grandma’s cherry delight dessert turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few tips I swear by! First, when you’re beating the cream cheese, make sure it’s really soft—let it sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing. This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling! Also, when folding in the whipped cream, go gently; you want to keep that airy texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture for an extra layer of flavor. And don’t forget about chilling! The longer you can let it sit in the fridge, the better the flavors meld together. Trust me, patience really pays off here!
Variations of the grandmas cherry delight dessert recipe
If you want to jazz up your grandma’s cherry delight dessert, there are so many fun variations to try! For a fresher twist, consider using fresh cherries instead of pie filling—just pit and slice them up for a burst of natural flavor. You can also add some chopped nuts to the crust for an extra crunch; walnuts or pecans work beautifully! Feeling adventurous? Swap out the cherry pie filling for other flavors like blueberry, peach, or even chocolate! The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your grandma’s cherry delight dessert is super simple! Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container, and it’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it—just slice and serve! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), they’ll be just as delightful the next day. I recommend keeping it cool and fresh until you’re ready to dig in again. Trust me, the flavor only gets better as it sits!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary quite a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose to use. So, while I’m giving you an estimate, it’s always good to check the labels for the most accurate information. Here’s a general breakdown for one slice of grandma’s cherry delight dessert:
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 3g
Enjoy every bite, knowing that it’s not just delicious but also a treat you can share with loved ones!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! Using fresh cherries can elevate your grandma’s cherry delight dessert to a whole new level. Just make sure to pit and slice them before layering them on top of the cream cheese filling.
How long can I store leftovers?
You can store your cherry delight in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just keep it covered tightly to maintain freshness. It’s best enjoyed chilled, so there’s no need to reheat!
Can I make this dessert in advance?
Yes, this dessert is perfect for making a day ahead! Just prepare it, chill it in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to serve when you need it. The flavors actually get better as they sit, so it’s a win-win!
Is there a way to make it gluten-free?
Sure thing! You can use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust. They work just as well and will give you that lovely crunch without the gluten.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you’re looking for an alternative to cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese or a vegan cream cheese. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
Grandmas cherry delight dessert recipe: 5 Reasons to Indulge
- Temps Total: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A delightful cherry dessert recipe from grandma that is easy to make.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups of cherry pie filling
- 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup of whipped cream
- 1 cup of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch baking dish.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Fold in whipped cream gently.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust.
- Pour cherry pie filling on top and spread evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- For a twist, add chopped nuts to the crust.
- Use fresh cherries for a more natural flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking and Chilling
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 18g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 8g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: grandmas cherry delight dessert recipe
