Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cherries in the Snow is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a cool, creamy texture that melts in your mouth. The cherries provide a pop of fruity freshness, while the creamy layer adds richness without being overly heavy. This dessert is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for parties or gatherings. The combination of colors and flavors will impress your guests, and the best part is that it’s incredibly simple to make. Whether you love cherries or just want a beautiful and refreshing dessert, this treat is sure to delight!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crust:
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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 tablespoon vanilla extract
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1 (8 oz) container of whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
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1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries with sugar if desired)
Directions
Making the Crust:
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Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the crumbs are well-coated and the mixture is slightly moist.
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Press into a pan: Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish or serving pan, creating an even layer.
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Bake the crust: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely. You can refrigerate it for faster cooling.
Preparing the Filling:
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Beat the cream cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
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Add powdered sugar and vanilla: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well-combined.
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Fold in the whipped topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping (Cool Whip) until the mixture is light and fluffy. Be careful not to deflate the whipped topping.
Assembling the Dessert:
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Spread the filling: Once the crust has cooled, spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the graham cracker crust, smoothing it out with a spatula.
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Top with cherries: Spoon the cherry pie filling (or fresh sweetened cherries) evenly over the top of the filling. Make sure the cherries are well-distributed.
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Chill the dessert: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight for the best results, to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld together.
Serving:
Serve chilled. Cut into squares and enjoy the delightful contrast between the creamy filling and the tart cherries!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 12-16
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Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
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Cook Time: 10 minutes (for the crust)
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Total Time: 2-3 hours (including chilling)
Variations
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Fresh Cherry Topping: Instead of using canned cherry pie filling, you can use fresh cherries mixed with a little sugar and cornstarch to create your own topping. This gives the dessert a fresher, more natural taste.
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Lemon Zest: Add some lemon zest to the filling for a bright, citrusy note that pairs well with the cherries.
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Mixed Berries: Swap the cherries for mixed berries such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a colorful twist on the classic.
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Chocolate Drizzle: For an added indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate or chocolate syrup over the top of the cherries before serving.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftover dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Freezing: Although the crust may soften, this dessert can be frozen. To freeze, cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! This dessert actually tastes even better after sitting in the refrigerator for a few hours, as the flavors meld together. It’s perfect for making ahead of time.
Can I use a different fruit for the topping?
Absolutely! You can use other fruits like blueberries, strawberries, or mixed berries instead of cherries. You could even use a combination of fruits for a colorful, vibrant dessert.
How do I make the crust without graham crackers?
If you don’t have graham crackers, you can substitute them with vanilla wafer cookies or shortbread cookies for a different flavor and texture. Simply crush the cookies and mix them with butter and sugar as you would with the graham crackers.
Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, you can use fresh whipped cream in place of Cool Whip. Just whip heavy cream with a little sugar until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
To prevent a soggy crust, make sure to bake it first and let it cool completely before adding the filling. You could also brush the crust lightly with melted butter and bake it again for a minute or two for added protection against moisture.
Conclusion
Cherries in the Snow is a refreshing and beautiful dessert that combines the tartness of cherries with a creamy, fluffy filling. The combination of graham cracker crust, creamy filling, and sweet cherry topping makes it a favorite dessert for any occasion. Easy to make and perfect for a crowd, this dessert is sure to impress everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to enjoy with family or one to bring to a party, Cherries in the Snow is a sweet and satisfying treat!
Cherries in the Snow
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2-3 hours
- Yield: 12-16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cherries in the Snow is a delightful dessert that combines a creamy, fluffy filling with a crunchy graham cracker crust and sweet, tangy cherries on top. This easy-to-make treat is as beautiful as it is delicious, perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a refreshing and indulgent dessert.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
-
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
-
¼ cup granulated sugar
-
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
-
8 oz cream cheese, softened
-
1 cup powdered sugar
-
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
-
1 (8 oz) container of whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries with sugar if desired)
Instructions
-
Making the Crust:
-
Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is moist.
-
Press into a pan: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish or serving pan.
-
Bake the crust: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely (refrigerate for faster cooling).
-
-
Preparing the Filling:
-
Beat the cream cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
-
Add powdered sugar and vanilla: Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract until well combined.
-
Fold in the whipped topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping (Cool Whip), being careful not to deflate it.
-
-
Assembling the Dessert:
-
Spread the filling: Once the crust has cooled, spread the cream cheese filling evenly over it.
-
Top with cherries: Spoon the cherry pie filling (or fresh sweetened cherries) over the top, ensuring it is well-distributed.
-
Chill the dessert: Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight for best results, to allow the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set.
-
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Serving:
-
Serve chilled. Cut into squares and enjoy the refreshing contrast between the creamy filling and the tart cherries!
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Notes
Make-Ahead: This dessert is perfect for making ahead, as it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.Storage: Store leftover dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.Variations: Substitute cherries with mixed berries or fresh fruit for a different flavor. For extra richness, drizzle melted chocolate on top before serving.
