Florida's Classic Cherry Delight: A Refreshing Dessert Made Easy

Photo byMiss Wulan

In the heart of the Sunshine State, where fresh fruit and decadent desserts reign supreme, one dish that stands out is the irresistible Classic Cherry Delight. This timeless dessert, loved by Floridians and visitors alike, captures the essence of summer in every bite. From family gatherings to festive celebrations, this creamy and rich dessert is a must-have. The combination of a buttery graham cracker crust, velvety cream cheese filling, and sweet-tart cherry topping makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.

The Sweet Taste of Florida Florida is known for its vibrant flavors, and while the state may be famous for its oranges, Floridians have a soft spot for desserts like this Classic Cherry Delight. The crisp graham cracker crust provides a delightful crunch, perfectly balancing the creamy sweetness of the whipped cream and cream cheese filling. The cherry topping adds a burst of flavor that makes each bite memorable. Whether it’s served at a beachside picnic or a family barbecue, this dessert is a refreshing end to any Florida feast.

Recipe: Florida Classic Cherry Delight

Ingredients:

Crust:

• 7 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 9 whole crackers)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 container cool whip, 8 ounces
• 1 can cherry pie filling, 21 ounces

Instructions:

For the Crust:

1. Add the butter to a medium bowl and microwave for about 30 seconds until melted. Stir in the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar, mixing until well combined.
2. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 8 x 8-inch baking dish, ensuring it forms an even layer. Set aside while preparing the filling.

For the Filling:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and free of lumps.
2. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3. Gently fold in the cool whip until the mixture is fully combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust using a spatula.

Final Step:

1. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, carefully spreading it to cover the entire surface.
2. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the dessert to set, although overnight chilling provides the best results.
3. Serve chilled and enjoy the burst of flavors from each layer. Keep any leftovers refrigerated.

This Classic Cherry Delight is perfect for hot Florida days, offering a refreshing and sweet escape. It’s a dessert that’s light, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, which is why it has become a favorite in many Florida homes.

Every spoonful is a bite of indulgence, from the buttery, crumbly base to the creamy, airy filling and the fruity cherry topping. Whether you’re hosting a Florida-style summer gathering or looking for a quick dessert to whip up, this dish brings the charm of the Sunshine State straight to your table.

The Classic Cherry Delight is a beloved dessert that combines simplicity with a burst of flavors and textures, making it a favorite for all occasions. This no-bake dessert features a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake-like filling, and a sweet cherry pie topping, making it as irresistible as it is easy to prepare.

Recipe Overview:

• Crust: Made from graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter, the crust forms a crunchy base that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
• Filling: The cream cheese is beaten with powdered sugar and vanilla, then folded into Cool Whip to create a light, fluffy layer.
• Topping: The cherry pie filling crowns the dessert with its vibrant red hue and sweet-tart flavor, offering a delightful contrast to the rich filling.

Once assembled, the dessert is chilled to allow the layers to firm up, making it easy to slice and serve. It's an ideal treat for potlucks, family gatherings, or any special occasion where a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dessert is needed​(Southern Living)​(Gather in my Kitchen).

For variations, some recipes suggest adding a hint of spice to the crust or using other pie fillings like blueberry or strawberry to suit your taste​(Jennifer Cooks).

This delightful dessert is not only easy to make, but it also stays fresh in the refrigerator for several days, or even longer if frozen in slices, making it a great make-ahead option for busy schedules​(Gather in my Kitchen).