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)

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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.
Serving:
- Serve chilled. Cut into squares and enjoy the refreshing contrast between the creamy filling and the tart cherries!

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.