Classic 5-Ingredient Cherry Delight
This classic Cherry Delight recipe is a true vintage potluck dessert that never goes out of style. Sweet, creamy, and wonderfully nostalgic, this no-bake cherry dessert has been a Midwestern favorite for decades showing up at church potlucks, family reunions, holidays, and summer cookouts. With its buttery graham cracker crust, fluffy cream cheese filling, and glossy cherry pie topping, it’s the kind of old-fashioned dessert that disappears fast.
Originally popularized in the 1950s and 1960s, Cherry Delight became a staple when canned pie fillings and whipped toppings made home baking easier. This easy 5-ingredient version keeps all the retro charm while cutting down on prep time. There’s no oven required, minimal cleanup, and just enough chill time to let the layers set perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Delight Dessert:
Only 5 ingredients using pantry staples
No-bake dessert perfect for warm weather or busy days
Make-ahead friendly, ideal for potlucks and holidays
Creamy, sweet, and refreshing, not overly heavy
A timeless vintage dessert recipe that everyone recognizes and loves
Servings: 12
Ingredients:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 16 full sheets, finely crushed)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
1 (8-oz) container whipped topping, thawed
1 (21-oz) can cherry pie filling
Directions:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish or spray with nonstick spray to ensure easy slicing.
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand and holds together when pressed.
Firmly press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan using your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup. Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to help it set.
Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and lump-free. Gently fold in the whipped topping until light and fluffy.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust, fully covering it to keep the layers clean.
Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the cream layer, spreading gently from edge to edge.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours, or overnight for best results. This helps the dessert firm up and slice beautifully.
Cut into neat squares with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts. Serve chilled straight from the pan.
Serving Suggestions:
This cool and creamy cherry dessert pairs perfectly with:
Hot coffee or tea to balance the sweetness
Fresh fruit like berries or melon for brunch spreads
A glass of cold milk for a truly nostalgic finish
Variations & Tips:
Swap graham crackers for vanilla wafers or chocolate graham crackers
Try blueberry, strawberry, or mixed berry pie filling
For a firmer, cheesecake-style center, add an extra 4 oz of cream cheese
Make it a day ahead this dessert actually gets better overnight
