Description
Cherry delight brings nostalgia and sweet comfort to classic dessert lovers. Homemade goodness mingles with creamy textures and rich fruity flavors, promising pure indulgence you’ll savor with each delightful spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Layer:
- 3 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Cream Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare the graham cracker crust by thoroughly mixing melted butter with graham cracker crumbs and sugar until the mixture resembles coarse, moist sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan, creating an even, compact layer. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set the crust.
- In a medium saucepan, combine pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the cherry mixture from heat and allow it to cool completely to room temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent skin formation.
- Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese until smooth and creamy, gradually incorporating powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold in sour cream until well combined.
- Carefully fold the whipped cream mixture into the cream cheese mixture, creating a light and airy cream layer.
- Spread the cream layer evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust, ensuring a smooth surface.
- Carefully spoon the cooled cherry mixture over the cream layer, creating an attractive fruit topping.
- Cover the dessert and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and layers to set completely.
- Before serving, slice into squares and garnish with additional fresh cherries or mint leaves if desired.
Notes
- Customize the crust by mixing different cookie types like chocolate or vanilla wafers for unique flavor profiles.
- Experiment with alternative fruit toppings such as blueberries or mixed berries to create seasonal variations.
- Reduce sugar content by using fresh cherries and sugar-free sweeteners for a lighter, diabetic-friendly dessert option.
- Enhance dairy-free adaptability by substituting cream cheese with coconut cream and using plant-based whipping alternatives.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 373
- Sugar: 23 g
- Sodium: 155 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 66 mg